Important Update!

 

Beginning November 1, 2019, You Must Schedule a Meeting for In-Person Pension Transactions at HMEPS

 

HMEPS wants to assist all participants in a timely and efficient manner so that pension matters are properly handled by the appropriate staff member. Pension matters include applying for retirement, service purchases, group changes, Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP), and any other transaction that requires personal service by a Benefit Counselor.  Beginning November 1, 2019, an in-person meeting with a Benefit Counselor requires an appointment.

 

• You can schedule an appointment with your Benefit Counselor by calling the HMEPS office at 713-595-0100 and following the phone prompts to reach your Benefit Counselor to set up the meeting.

• If you come to the HMEPS office without an appointment and want to meet with your Benefit Counselor, you can complete an appointment request form at the reception desk, and the request will be provided to your Benefit Counselor who will later contact you to schedule a meeting.

 

The following are some common questions regarding appointments:

 

What if my Benefit Counselor (BC) is not available to make the appointment when I call?

Leave a voice message and your BC will call you back.  It would be helpful for you to provide in your voice message the dates and times you are available in order to assist the BC with scheduling.

 

Will you remind/confirm the appointment with me beforehand?

You are responsible for putting the appointment in your calendar.  Of course, you may call your BC the prior business day to confirm.

 

What if I only need to drop off forms or documents?

If you know what forms or documents are required, you can drop off the completed forms or documents with the HMEPS receptionist.  Your BC will not be available to meet with you, answer any questions, or notarize a form unless you have made an appointment.

 

If I walk in, can I make an appointment for later that day or right then if my BC is not busy?

Your BC is responsible for many participants and for efficiently working on pension transactions and related duties.  If you walk in, you can complete an appointment request form at the reception desk, and the request will be provided to the BC who will later contact you to schedule a meeting and let you know the information or documents you need to bring to the meeting.

 

What if I am running late for my scheduled appointment?

Contact your BC as soon as possible if you’re running late.  If you arrive late for your appointment, your BC will try her best to see you up to the time of any other scheduled appointments, which will take priority.  This means that you may not be able to finish your meeting with the BC and must schedule another appointment.

 

What if I have to cancel my appointment?

Contact your BC as soon as possible if you need to cancel your appointment.  We understand that a situation may arise that will cause you to have to cancel your meeting.  Remember, however, that your BC reserves the appointment time for you, so it is important that you contact your BC as soon as you know that you will have to cancel.  A “no show” or untimely cancellation may result in processing delays.

 

I receive a monthly benefit from HMEPS and I need a letter from HMEPS that shows my monthly benefit amount (for apartment leases, mortgage financing, auto loans, etc.).  How do I request the letter?

You can request a Pension Award Letter by calling the HMEPS office at 713-595-0100 and following the phone prompts for retiree matters.  You also can come to the HMEPS office and complete a form requesting a Pension Award Letter.  You should expect to receive your Pension Award Letter within 1 week.  The retiree BC will prepare the letter and send it by mail to your address of record or to your fax number or personal email address you specify in your request.  If you are receiving a benefit and have changed your address, you must complete and submit to HMEPS a change of address form.

 

 

PAYROLL REPRESENTATIVE LOG-IN

Houston Municipal Employees Pension System

1201 Louisiana, Suite 900

Houston, Texas 77002

 

t.713.595.0100

toll free. 800.858.1450

fax. 713.650.1961