Retirement For State Student Assistants

The University at Buffalo is proud to offer an excellent retirement plan option as a part of your benefits package. Human Resources is here to answer any questions you may have regarding the plan but cannot provide financial advisement nor make recommendations.

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.

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.

Retirement plan enrollments must be completed through the SUNY Retirement@Work website.

1. Go to SUNY Retirement@Work and set up your account.
2. Make your plan election for ERS. Your enrollment request will be sent to Human Resources for approval.
3. Complete the ERS Membership Registration RS 5420 Form. Please note that you will receive an email about completing the form from Retirement@Work as well.
   
4. Submit the membership registration form to Human Resources in 120 Crofts Hall, North Campus.  

Become familiar with your retirement account and manage it personally.