June 10, 2024 — Changes to Article 15 of the PS&T contract, which provides reimbursement for workshops and seminars, licensure and certification exam fees, and tuition for college and graduate school classes, will streamline the process and help reduce the time it takes to receive payment.
Members who are interested in taking part in any workshops run by the Public Service Workshops Program should visit the PSWP website at https://www.pswp.info/ and check the current workshops available.
College Tuition Reimbursement (CTR) Program
In 2024, the CTR program will no longer reimburse on a per credit basis. Instead, members will be eligible for up to $5,000 per calendar year to use toward college courses, regardless of whether they are working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. This is significantly more money than was previously available, which was capped annually at $2,800 for undergraduate course work and $4,400 for graduate.
Reimbursement is still subject to the requirements of the program, outlined in the guidelines.
Nurses Enhanced College Tuition Reimbursement (NECTR)
The NECTR program will also no longer reimburse nurses on a per credit basis. Instead, nurses currently in a New York State nursing title and matriculated in a nursing program will be eligible for up to $10,000 per calendar year to use toward college credit courses required by their nursing degree program.
Previously, courses were reimbursed at the same rate as the CTR program, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,600 for undergraduate and $8,800 for graduate students.
Certification and License Renewal Fee Reimbursement (CLRFR) Program
The amount PS&T members can be reimbursed for the cost of certification or license renewal required by the State to maintain a member’s current employment has increased from $200 to $300 per calendar year.
Information about an improved online application process will be announced soon.
Applicants can now submit reimbursement requests electronically, as well as monitor the status of your reimbursement request online. Select the Online Application Portal link when applying for reimbursement at this link: https://oer.ny.gov/public-employees-federation-afl-cio-pef.