Retiree Benefits Information

New EAP Benefit Available to SFD Retirees

Introducing New EAP Benefit from Local 280 for Retirees
HelpPeople EAP now offers assistance to Syracuse Fire Department Retirees and their immediate family members for today’s problems. From face-to-face counseling and consulting sessions to telehealth options, customized referrals, supervisor and wellness training and 24-hour crisis support, HelpPeople has dedicated professional counselors available for you.

  • Open enrollment April 2023.
  • $18.00 per year! No copays! Up to 8 visits! Referrals available.
  • You can deposit it at the Syracuse Fire Department Credit Union in the Local 280 retirement EAP account club 12 or mail your payment to: Syracuse Fire Fighters, P.O. Box 11161, Syracuse, N.Y. 13218.

See the HelpPeople EAP brochure to find out more.

Everyone Needs Help - Crouse HelpPeople Employee Assistance Services

Open Enrollment for Health Insurance If You Are Under 65
Deadline: TBA

Open Enrollment began on Monday, October 17th, 2022 and will end Monday, December 12. Monday, December 12th is the deadline to make changes to your insurance coverage without a qualifying event as well as enrollment or re-enrollment in flexible spending accounts, and AFLAC’s Cancer insurance.

The forms needed to make changes to your health/dental coverage or enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) should be in your city email.

For any questions on AFLAC’s Cancer Insurance, contact Matt Newman at mnewman@lmfs.net or 800-935-8376. AFLAC’s Cancer Insurance can be a payroll deduction, making the transaction an easy process.

All change forms, documentation, and questions can be sent to: healthinsurance@syr.gov or stop by City Hall Rm 312 and we will be glad to help.

***Important Medicare Information***

Those retirees that are just qualifying for Medicare must be covered under part A and part B. If you are not covered by Part A and Part B you will lose your health coverage from the City of Syracuse.

When members turn 65, they receive Medicare. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail approximately 90 days before your 65 birthday. Send a copy of your card to city hall health insurance so they can sign you up for the Medicare Advantage plan. Contact the City of Syracuse at 315-448-8790 for more information.

Spousal Death Benefits

Many of the questions that we receive regarding retiree benefits occur after the death of a retired firefighter. To make the benefit process easier during this difficult time, we would like to provide the following information. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at 315-446-3415 or click here to send an e-mail to Fred Cholet, President of the Syracuse Retired Fire Fighters Association.

In the case of the death of a retired Syracuse fire fighter, please notify the following entities. Note that a copy of the original death certificate must accompany notification.

  • Step One: Contact the NYS Police & Fire Retiree System

    Contact the NYSPFRS at the address below. Please note that an official death certificate must accompany this notification.

    New York State Police & Fire Retiree System
    110 State St.
    Albany, NY 12244
    Attn: Survivor Services

    Your original death certificate will be returned to you in approximately 4 weeks.

    In the cover letter sent with the original death certificate, please include your spouse’s name, New York State Retirement ID Number, and the name/address to which to return the death certificate.

  • Step Two: Notify the Social Security Administration

    Contact the Social Security Administration by calling 800-772-1213.

    Note: Please check with the funeral home to determine whether they will be notifying the Social Security Administration directly.

    You will also need to contact the Social Security Administration to apply for spousal benefits. You will need a raised seal marriage certificate which they will return to you.

  • Step Three: Contact Roxane Bowering

    Call to schedule an appointment regarding your insurance benefits with Roxane Bowering at the Syracuse Fire Department Federal Credit Union located at 211 Wilkinson Street in Syracuse. Roxane can be reached at 315-471-4621.

  • Step Four: Contact City Hall

    Contact Christina Lewis, City of Syracuse, at 315-448-8790. Please send all emails to both clewis@syr.gov and healthinsurance@syr.gov. Syracuse City Hall is located at 233 East Washington Street, Room 312.

    In the case of the death of a Syracuse retired firefighter, a spouse will pay directly to the City of Syracuse $88.00 per month to receive the same coverage as before. The spouse will be notified one time and then it is their responsibility to pay each month.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: It is very important that the payment be made on time each and every month by the surviving spouse. The City of Syracuse does not send out a billing notice and the insurance could be lost if the payment is not made.