News
Fraud Alert: Dating Documents in 2020
For this year, 2020, it is especially important to use the full year when writing dates to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
Abbreviating to the last two digits of the year can create a fraud opportunity, as the date could easily be changed by adding numbers to the end.
For example: 1/9/20 could become post-dated to 1/9/2019 or dated to be in the future to 1/9/2021.
Protect your information and write out the full year of 2020 on checks, forms, and other documentation.
The 5 Ws & H of GSRA
Who:
An inspired group of long-time state employees gathered to form an advocacy group for those who dedicate their careers to state employment.
This group formed the Georgia State Retirees Association (GSRA) as an advocacy organization created by retired state employees for the benefit of state retirees. GSRA’s goal is to promote the education and welfare of Georgia State government retirees relative to their retirement and health care benefits.
What:
Is Your Beneficiary Information Current?
As a member of one of ERSGA’s retirement plans, you’ve already taken an important first step in securing your financial security in retirement. But what about the financial security of your loved ones? Keeping your beneficiary information current ensures benefits from the retirement plans are paid in accordance with your wishes in the event of your death.
Beneficiary Information for Retirees
Keeping your beneficiary information current ensures benefits from the retirement system are paid in accordance with your wishes in the event of your death.
If you are not sure who you elected as your beneficiary(ies), you can view your selection online using the Log In button at the top of any page on our website, or by contacting us. It is important that we have your most current beneficiary information on file.
Alert: Phishing Attempts
Attempts to gain access to ERSGA Active and Retiree Accounts
The Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA) has become aware that retirement systems along with their members, retirees and beneficiaries are being targeted with phishing emails attempting to gain access to their login credentials. DO NOT DO THIS!
Jim Potvin Elected President of NASRA
August 2019
The National Association of State
Retirement Administrators (NASRA) has elected Jim Potvin,
Executive Director of the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia
(ERSGA), as the new President for 2019-2020. Mr. Potvin joined
ERSGA in February, 2009 as the Deputy Director, after 15 years in
private industry working in retirement plan administration and
consulting. He was appointed as the Executive Director in
February, 2012.
Post-Retirement Benefit Adjustment
February 2020 Payment
During the Annual Board meetings on April 18, 2019, the Boards of Trustees for the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), the Legislative Retirement System (LRS), and the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) considered whether to grant post-retirement benefit adjustments to retirees and beneficiaries in fiscal year 2020. Actions taken by the Boards for February 2020 are as follows:
ERS
Post-Retirement Benefit Adjustments
Benefit Payment Information - January 2020
During the Annual Board meetings on April 18, 2019, the Boards of Trustees for the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) considered whether to grant post-retirement benefit adjustments to retirees and beneficiaries in fiscal year 2020. Action taken by the PSERS Board for January 2020 are as follows:
ERS Personal Benefit Statements
February 27, 2019
Personal Statements of Retirement Benefits
Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA) mailed
annual Personal Statement of Retirement Benefits to ERS members
on February 27, 2019.
This integrated statement combines ERSGA pension benefits
and Peach State Reserves (PSR) (if applicable) balances to
provide an overview estimate of where members currently stand in
achieving their retirement goals. In addition, if members
have a PSR balance, their Social Security estimate will be
factored into the summary.
Notice: Print Changes to 1099-R Forms
January 28, 2019
ERS recently changed the forms for 1099-R documents.
Instead of a pre-printed, perforated form, you will receive your 2018 1099 forms on plain paper, enclosed in an envelope.
You can also download a copy of your 1099 form by logging into your account using the Log In button at the top of this page.
Tips for a Secure Internet Connection
Secure Connections
Cybercrime is everywhere and more than half of our personal devices have been exposed to a virus or malware. About a third of us have had a password compromised. Every day, millions of people access financial accounts, tax filing programs, health insurance plans, and other personal and sensitive information over the internet.
How do you keep your information, and yourself, safe? The easiest and most important step you can take is to make sure you’re on a secure internet connection.
Retiree Dental Refund Checks
January 2019
Retiree Dental Refund Checks
Communications via email and US Mail were sent to 150 State of Georgia retirees regarding a premium refund check they received last September requesting that the outstanding checks be cashed immediately.
If you have any questions about your CIGNA Dental HMO deduction refund, please send an email to hra.flexbenefits@doas.ga.gov or call GaBreeze at 1-877-342-7339.
Retirement Online for ERS Plans
Now Available!
Retiring with an ERS pension plan has just gotten easier with the launch of ERSGA’s Retirement Online on ers.ga.gov.
Retirement Online allows most ERS Plan Members (New Plan and GSEPS) who are applying for a Service Retirement to do so easily and conveniently through the ERSGA secure website.
Important Information for Your 2019 Tax Filing
All Retirees will receive a 1099 or W-2 income tax statement.
Retirees – Changes in Federal Withholding Tables
Effective January 2020
The IRS has issued new federal withholding tables. If you notice a change in the net amount of your January pension benefit, this may be due to the new withholding rates. To see details of your pension payments, log in to your ERSGA account using the Log In button at the top of any page, then select View Payment Information, and View Payment History.
7 Tips for Strong and Secure Passwords
Keeping your data – and yourself – safe online is more important than ever. One of the easiest ways you can do this is by setting strong and secure passwords for your online accounts.
Here are some tips for making strong, secure passwords:
Post-Retirement Benefit Adjustments
February 2019 Payment
During the Annual Board meetings on April 19, 2018, the Boards of Trustees for the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), the Legislative Retirement System (LRS), and the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) considered whether to grant post-retirement benefit adjustments to retirees and beneficiaries in fiscal year 2019. Actions taken by the Boards for February 2019 are as follows:
2020 Health and Dental Rates
Beginning this month, 2020 health and dental rates may have an impact on your monthly benefit amount.
2020 health and dental insurance rates will go into effect December 31, 2019 for your January 2020 coverage. The new health and dental deductions will affect your December 2019 net benefit amount.
Payment summary statements and a breakdown of your net monthly benefit can be viewed or downloaded by signing into your account using the Log In button at the top of the page.