New York Pension Plans

Membership in NYSTRS is mandatory and automatic for full-time teachers, teaching assistants, guidance counselors, and administrators employed in New York State public schools (excluding New York City), BOCES, or charter schools that participate in NYSTRS.

Membership for teachers employed on a part-time basis is optional. Employers are required to notify part-time teachers in writing of their right to membership.

Teachers employed by a New York State community college or SUNY may elect membership in NYSTRS, the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, or the Optional Retirement Program.

There are six membership tiers, determined by the date of membership, each with different benefit calculations and eligibility requirements.

Tier 1 members may retire at any age with 35 years of New York State service credit, or at age 55 with five or more years of service. Retirement may also occur at age 55 with less than five years of service if two years are credited since age 53.

Tier 2, 3, and 4 members may retire at age 55 with five years of credited state service.

Tier 5 and 6 members may retire at age 55 with 10 years of state service credit.

Membership tier, service credit, age, and earnings are factors that determine the benefits members may be eligible for while working and in retirement.

Most members may receive a service retirement benefit. A member who becomes disabled and cannot continue working may qualify for a disability retirement benefit. If a member dies before collecting a retirement benefit, a death benefit may be paid to a beneficiary if the eligibility requirements are met.