As a NYS employee appointed for the summer to the Research Foundation (RF) for SUNY, please review this information carefully.
RETIREMENT PLAN: The Research Foundation has a one-year vesting period for its TIAA retirement plan.
- If You Are Already Vested: The appropriate level of contribution will be paid when you move to the Research Foundation payroll.
- If You Are Not Vested: There is a one-year waiting period before contributions begin; the SUNY academic year plus the Research Foundation summer employment comprises the year. Therefore, the RF may use your State service as a credit towards participation and vesting in the RF Retirement Plan.
- How to Request Prior Service Credit for Vesting Purposes: Complete Part I of this Prior Service Credit form and submitting it here.
TAX-DEFERRAL OPPORTUNITIES: The RF offers an optional tax-deferral program with TIAA.
- If you enroll, your total tax deferral for 2026 cannot exceed $24,500. If you are age 50 and over, you may defer up to $32,500. This includes any amount you tax deferred as a State employee.
- How to Contribute: To contribute to the 403b plan, you must log into the RF Employee Self Service portal to elect the percentage of your salary you wish to contribute.
PAID FAMILY LEAVE (PFL) WAIVER During your Summer RF appointment, you have the option to waive coverage of the Paid Family Leave benefit.
- If you regularly work 20 hours or more per week but won’t be employed by the RF for 26 consecutive weeks; or work fewer than 20 hours per week and will not work 175 days in a 52-week period, you can opt-out of the paid family leave deduction.
- How to Opt Out: Please complete the waiver form and submit here.