ERSRI is open and operational. Pension and disability payments are being made in full and on time.
April 13, 2020: To those of you on the front lines ensuring public health and safety, to the educators who have implemented distance learning plans, and to the retirees keeping socially distant from your loved ones -we know that you are depending on us more than ever.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Member Service Center is open to visitors by appointment only.
ERSRI staff is available by phone at 401-462-7600,
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
You can e-mail us anytime at ersri@ersri.org.
Additional resources for members, including fact sheets and forms, are available here at ERSRI.org
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Federal Economic Stimulus Payments
Please be on the lookout for scam artists trying to steal your personal information and money. The IRS will not call, text you, email you or contact you on social media asking for personal or bank account information - even related to the economic stimulus payments.
The vast majority of people do not need to take any action to receive the economic stimulus payments included as part of the federal CARES Act. Individuals earning less than $75,000 a year will receive $1,200. For joint filers earning less than $150,000 a year, each partner will receive a $1,200 check. An additional $500 will be sent for each minor child.
The IRS is expected to begin making payments via direct deposit early this week, with payments by check taking longer.
If you aren't required to file a federal tax return - and didn't file a 2018 return and don't plan on filing a 2019 return - the IRS recommends providing your information at this IRS Coronavirus Information page.
People who receive Social Security benefits will automatically receive the economic stimulus payment.
Note: Economic stimulus payments are being sent by the federal government in Washington, DC - not from the State of Rhode Island.
Updated information about Economic Stimulus Payments is posted by the IRS at IRS.gov/coronavirus.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
457 Deferred Compensation Plans
If you are an active employee and have opened a separate Deferred Compensation Plan (commonly referred to as a 457 Plan), and you have been impacted by COVID-19, the CARES Act allows you access to those savings.
Specifically, you may request a disbursement from your 457 Plan if you, your spouse, or dependent child have been diagnosed with COVID-19 - or if you have experienced adverse financial consequences as a result of:
- Being quarantined
- Being furloughed, laid off or having work hours reduced as a result of the virus
- Being unable to work due to lack of childcare due to such virus or disease; or
- Closing or reduced hours of a business owned by such individual as a result of such virus or disease
For more information, please contact your 457 Plan provider(s) directly. Before you take any action, we strongly recommend scheduling a virtual/ phone counseling session with your provider.
| Plan Provider | Plan Number | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 35835 | 800-343-0860 | netbenefits.com/sori |
| TIAA | 407359 | 800-897-1026 | tiaa.org/ri |
| Voya | VK0450 | 800-584-6001 | ri.beready2retire.com |
April 6, 2020: ERSRI is open and operational. Team Treasury is working to ensure that all payments, including penion and disability payments, tax refund checks, unclaimed property claims, and unemployment insurance benefits are made in full and on time.
The health and safety of members and employees remains our top priority. We have instituted our business continuity plan which includes tele-working policies for employees who can work remotely.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Member Service Center is temporarily closed to visitors. Please don't come to the Service Center. Only Rhode Island Treasury employees are permitted to enter the building.
ERSRI staff is available by phone at 401-462-7600 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
You can e-mail ERSRI anytime at ersri@ersri.org.
Additional resources for members, including fact sheets and forms, are available here at ERSRI.org
Thank you to all of our member who are doing their part in the fight against Coronavirus, whether by remaining physically distant from loved ones, teaching our children, or providing essential services to our communities. Special thanks to the Rhode Islanders who are on the front lines ensuring our public health and safety.
Last week, Treasurer Magaziner secured an emergency line of credit to guarantee that the state can continue to provide essential services to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under no circumstances will money from the pension system be used to balance the state budget, as was done during the credit union crisis of the 1990s.
Federal Economic Stimulus Package
In response to the Coronavirus epidemic, a $2.2 trillion federal economic stimulus package was recently signed into law and includes a direct cash payment of $1,200 to individuals earning less than $75,000 a year.
For joint filers earning less than $150,000, each partner will receive a $1,200 check. An additional $500 will be sent for each minor child.
The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic stimulus payment to those eligible.
People who receive Social Security benefits, and people who aren't required to file a tax return, will automatically receive the economic stimulus payment.
Payments made by direct deposit are expected to begin starting April 9, 2020. Payments mailed by check will take longer.
Note: Economic stimulus payments are being sent by the federal government in Washington, DC - not from the State of Rhode Island.
The IRS will post updated information at IRS.gov/coronavirus.
COVID-19 Information & Resources
- Information for older adults and people with medical conditions
- How to protect yourself
- What to do if you are sick
- How to prepare for COVID-19
If you have questions about COVID-19, please visit health.ri.gov/covid
or call 401-222-8022 (Monday -Friday 8:30 - 4:30)
Outside of business hours, please call 211.
