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Retirement For State Student Assistants
Retirement Plan Option
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.
Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Tier VI
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% |
How to Enroll
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 for ERS. Your enrollment request will be sent to Human Resources for approval.
- 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.
- Submit the membership registration form to Human Resources in Townsend Hall, South 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
