Monthly Program Updates

                                      Pre-Retirement Planning Information

Social Security Administration

Should I use direct deposit for my Social Security check?

Using direct deposit for your monthly Social Security check is safe, secure, and convenient. You will get your benefits on time, even if you're out of town, sick, or unable to get to the bank.

Remember to review your Social Security Statement each year for accuracy.

This is a very useful planning document because it includes a summary of estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits you and your family may receive based on your earnings.

For more information on your Social Security benefits go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call (800) 772-1213.

For additional Social Security information, go to the Self-Help Guide to Pre-Retirement Planning, Chapter 11 at: Self-Help Guide.

For Pre-Retirement Planning information, go to: DIRECTIONS: Pre-Retirement Planning Information.

NYS Network Child Care Center Highlight

This month we are spotlighting the Wee Care at Labor Child Care Center.

Wee Care at Labor began offering child care services in 1990. The Center serves children and families of State employees and the community at large. All State employees receive enrollment priority.

The Center, located on the W.A. Harriman State Office Campus in Albany, offers care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.

Wee Care has an open-door policy for parents who are always welcome to visit their children. The Center’s dedicated and experienced staff provides children with age-appropriate curricula and developmentally appropriate activities.

Some Quick Facts About Wee Care at Labor:

• The Center is open year-around, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. 
• The Center has a licensed capacity of 84 children. 
• The program provides healthy food choices for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

For additional information, contact the Center at (518) 485-7591 or at: [email protected].

For a full list of the NYS Network Child Care Centers and additional child care information, go to: NYS Network Child Care Centers.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Making Changes in the New Year

The beginning of the new year is a great opportunity to reflect on the past year while considering making a positive change in the upcoming year. Here are some helpful ways to make simple behavioral changes more successful: 

• Set aside time to reflect on the past year and identify an area of your life that is important to you and what you want to change about it. Commit to a specific behavioral change that reflects your values (e.g., health, family, career, finances, etc.). 

• Keep your behavioral goal as simple and realistic as possible (e.g., lose a few pounds, exercise more often, spend more time with your children, save or earn more money).  

• Have a plan to achieve your goals (e.g., try to walk 20 minutes, three days a week).

• Receive support (e.g., tell someone about your commitment to change and ask for help with your goal to make you more accountable to it).

• Don’t give up! You will fall short at times, but the most important thing is to stick with your plan! 

For information and resources about making positive changes in your life, contact your EAP coordinator at coordinator listing or call 1-800-822-0244.