We want to hear from you Tell us your thoughts on our new site ERS always looks for ways to improve services to our members. We recently redesigned our website based on usability studies from a variety of members. We want to know your thoughts on the site. See something you love or something that needs work? Take the website feedback survey to tell us what you think. | Is your commute driving up your stress? In the United States, the average one-way trip to work takes about 25 minutes. For 8% of commuters, the daily trip is more than an hour each way, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you work in a big city like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, or Austin, a longer commute likely takes a chunk of your day. Here are a few tips for improving your commute. More>> | Don't miss the August 31 deadline to buy certain service credit If you plan to purchase withdrawn or military service credit, don't miss the August 31 deadline before the price goes up. Other types of service, including Additional Service Credit (ASC) and waiting period, have different and varying due dates. More>> | Give your ride Texas character  Get a new state park license plate The newest conservation license plate from Texas Parks and Wildlife celebrates camping in state parks. The first new state park plate in a decade evokes memories of those fun nights outside – the campfires, ghost stories, Dutch oven meals, stargazing, nature and wildlife, shared moments with family and friends, and, of course, all the s'mores. Check it out and make plans to get one. Each plate costs $30 of which $22 goes directly to benefit Texas State Parks. |  Face of ERS: Sharon
She has more than 20 years of ERS service, extensive knowledge of ERS benefits, and an impressive array of job roles spanning word processing, insurance, software implementation, retirement auditing, and Business Integration (BI) -- meet Sharon, BI Specialist at ERS. More>> | What you can do during Annual Enrollment Annual Enrollment is underway and your phase begins within the next few weeks. Take some time to learn about your benefits and updates by watching videos on the benefits available to you or reading your Annual Enrollment guide. Find information on the new TexFlex policy, or the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM. While you're there, take a look at the top Annual Enrollment news video we created for you.
| Ongoing dependent eligibility verification begins now All newly added dependents need verification Do you plan to add a dependent to your health coverage this Annual Enrollment? If you add someone who wasn't identified as your eligible dependent in a previous audit, Aon Hewitt will request documentation to prove your dependent's eligibility for benefits. More>> |  Excuse #100: I have too many expenses to save for retirement
But saving for retirement shouldn't be optional. It's common to hear excuses like "I have too many expenses" as a way to justify not saving for retirement. More>> | Retirement season is upon us Summer is the most popular time to retire and buy service credit. Wait times for the ERS call center and email lines are longer than usual in July and August. If you don't plan to retire in the next three months, take advantage of our online retirement resources, or go an extra step by creating a personalized retirement estimate. By going online for retirement information first, you help ERS better serve those making one of the biggest changes of their lives. | Life and disability insurance made easier Evidence of insurability processed online In 2013, Minnesota Life introduced an online process for evidence of insurability (EOI, also called "proof of good health") for Optional Term Life Insurance, Dependent Term Life Insurance, and disability insurance through the Texas Income Protection Plan (TIPP). The web-based process makes it more convenient for you to apply for EOI – and faster to get a response – although the option to mail or fax paper EOI forms will still be available. More>> | Have a major life event between now and August 1? Changes in marital status and new dependents are handled differently During Annual Enrollment, you can't use your online account to enter changes related to a qualifying life event (QLE), such as marriage or birth of a child. Call your human resources representative if you have a QLE during this time so they can enter the information for you. Coverage may start earlier than September 1, depending on when the QLE occurred. For example, if you get married on July 12 and add your new spouse to coverage, it will begin August 1. Please be prepared to provide documentation proving your new dependent's eligibility. | State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM information available You and your eligible dependents can enroll in the new State of Texas Dental Discount Plan this summer during Annual Enrollment 2014 with discounts beginning September 1, 2014. More>> | | | Save on wireless phones, accessories and service plans from Verizon. Don't pay too much for your next car – let TrueCar help you save money. Office Depot is your total solutions provider for everything you need for home, work and school – all at great prices! Earn a degree for $199 a month (or less) from Patten University. Click here for these deals, plus special prices on travel, food, appliances and more! | | Calendar July 8 - 31 – Annual Enrollment fairs (No registration required)
Click here to learn more or search for an event by city. Just type the name of the city in the search box. - July 8-Huntsville, TDCJ
- July 9-Austin, TDI
- July 9-El Paso, El Paso Community College
- July 10-Alpine, Sul Ross University Morgan University Center
- July 10-Austin, TEA
- July 11-Austin, TCEQ
- July 11-Odessa, TXDOT
- July 14- Austin, HHSC
- July 14-Dallas, Brookhaven College
- July 14-Houston, TXDOT
- July 15-Austin, TXDOT
- July 15-Corpus Christi, TXDOT
- July 15-Denton, Texas Woman's University
- July 16-Ft. Worth, Tarrant County College District
- July 16-McAllen, South Texas College
- July 17-Ft. Worth, TXDOT
- July 17-Pharr, TXDOT
- July 18-Harlingen, TSTC
- July 18-San Antonio, TXDOT
- July 21-San Angelo, TXDOT
- July 21-San Antonio, Alamo Community College District (St. Philips College)
- July 22-Abilene, Cisco College
- July 22-Mesquite, TXDOT
- July 23-Grand Prairie, DADS/HHSC
- July 23-Waco, TSTC
- July 24-Arlington, DSHS
- July 24-Austin, ERS
- July 25-Austin, DPS
- July 25-Houston, Houston Community College
- July 29-Austin, HHSC
- July 30-Austin, HHSC
- July 31-Austin, ERS
July 4 – State offices closed August 5 – Ask ERS (webinar)
10 a.m. CT
Learn more Event information may change. Please check the online Events Calendar for the latest information.
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