PEF membership gives you access to discounts and services through your union contract, not through AARP

PEF (Public Employees Federation) is a union for public sector workers in New York State. If you are a PEF member, your benefits come from your union membership and your employer contract, not from AARP. The two are separate — AARP membership is optional and costs money, while PEF membership is tied to your job.

PEF members receive health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, and access to union-negotiated discounts on things like cell phone plans, travel, and insurance products. The exact benefits depend on your job title, your employer agency, and your union contract. Some benefits are automatic; others require you to enroll or set up them through your employer's benefits portal.

This guide covers the main categories of PEF member benefits, how to find what you are may have access to to, and how to access them. It does not cover AARP membership or AARP-specific discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • PEF members receive health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off as part of their union contract with their employer agency.
  • Discounts on phones, travel, insurance, and other services are negotiated by PEF and available to members at no extra cost beyond membership.
  • Your employer's human resources or benefits office is the first place to confirm which benefits you are may have access to to and how to enroll.
  • PEF membership benefits are separate from AARP membership, which is optional and requires a separate payment.
  • Many PEF benefits require you to take action — enrolling in health plans, setting up retirement contributions, or registering for discount programs — rather than being automatic.

Health insurance and medical coverage

PEF members typically receive health insurance through their employer agency, with the union negotiating the plan options and the employer's contribution toward premiums. The specific plans available, the cost to you, and what is covered depend on your agency and your contract. Most PEF members can choose between several health plans — often including a traditional PPO, an HMO, and sometimes a high-deductible plan paired with a health savings account.

You enroll in a health plan during your agency's open enrollment period, which usually happens once a year in the fall. If you are a new employee, you typically have 30 days from your hire date to enroll. If you do not enroll during open enrollment and you have no may have access to life event (marriage, birth, loss of coverage), you may not be able to change plans until the next open enrollment period.

To find out which plans your agency offers and when open enrollment is, contact your employer's human resources or benefits department directly. They can also tell you whether dental and vision coverage are included or available as add-ons, and what your out-of-pocket costs will be for each plan option.

Retirement savings and pension contributions

PEF members who work for New York State or a participating public employer are covered by the New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) or the New York State Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), depending on their job. These are defined-benefit pension plans, meaning your retirement income is calculated based on your salary, years of service, and a formula set by the state — not based on how much you or your employer contributed.

You contribute a percentage of your salary to the pension system automatically through payroll deduction. The percentage varies depending on when you were hired and which tier of the system you are in. Your employer also makes contributions on your behalf. You become vested (meaning you have a right to a pension) after a certain number of years of service, which varies by tier but is typically 10 years or less.

Some PEF members also have access to a 403(b) supplemental retirement savings plan, which works like a 401(k) in the private sector. This is optional and allows you to save additional money for retirement on a pre-tax basis. If your agency offers a 403(b) plan, enrollment information is usually available through your benefits office or your agency's intranet.

Paid leave and time off

PEF contracts typically include paid vacation days, sick leave, and sometimes personal days or floating holidays. The number of days you receive depends on your job classification, your years of service, and your specific contract. Most PEF members accrue leave over time — for example, you might earn one vacation day per month during your first five years, then more after that.

Your agency's human resources office maintains records of your leave balance and can tell you how much vacation and sick time you have available. Many agencies allow you to carry over unused vacation days to the next year, though there is often a cap on how many days you can accumulate. Sick leave policies vary — some agencies allow you to carry over unlimited sick days, while others cap the amount.

If you are unsure how your leave accrual works or how much time you have available, ask your supervisor or your agency's leave management office. They can also explain whether you can use leave in smaller increments (like half days) or whether you must use it in full-day blocks.

Union-negotiated discounts and services

PEF negotiates discounts with third-party vendors on behalf of its members. These typically include discounts on cell phone plans (through carriers like Verizon or AT&T), car rentals, hotel stays, insurance products, and sometimes gym memberships or entertainment. The discounts are usually available to you straightforward by showing your PEF membership card or providing your membership number when you make a purchase.

A full list of current discounts is available on the PEF website or through your union representative. Discounts change periodically as PEF negotiates new agreements, so it is worth checking the list every year to see what is new. Some discounts require you to register or sign up before you can use them; others are automatic.

To use a discount, you typically need to show proof of PEF membership — usually your membership card. If you do not have a card or have lost it, contact PEF directly or ask your union representative how to get a replacement or digital proof of membership.

Professional development and training

Some PEF contracts include tuition reimbursement or professional development funds that allow members to take courses, earn certifications, or pursue degrees related to their work. The amount available, what types of education are covered, and how to request reimbursement depend on your specific contract and your agency.

If your agency offers tuition reimbursement, the process usually involves getting pre-approval from your supervisor or your agency's training office before you enroll in a course, then submitting receipts and proof of completion to request reimbursement. Some agencies reimburse 100 percent of the cost; others cover a percentage or have a cap on the amount per year.

Ask your human resources office or your union representative whether tuition reimbursement is available to you, what the limits are, and what the approval process looks like. If it is available, starting the approval process early — before you enroll — can prevent delays or denials later.

How to find out what benefits you are may have access to to

The most direct way to learn what PEF benefits you have is to contact your employer's human resources or benefits department. They can tell you which benefits are part of your contract, what you are enrolled in automatically, and what requires you to take action. They can also provide enrollment forms, plan documents, and contact information for specific benefit programs.

You can also contact PEF directly through your union representative or the PEF main office. PEF maintains a website with information about member benefits, and your union representative can answer questions about specific discounts or services. If you are a new member, your union representative should have given you an orientation packet that lists the main benefits; if not, ask for one.

Keep in mind that benefits vary by agency and by contract, so what one PEF member receives may be different from what another receives. Always confirm your specific benefits with your own employer rather than assuming they are the same as a coworker's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra to use PEF member discounts?

No. Discounts are negotiated as part of your union membership and are included in your membership. You may need to show your membership card or provide your membership number to receive the discount, but there is no additional fee or enrollment cost for most discounts.

What happens to my health insurance if I leave my job?

When you leave your job, your employer-sponsored health insurance typically ends. However, you may be able to continue coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) for up to 18 months by paying the full premium yourself. Your employer's benefits office can explain your options and provide COBRA paperwork if you are may be able to access.

Can I change my health plan outside of open enrollment?

Usually only if you have a may have access to life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, loss of other coverage, or a significant change in income. Your employer's benefits office can tell you whether your situation qualifies and how to request a change. If it does not may have access to, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

How do I know how much pension I will receive when I retire?

Contact the New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) or Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) directly — whichever system covers your job. Both agencies offer retirement calculators on their websites and can provide a detailed estimate of your pension based on your salary, years of service, and the tier you are in. You can also request a benefit statement from your agency's benefits office.

Where do I find the list of PEF member discounts?

The PEF website lists current discounts and how to use them. You can also ask your union representative for a printed list or contact PEF directly. Discounts change periodically, so check the list at least once a year to see what new offers are available to you.