About Local 338’s Retirement Department

The Local 338 Retirement Fund is one of the most important benefits that our union negotiated for you. The Fund was established over 66 years ago and has a great history of providing our members with financial security and dignity during their retirement. The Local 338 Retirement Department is committed to providing superior member service to all active, terminated vested, and retired members. Our goal is to ensure any and all questions or concerns you may have are addressed and provide all necessary information so that your transition into retirement will be as seamless as possible. 

By the calling the Local 338 Retirement Department, our representatives will guide you through the process of applying for your pension. We will provide you with all the documents you need (estimate letter, application, etc.) and answer any questions you may have regarding your pension. You worked hard for your benefit, and you deserve to have a seamless application process. If you are already an Active Pensioner, the Department can assist you with award letters, direct deposit forms, tax withholding forms, and other important documents. For more information please call, the Local 338 Retirement Department at 516-294-1338 ext. 1305.
Member stocking shelves
member smiling to the camera during her retirement party
Group of older members
Retired union rep giving a check to a scholarship winner
Member in a back room

Sign Up for Your “My Local 338” Account

As a Local 338 Retiree, you have the ability to sign up for a “My Local 338” account.* Your account will give you access to:

      • Exclusive discounts for Local 338 members and retirees
      • Local 338 news and events
      • Information about your retirement plan

To sign up for your “My Local 338” account, simply visit: mylocal338.org

*Please note that only Local 338 retirees currently collecting their pension or annuity are eligible to register for an account.
two members at a retirement party
frozen food members smiling
four members at a retirement party

Your retirement checklist


After you determine what you age you can or would like to retire at, there are a number of important steps you should take to make sure that you’re fully prepared to make the most of your retirement.

  1. Determine the best age to file for your social security retirement benefits. (note: every year you retire earlier than your normal retirement age, you incur a reduction in your full social security benefit; every year you wait to collect until after your normal retirement age, your benefit increases; normal retirement age depends on when you were born. For example, those born between 1943 and 1954, your normal retirement age for social security is age 66. Check this site to learn more:   https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/retirechart.html.

    2. Call the local 338 retirement department at 516-294-1338 ext. 1305 to request a pension application.

    3. 3. Sign up for medicare b and d and a medigap plan (medicare supplement), or a medicare advantage plan (medicare part c); (note, you will be automatically enrolled in medical part a (hospitals) when you turn age 65; but, within a limited time after you lose your healthcare coverage, you must also enroll for medicare part b (doctors) and part d (prescriptions) or you may face a premium penalty for life; for more information, visit: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs/part-b-late-enrollment-penalty

    4. Pay off your debt.

    5. Prepare a budget for your expenses.

    6. Purchase a life insurance policy.

Retired from my job, not my union


Congratulations to our newly retired local 338 members!
Click here to celebrate all of our your fellow members who retired this year

Opportunities to get involved

Even though you may have retired from your job, you never retire from your union. That’s why we encourage you to remain involved. Local 338 has a number of opportunities throughout the year to support your fellow members; whether it’s by donating to our annual toy drive, joining us at a rally or by helping us get our neighbors out to vote.


For more information about upcoming political, charitable and other events, please log in to your “my local 338” account!

Useful links & resources for local 338 retirees

Medicare - medicare.gov

Important Tips for Applying for Medicare

Guest speaker Barry Klitsberg from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) walks members through how to enroll in Medicare, Medicare supplements and Medicare Prescription Plans. This information session gives members and soon-to-be retirees guidance on how to apply for Medicare so they're prepared when they decide they're ready to retire.
If you attended the webinar or watched the recording, wed love to hear your feedback! Member input will help us curate future webinars that best suit the interests of the Local 338 membership. If youre interested in giving feedback, please visit: https://local338.org/forms/webinar-feedback

Social Security - ssa.gov/

AARP, which can provide a number of important information and resources for retirees, including about health care and budgeting – aarp.org

Medicare supplement insurance - aarpmedicareplans.com/health-plans/medicare-supplement-plans.html

Staying healthy after retirement
- https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/living-on-retirement-budget#1

How to avoid tax penalties after retirement
– https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/iras/slideshows/how-to-pay-less-tax-on-retirement-account-withdrawals
– https://www.thebalance.com/tax-mistakes-to-avoid-in-retirement-2388968

Stay in touch with a free cellphone
eligible seniors might qualify for a free cell phone through the federal program, lifeline. For more information, visit: assurancewireless.com/

Interested in volunteering?
Check out volunteermatch.org which can help you find local organizations seeking volunteers in a variety of different service areas that might be of interest to you.

Cashier holding a local 338 hat and smiling
two members by the window holding local 338 hats
former local 338 member posing with a Valentine's day sign
Former medical director at his retirement party
Former local 338 rep handing out national letter carrier flyers to donate for a food drive