Building partnerships through collaboration.
UUP Benefits
These are your benefits negotiated by NY State and your bargaining unit, UUP (United University Professions) if:
- Your affiliation is with the state AND
- Your negotiating unit is UUP or 08
Not Your Union?
Return to My Benefits.
Retirement
It's Not Too Early To Start Planning
Learn about:
• The retirement process
• Your retirement benefits
> Register For a Retirement Planning Session
> Read About Planning My State Retirement
Retirement Plan Options
The University at Buffalo is proud to offer excellent retirement plan options as a part of your benefits package. Human Resources is here to answer any questions you may have regarding the plans but cannot provide financial advisement nor recommend plan options. Your decision should be made carefully as once your election is received, it is irrevocable.
Eligibility
All state funded employees are eligible to enroll in ERS.
About the Plan
ERS is a defined benefit plan that provides a fixed, lifetime monthly income at retirement. Your benefit amount is calcuated based on age, years of service and final average salary.
Vesting is the service period required to become eligible for a benefit at retirement. ERS requires a 10-year full time service credit vesting period.
You will contribute to the pension for the duration of employment based on your salary.
| Annual Salary | Employee Contribution |
|---|---|
| $45,000.00 or less | 3.00% |
| $45,000.01 - $55,000.00 | 3.50% |
| $55,000.01 - $75,000.00 | 4.50% |
| $75,000.01 - $100,000.00 | 5.75% |
| $100,000.01 or more | 6.00% |
Eligibility
TRS is only available to state funded employees appointed to a faculty title working in a full or part time capacity.
About the Plan
TRS is a defined benefit plan that provides a fixed, lifetime monthly income at retirement. Your benefit amount is calcuated based on age, years of service and final average salary.
Vesting is the service period required to become eligible for a benefit at retirement. TRS requires a 10-year full time service credit vesting period.
You will contribute to the pension for the duration of employment based on your salary.
| Annual Salary | Employee Contribution |
|---|---|
| $45,000.00 or less | 3.00% |
| $45,000.01 - $55,000.00 | 3.50% |
| $55,000.01 - $75,000.00 | 4.50% |
| $75,000.01 - $100,000.00 | 5.75% |
| $100,000.01 or more | 6.00% |
Eligibility
The ORP is only available to state funded employees appointed to a faculty or professional title in a full time, geographic full time (GFT) or part time term position. Part time temporary employees are not eligible.
About the Plan
The ORP is a defined contribution plan that is based on the amounts contributed by the employer and employee and the success of the investments.
Vesting is the service period required to become eligible for a benefit at retirement. The ORP requires a 366-day service credit vesting period.
You will contribute to the pension for the duration of employment based on your salary. The state contributes 8% for the first seven years of enrollment, 10% for all years thereafter.
| Annual Salary | Employee Contribution |
|---|---|
| $45,000.00 or less | 3.00% |
| $45,000.01 - $55,000.00 | 3.50% |
| $55,000.01 - $75,000.00 | 4.50% |
| $75,000.01 - $100,000.00 | 5.75% |
| $100,000.01 or more | 6.00% |
How to Enroll
Choose one plan to enroll in. Review your options carefully. Once enrolled, you cannot change your election unless you become newly eligible for another plan. If you do, Human Resources will notify you.
Full time employees must enroll in a plan no later than 30 days from their appointment begin date. Enrolling past this deadline may affect retirement benefits. Part time employees can enroll at any time.
Enrollment Steps
Retirement plan enrollments must be completed through the SUNY Retirement@Work website.
- Go to SUNY Retirement@Work and set up your account.
- Make your plan election. Your enrollment request will be sent to Human Resources for approval.
- You will receive a follow up email with additional forms to be completed if you have chosen to enroll in ERS or TRS. These forms can be found listed below with video tutorials.
- Complete the ERS Membership Registration RS 5420 Form.
- Submit to Human Resources in 120 Crofts Hall, North Campus.
- Complete the TRS Application for Membership NET-2 Form and have it notarized.
- Submit to Human Resources in 120 Crofts Hall, North Campus.
Need Help?
For assistance with Retirement@Work, contact the helpline at 866-271-0960, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 10 pm (ET), and Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm (ET).
Contact the Benefits Team
The State Benefit Services Team is available to answer your questions. Use our contact information below to access all team members for the fastest response.
Department Leadership
Contact our department leaders for additional assistance.
![Lissa Jasinowski.]()
Lissa Jasinowski
Assistant Director
Benefits and Work Life Balance
Phone: (716) 645-4488
Email: lmt22@buffalo.edu
Manage My Retirement Plan
Become familiar with your retirement account and manage it personally.
Managing My Retirement Online
Retirement Online is a secure area where you can access and manage your personal retirement information.
Review Plan Benefits By My Tier Number
Applying For Prior Service Credit
Understanding My TRS Plan
Applying for Prior Service Credit
Applying for a Loan
Account Management
Updating Investment Providers
ORP enrollees can choose to have their contributions distributed among more than one SUNY-approved investment provider.
Need Help With Retirement@Work?
Changes must be submitted through the SUNY Retirement@Work System. For assistance, contact:
Customer Service
866-271-0960
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ET)
Change My Contributions
You cannot change your contributions per plan rules.
If you are interested in additional retirement savings, you can establish a separate voluntary retirement savings plan.
Apply for a Loan or Hardship Withdrawal
Voluntary Retirement Savings
In addition to your retirement plan, you have the opportunity to save extra money for retirement through voluntary retirement plan options. You can establish your voluntary plan at any time and can change your contributions to adjust your needs. There are no employer contributions for voluntary retirement plans.
Plan Options
The University offers the option to enroll in a voluntary 403(b) account and the 457(b) NYS Deferred Compensation Plan.
403(b) Contributions
If you are already contributing to a 403(b) or 401(k) with another employer, the annual limit is applied to all plans combined. 457(b) plans have a separate limit.
Enrollment and Account Management
You may choose to enroll in one or both plan options available. Making contributions to one plan does not affect the other plan.
How to Enroll
All enrollments must be completed online through the SUNY Retirement@Work website.
- Go to SUNY Retirement@Work to set up your account.
- Follow the steps to enroll and elect your bi-weekly deduction.
- Indicate which SUNY Approved Retirement Vendor(s) you would like your contributions to go to.
For assistance with Retirement@Work, contact the helpline at 844-567-9090.
How to Manage Your Account
Meet With a Financial Advisor
Contribution Considerations
When determining your deduction, keep in mind that they must be elected as a bi-weekly flat dollar amount. If the amount indicated is higher than what can be taken from your pay, no deduction will be taken at all. Employees must monitor their deductions and take action to adjust them as necessary. If you need help in determining your contribution, contact an investment advisor.
How to Enroll
You will need the following information:
- Employer Name: OSC
- Department/Division: 28030
How to Manage Your Account
Contact for Questions or Meet With a Financial Advisor
Contact the Benefits Team
The State Benefit Services Team is available to answer your questions. Use our contact information below to access all team members for the fastest response.
Department Leadership
Contact our department leaders for additional assistance.
![Lissa Jasinowski.]()
Lissa Jasinowski
Assistant Director
Benefits and Work Life Balance
Phone: (716) 645-4488
Email: lmt22@buffalo.edu