Q.
Contacting Headquarters
- Dial 1-800-342-4146 Press (0) plus the extension number you want at any time.
- With a rotary phone,an operator will come on the line at the end of the recording to help you reach your party.
- With a touch tone phone,you must press (1) for these options: If you dont know the extension number,
- Press (1) for FIELD OPERATIONS,which includes Occupational Safety and Health,Local Govt. & School District Affairs,Research,EAP,the Retiree Divisionand State Contract Administration:
- Press (2) for Legal Matters,such as disciplinaries & Grievances;
- Press (3) for Communications including the Public Sector,Executive Offices or Political Action;
- Press (4) for Answers about Dues,membership & agency shop,group insurance(not health) and talk to the Finance department;
- Press (5) to hear a recording of Current Issues Update;
- Press (7) for MembershipBenefits.
RETURNQ.
Your Toll Free Connection to Employee Benefit Fund
- In the (518) Area call 782-1500.For answers regarding the Dental Care,Vision Care and Prescription Drug for State Employees and participating local government employees. TDD for hearing impared only:1-800-532-3833. Mailing address: CSEA Employees Benefit Fund,One Lear Jet Lane,Suite One,Latham,NY.
Q.
Grievance & Discipline
- Report any grievances immediately to your local grievance representative or shop steward.
- If they are unavailable ,tell your CSEA Unit or Local President,or your CSEA Labor Relations Specialist at your region office.
- Don't delay if you believe you have a problem - grievances must be filed on a timely basis.
Q.
Insurance ?
- CSEA offers several insurance programs at low group rates and provides the convenience of automatic payroll deduction.
- For details on CSEA Security Life Plan,Income Protection Program,Hospital Indemnity Plan ,Family Protection Plan...
- Call Toll Free:Jardine Group Services Corp. 1-800-697-CSEA.
- For details on Auto Insurance and Homeowners/Renters insurance,call 1-800-366-7315.
Q.
Health Insurance ?
- For answers to your specific questions about the New York State Health Insurance Program's Empire Plan:
- Blue Cross Claims..........1-800-342-9815 or 518-367-0009.
- Metropolitian Claims.......... 1-800-942-4640.
- Participating Providers.......... 1-800-942-4640.
- Home Infusion/Nursing,Diabetic Supplies,
Durable Med Equipment Home Care Advocacy Program... 1-800-638-9918. - Hospital admission approval/Surgical review :Empire Plan Health- Call..........1-800-992-1213.
- Mental Health Substance Abuse Hotline.......... 1-800-446-3995.
Q.
Education & Training ?
- CSEA provides workshops and training programs for union activities.
- For information,call TOLL FREE 1-800-342-4146.
- On a rotary phone,ask the operator for extension 294.
- Union related videotapes are available from your CSEA region office.
Q.
Civil Service Exam Help ?
- The Labor Education Action Program (LEAP) can help you prepare for civil service exams with low cost study booklets.
- Call Toll Free..........1-800-253-4332.
Q.
Safety Concerns ?
- Report serious accidents,unsafe and unhealthy working conditions to the CSEA Labor Relations Specialist at your region office.
- For occupational safety and health information,call CSEA HEADQUARTERS at 1-800-342-4146.
- On a touch tone phone,press 0,then extension 465.
- On a rotary phone,ask the operator for extension 465.
Q.
Retirement ?
- For general information about retirement and retiree membership,call the Mebership Benefits Department at Headquarters , 1-800-342-4146. Talk to CSEA-provided retirement counselor if you are retiring soon.It's important that you select the proper option from the Employees' Retirement System,so you can plan the lifestyle that you want to enjoy. Call TOLL FREE : 1-800-366-5273.
Q.
AFSCME Advantage Card ?
- Features one of the lowest interest rates - 5 percent above the prime lending rate .
- No annual fee.
- For an application form ,call your CSEA region office or the Membership Benefits Department at Headquarters, 1-800-342-4146.
- If you reply and there is no response within four weeks,call the issuing bank,the Bank of New York TOLL FREE : 1-800-942-1977.
Q.
AFSCME Advantage Legal Services ?
- You can obtain high quality,affordable legal services for many personal legal matters through the AFSCME Advantage Union Privilege Legal Services Program.
- For details and a list of participating lawyers in your area , call your CSEA region office or the Membership Benefits Department at Headquarters. 1-800-342-4146.
Q.
AFSCME Union Driver and Traveler Program Discounts ?
- The AFSCME Union Driver and Traveler Program saves you money whether you're traveling by car,bus,train or plane.
- It's a motor club,travel service and auto repair service in one.
- Annual cost: $49.95. Call 1-800-547-4663
Q.
Disney World,Theme Parks Discount ?
- Discount admission to Disney World in Florida,Disney Land in California,Six Flags Amusement Parks,and Anheuser Busch Theme Parks Clubs (i.e. Sea World and Busch Gardens).
- To receive discounts, call 1-800-238-2539 between 8:am and 8:pm. Monday - Friday.
- Identify yourself as a CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000 member and provide your Social Security number.
Q.
AFSCME Advantage Loan Program ?
- Unsecured personal loans from $2,500 to $15,000,with affordable monthly payments,are available to credit qualified applicants.
- Call toll free: 1-800-343-7097
Q.
AFSCME Advantage Mortgage Program ?
- Makes buying a home or refinancing your mortgage easier and more affordable
- Savings for buyers and sellers.
- Special help for first time buyers.
- Call toll free: 1-800-848-6466
Q.
Empire Home Mortgage Program ?
- Designed especially for CSEA members.
- Low down payment,competitive mortgage rates with affordable unemployment and mortgage disability protection available.
- Call toll free: 1-800-377-2989
Q.
AFSCME Advantage Career & Academic Planning ?
- Tuition savings planning.
- Financial aid projections.
- Counseling and seminars for career decisions.
- $10 annual fee. 1-800-733-GRAD (4723).
Q.
The Buyers Edge
- It's your buy-by-phone service designed to save you money on major purchases.
- The Buyer's Edge negotiates extra discounts and lowest price guarantees individual buyers don't get.
- The appropriate information and toll free numbers are in your Buyer's Edge brochure and they are published regularly in The Public Sector.
- To receive a brochure contact your CSEA region office listed below or call the Membership Benefits Department at Headquarters,1-800-342-4146.
Q.
MORE on Region Offices ?
- LONG ISLAND REGION 1 OFFICE
- 3 Garet Place
- Commack,NY.11725.
- (516)462-0030.
- SOUTHERN REGION III OFFICE
- 735 State Route 52
- Beacon,NY.12508
- (914) 831-1000
- CENTRAL REGION OFFICE
- 6595 Kirkville Road
- East Syracuse,NY.13057
- (315) 433-0050
- METROPOLITAN REGION II OFFICE
- 40 Fulton Street
- 22nd Floor
- New York,NY. 10038-1850
- (212) 406-2156
- CAPITAL REGION IV OFFICE
- One Lear Jet Lane
- Suite Two
- Latham,NY. 12110-2394
- (518) 785-4400
- WESTERN REGION VI OFFICE
- 482 Delaware Avenue
- Buffalo,NY.14202
- (716) 886-0391