Welcome to the Retiree Division

Welcome to the Retiree Division section of Local 1180's new website. More than just a drop-in center, the Retiree Division provides retirees of CWA Local 1180 with a venue to pursue their social, intellectual, and educational interests throughout their retirement. Through thoughtful and creative planning, the staff of the Retiree Division prepares a monthly calendar representing a compilation of some of the greatest activities in the area at any given moment. Broadway shows, trips, speakers, lunches, and interactive workshops allow retirees to socialize with peers, have fun, and learn a little along the way.

We can only begin to tell you about how glad our retirees are to have a one-stop-shopping experience that offers so many ways to keep busy, engaged, and active. We hope that you make the decision to join in on some of the fun. Read the monthly calendar to see what events are coming up, and then call to reserve your space. Remember that we are providing programs for more than 4,000 retirees in the New York City area, so space may be limited.

We have a special welcome gift for all 'newbie' retirees. Or, if you are an existing retiree, stop by the office just to say hello. We can't wait to greet you all.

Suzanne E. Beatty, LMSW

Retiree Division Director

Biography

Director's Message

Something we hear a lot about in the Retiree Division is moving. Retirees come in to change their addresses and share stories about what led them to move from their city digs. While the individual situations differ, the theme remains the same, which is that conditions in their lives changed and it was better for them to move than to stay.  

Sometimes the pivotal moment was dramatic and unwanted, and at other times it was the fulfillment of a dream and the time was right to move and more fully enjoy retirement. In any case, unforeseen circumstances — both welcome and unwelcome — do occur. When this happens, the best defense is to keep a clear head and know what decisions you will need to think about should the situation arise.  

Leaving your home is a huge decision and has enormous implications that will affect you on a daily basis for the rest of your life. Make sure the decision is your own and is not being guided by someone who has something to gain. You can only be the judge to know if someone is being genuinely supportive or is waiting for their cut after your move. 

Once that is done, and you know that you are making the decision for your own reasons, consider the following. It’s time to GO if: 1. Getting up/down the stairs is a problem. Is it hard to get up from a chair? This could potentially mean other mobility issues. A smaller space could allow you to manage more easily. 2. Is your current place too big? Has managing your home’s upkeep become a challenge? If so, downsizing could be a relief. 3. Have your extra rooms become places for clutter? (Don’t worry, a little clutter is the sign of a brilliant mind!) Have those 30 years of memorabilia taken root and made offspring? Keeping up with this can be daunting. 4. Do you want to be around others more? Maybe you miss your grands. Maybe you could care less about those crumb-crushers, but would like to be around more people who are experiencing life as you are. In either case, a move could benefit you. 5. Is it too expensive to keep your place? You see the numbers. You know your truth. If you can’t maintain your chocolate-and-wine habit and keep the roof up, well, you have to get a more affordable roof! 6. Do you kind-of like the idea of moving and want to? If this is you, then jump on it. Making this decision now without pressure and with your interest and excitement fueling your actions will have a better outcome rather than one made from necessity or haste. 

STAY if: 1. Can you remodel and make it safe for you? Think of putting away rugs, and installing grab bars and assistive devices to support you. If you can, well then stay home. 2. Is your home paid off and your cost of living low? Then who gives a flying fig how messy your extra rooms are. If you’re safe and it’s not bothering anyone, then eat bonbons and enjoy your paid-off space. 3. Have you looked at what it will really cost you to move?  Think of possible maintenance fees, changes in cost of living, and the cost of possibly buying all new furniture to fit your new space. Also, if you are selling, you might have to pay capital gains taxes that could take away some spending money. 4. You have no reason to go and have pleasant thoughts every time you turn the key. Need I say more? That’s the feeling everyone is searching for. You are already home. There is no reason to look further.  
If you do decide to go and form an alliance with a sports team in a foreign state, know that you still have to reach back to New York to get your benefits to keep up with you. Inform the following agencies (preferably in writing) of your move and new address: Social Security Administration, CWA Local 1180 Security Benefits Fund, NYCERS, and the NYC Employee Benefits Program. If you decide to stay, well then, I guess I’ll see you around the union.