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Information on Benefits

For additional information on CSEA Member Benefits please select from the following topics and or call (518)257-1000/ 1-800-342-4146

Career Development, Academic Planning, Education and Training
Career Development
  Civil Service Test Preparation Booklets, New York State Exam Review Series and Local Government Exam Review Series. Cost per booklet is $3. for an order form and advice for exam preparation, contact the CSEA Labor Education Action Program (LEAP) at 1-800-253-4332.

Labor Education Action Program
  Education and Career Advisement Service a confidential toll-free service for ALL CSEA members. Advisors are available to work with you in the following areas: financial aid, education and career planning and improvement of reading and writing skills, obtaining a GED and study of English as a second language. LEAP Advisors may be reached by calling the LEAPline at 1-800-253-4332 between 8:30 am and 4:30 p.m.(till 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays). Other times, leave a message for a call-back.

  Tuition Voucher Program CSEA-represented State employees may apply for tuition vouchers for credit and non-credit courses (related to state occupation or workforce need) at more than 140 participating colleges and BOCES. Two courses per academic year may be requested at any time during the application period. Tuition Reimbursement is available for courses at non-participating schools.

CDTA Swiper Card (Capital District Only)
  Capital District CSEA Members can save 25% off the regular purchase price of the CDTA Swiper Card. The CSEA CDTA Mail Order Swiper Card makes riding the bus easier and more affordable than ever.

  For order forms, call CSEA Members Benefits Dept. at 1-800-342-4146, Ext. 1311. For CDTA route and schedule information, call CDTA at 518-437-8300. Bus Route Washington Ave or click here for a listing of there other Albany service areas.

Verizon Wireless Discounts
  State and Local Government employees are entitled to a 19% discount on Verizon Cell plans $39.99 and higher. To get started with service or add the discount to existing service, contact Verizon Rep Jim Spring at 518.469.7007.

****If you currently have Verizon Wireless and would like a discount contract call 1-866-456-7892****

Child and Elder Care Assistance
  Call 1-800-358-7202 or visit www.albany.net/~ccac for information on programs to help CSEA members (state employees) with child or elder care issues:
  • Save money on eligible expenses for child, elder or disabled dependent care by enrolling in the Dependent Care Advantage Account -- a pre-tax reimbursement account. Participants save $1,500 per year on average. Beginning January 2001, any CSEA member who enrolls in the Dependent Care Advantage Account will receive an employer contribution in their account of $200, $300 or $400 depending on their income. Call or e-mail at DCAA@goer.state.ny.us
  • Enrollment priority at work site child care centers and school-age programs.
  • Child and Elder Care Resource Referral for employees working in NYC or Westchester County.

Credit Cards
  AFSCME Advantage MasterCard

  The MasterCard features one of the lowest interest rates -- 5% above the prime lending rate. Another way you save: no annual fee, no ATM fees and no charge for checks. For details about AFSCME Advantage MasterCard, call (518)257-1000/1-800-342-4146
  Secured MasterCard

  The Union Privilege Secured MasterCard, issued by Amalgamated Bank of New York, makes it possible to establish a health credit rating while having credit card convenience. Designed specifically to help establish or reestablish credit, it has a low annual fee, competitive fixed annual percentage rate and 25-day grace period. For details call (518)257-1000/1-800-342-4146

Discount Buying
  The CSEA-endorsed Buyer's Edge is a buy-by-phone consumer buying service designed to save you money on major purchases. It negotiates extra discounts and lowest price guarantees individual buyers don't get. For appropriate toll-free numbers, consult the list of numbers published regularly in The Public Sector or call (518)257-1000/1-800-342-4146.
  Traveler's Edge -- Buyer's Edge travel reservations service. A buy-by-phone service with discounts on airline tickets, tours, cruises and travel packages. Use this service to get the best vacation price for members and their families.

Employee Benefit Fund
The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) administers dental, vision and prescription drug benefits for CSEA-represented state employees and participating local government members. For information call 1-800-323-2732. In the 518 area code call 782-1500. (For TDD for the hearing impaired call 1-800-532-3833).

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program is a confidential information and referral program designed to help individuals deal with personal problems that may affect their job performance. It is a cooperative labor-management program developed in the worksite. For information and assistance in starting an EAP in your area call CSEA Member Benefits Department at (518)257-1000/1-800-342-4146.

Grievances and Disciplines
  Report any grievance or contract violation to your local grievance representative or shop steward. If they are unavailable, contact your CSEA unit of local president or your CSEA labor relations specialist at your CSEA office. Don't delay if you believe you have a problem; grievances may be subject to contractual time limits.

Insurances to Protect your Family, Home, Car
  Adequate insurance coverage can give you and your family peace of mind. Jardine Group Services Corporation (JGSC) has been exclusively endorsed to provide a wide variety of insurance products to guarantee the personal security of CSEA members. For over 50 years, JGSC has worked with CSEA to provide members with low-cost, high-quality insurance options. Automatic payroll deduction of premium is available.

For details on CSEA Security Life Plan, Disability Income Protection Program, Hospital Income Insurance Plan and Family Protection Plan, call toll-free 1-800-697-CSEA.

For details on Auto Insurance and Homeowners/Renters Insurance call the Personal Lines customer center, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

  • New Business: 1-800-833-4657
  • Payroll Deduction Questions: 1-800-760-3848
  • Customer Service/Policy Changes: 1-800-833-9041

For details on CSEA Disability Income Insurance claims, call toll-free 1-800-230-2422, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For details on CSEA Long Term Health Care Program call toll free 1-800-366-5273.

Joint Committee on Health Benefits
  (JCHB - for CSEA-represented state employees)

The JCHB is a joint labor-management committee whose primary objective is to ensure that the health insurance provided to CSEA active employees, as a result of the state contractual negotiations, is implemented, administered, adjudicated and rated fairly and properly.

the committee oversees the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) which currently consists of the Empire Plan and 26 health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and assists individuals with health insurance questions and problems. the JCHB also works with CSEA Locals by providing the Video Tape Library Program and JCHB Wellness booklets which can be used as educational resources on health, wellness and self-care topics. For assistance, and/or information call (518)785-4774, 1-800-286-5242 or via e-mail atjchb@capital.net

Loan Program
  The CSEA/AFSCME Advantage Loan program supplements the types of loans generally available from credit unions and banks. Personal loans, from $2,500 to $ 15,000 with affordable monthly payments are available to credit qualified applicants. These are unsecured loans (i.e. member's home or other property is not used as security). The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan. The bank grants the loan, the union has no part in the decision. For more information, call the program toll-free 1-800-343-7097, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Eastern Time.

Legal Services
  CSEA staff works continuously to make sure our members' employment rights and collective bargaining rights are protected.

A team of legal experts and CSEA's comprehensive Legal Assistance Program provides members outstanding legal services.

Thousands of CSEA members who have filed grievances, who have been unjustly disciplined or had their statutory or constitutional rights violated by their employer have learned that the union stands behind them.

As a result, members have won their jobs back. Thousands have secured deserved promotions, back pay, overtime and other rights and benefits unjustly denied by employers. CSEA Legal Services also protects their rights as union members.

The CSEA/AFSCME Advantage Union Privilege Legal Services Program provides high quality affordable legal services for many personal legal matters. The initial half-hour consultation is free, with subsequent services at a discounted fee. For details and a list of participating lawyers in your area call (518)257-1000/1-800-342-4146.

Mortgage and Real Estate
  Union CSEA/AFSCME Members' Mortgage and Real Estate:

This program is a complete mortgage and real estate process that includes competitive rates; refinancing of existing mortgages; down payments as low as 5%; special help for first-time buyers and strike and welfare fund benefits. Additional real estate savings for buyers and sellers (i.e. 5% off Realtor's commission, free appraisal and credit report) through Century 21 call (518)257-1000 or 1-800-342-4146.

Simply Certificates
  Simply Certificates is a company that offers universal dining & Entertainment Gift Certificates. Simply Certificates, Inc. would grant CSEA members a 12% discount on all gift certificates purchased through CSEA (not valid at Simply Certificates retail locations). Members would use a link located on the CSEA Website (CSEAlocal1000.net click on member only benefits) to purchase the discounted gift certificates through an online order form. The link would automatically register the discount code with the Simply certificates.com on line store. Simply certificates will set up the link with our tech people for our members. An 800 number will also be available for those members without internet access. If you have any questions call 1-800-342-4146 ext.1232.

Travel and Leisure
  CSEA and AFSCME sponsor many discount programs for its members. Discounts are available on car rentals, hotels, and many major theme parks. For more information, please call the CSEA Member Benefits Department at (518)257-1000/1-800-342-4146.

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