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New York State and Local Retirement System

Automated Phone Service

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Call toll-free 1-866-805-0990 or 518-474-7736 in the Albany, New York area, then press the main menu number for the information you are seeking.

You can access information on our automated information line 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the past few years, we have added numerous services to make it easier for you to find general information relating to the Retirement System and your own personal records.

To access some of the self-service menus, you will be asked to enter your Social Security number and date of birth. This is so we can verify you are a retiree or beneficiary and are able to secure the services you are requesting on our automated information line. If you want forms mailed to your home address, we will ask you to verify your zip code. If your zip code is inaccurate or you have moved, you can talk to a Customer Service Representative during regular business hours and update your address.

The numbers below correspond to the numbers you need to press on your phone for information.

#2 Retiree/Beneficiary Services (Main Menu)

  1. Health Insurance — Get general information on who to contact regarding health insurance
  2. COLA Eligibility — Receive information about cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)
    1. Information About Your Account — If you are not yet receiving COLA payments, learn when you will become eligible and how much it will be. If you already receive COLA payments, hear your current COLA amount.
    2. General Information About COLA — Learn what the current COLA rate is and what the eligibility requirements are.
  3. Lost, Stolen or Late Check — Go to this menu if you have not received your check. You can receive general information as well as stop payment on a check if you believe it is lost or stolen.
  4. Direct Deposit Program
    1. General Information about Direct Deposit — Learn the advantages of using this service.
    2. Enroll or Revise Direct Deposit — Have an enrollment application mailed directly to your home to sign up for Direct Deposit or to change your existing account information.
    3. Assistance with Problems with Current Direct Deposit Enrollment — Speak with a Customer Service Representative during regular business hours.
  5. New Beneficiary Services — Order a form to change your beneficiary designation. You can also connect to a Customer Service Representative during regular business hours.
  6. Other Services
    1. Change of Address — If you move, please let us know as soon as possible. This will connect you to a Customer Service Representative during regular business hours so we can update our records.
    2. Additional Questions — If you have any questions or concerns, this will connect you to a Customer Service Representative during regular business hours.

#3 Report a Death (Main Menu) — This will connect you to our Call Center immediately during regular business hours so the information can be reported.

#4 Tax-Related Services (Main Menu)

  1. General Information
    1. Information About the W4-P form — Learn why this form is so important and when you need to file it.
    2. Information About 25 Exemptions — Don’t panic if we have you listed with 25 dependents. Listen to this message to learn why.
    3. Explanation About the 1099R form and Codes — Gives detailed explanation about the codes that appear on the 1099R form.
  2. Information about your Current Federal Withholding Status and a Federal Tax Calculator — Provides information about your current withholding status as well as access to a tax calculator to help you determine how much will be withheld from your pension using a different status and/or number of exemptions.
  3. Request a Form — You can request and receive the following forms via mail:
    1. W-4P — To tell us how much you want withheld from your pension
    2. 1099R — If you need a reprint sent to you

#6 Other Services (Main Menu)

  1. Fax Back Forms Request — If you don’t want to wait to receive a form in the mail, you can have it faxed to you.
  2. Retiree Forms — There are several forms available for retirees.
    1. Receive a List of Forms Available for Retirees — This will give you a complete list of all our available forms.
    2. W-4P Form Adobe pdf — Tells us how much to withhold from your pension for Federal tax purposes.
    3. Change of Option Beneficiary Form — You must file this form to change your option beneficiary.
    4. Death Benefit Beneficiary Form — File this form to change your death benefit beneficiary.
    5. Direct Deposit Enrollment Application (RS6370L-3) Adobe pdf — Send this form back to us to enroll in the Direct Deposit program and have your pension directly deposited in your bank account.
  3. All Other Services — Connects you to a Customer Service Representative during regular business hours.