If you have received a layoff notice, please send or fax a copy of your notice to the DC 37 Health and Security Plan Inquiry Unit. Please make sure your name and social security number are clearly written on your copy. The Inquiry Unit telephone number is 212-815-1234. Its fax number is 212-815-1321. The address is 125 Barclay St., New York, New York 10007, Room 300. The Inquiry Unit is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Health Insurance Coverage
Under the federal COBRA law, your employer must give you the opportunity to continue your health insurance coverage (hospital and medical) by making direct payments. Contact the personnel office at your agency to get a COBRA package.

Pension Benefits
It may not be a good idea to remove your member contributions from the pension system. Get advice from a DC 37 pension counselor at the Health and Pension Services Unit at 212-815-1200 or visit the unit at 125 Barclay St. Room 314, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DC 37 Annuity Benefit
You may choose to leave your annuity benefit in the DC 37 Annuity Fund or you can withdraw your money and close your account. Call the Annuity Unit at 212-815-1888 to request a disbursement application. You must submit a copy of your layoff notice with your completed disbursement application. Please note that withdrawal of your annuity benefit may be taxable to you and you should consult your tax advisor.

Health and Security Plan Benefits
The following listing provides details about benefit end dates and limited extensions. Members can continue their Health and Security Benefits by purchasing them under a federal law known as COBRA. Please see the Health and Security Plan COBRA information listed below for full details on purchasing these benefits.

Drug and Dental Benefits
For members who have received a layoff notice, prescription drug benefits will continue for 60 days measured from your termination date. The Health and Security Plan and the Plan’s Dental Centers will provide 60 days of coverage to complete any procedures started prior to termination date.

Optical, Audiology and Podiatry Benefits
Optical services must be obtained and completed by termination date. No audiology or podiatry appointments can be scheduled after termination date.

Disability Benefit (member only)
Claims documenting the onset of disability prior to termination date will be eligible to receive a disability benefit based on the plan’s rules and regulations.

Death and Survivor Benefits
Eligibility for a death benefit will be in effect for 60 days from the member’s termination date. The survivor benefit package will be available to eligible dependents if the date of death is prior to the member’s termination date.

Personal Services Unit
The Personal Services Unit will be available to provide information and referral services only. Services will include:

• Assistance in obtaining services for mental health needs, family problems, health care needs and social services.
• List of sources for food stamps, how to apply for public assistance and unemployment insurance, as well as education and job information centers.
• Information on such resources as the Food and Hunger Hotline, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, Community Service Society, Archdiocese/Catholic Charities Family and Children’s services.

Please contact the Personal Services Unit at 212-815-1260, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or in person between 9 a.m. and noon at 125 Barclay St. in Room 301.

Municipal Employees Legal Services
If you are currently being represented by a MELS lawyer, your coverage for that matter may continue for a limited period; please consult your lawyer or call MELS at 212-815-1111.

Health and Security Plan COBRA for laid off employees
You can continue your coverage for certain Health and Security Plan benefits for up to a maximum of 18 months by purchasing coverage under the COBRA law. You will be responsible for making monthly payments directly to the plan. Please note that these benefits must be purchased retroactively to the date your coverage terminated. If you select a COBRA package that includes the prescription drug benefit, you will not be charged forthe first 60 days of prescription drug coverage.

To request a Health and Security Plan COBRA application and rate schedule, call the Inquiry Unit at 212-815-1234 or fax a request to Inquiry at 212-815-1321. Please indicate that you received a layoff notice, so that we may send you the appropriate COBRA package.