In general, you would qualify for Tier I status if you last joined TRS before July 1, 1973. You may also qualify in the following situations: if you switched from Tier II to Tier I during the period that was available for tier changes, or if you transferred your Tier I membership from another eligible retirement system to TRS.

In addition, you can apply for reinstatement to your previous membership and tier status if you are in active membership status and previously lost your Tier I membership rights in TRS or another New York City or New York State public retirement system.

To apply for reinstatement, file a Membership/Tier Reinstatement Request Form (code SD42) with TRS. To effect the reinstatement, you must pay back the amount of contributions refunded when your membership ended, plus 5% interest compounded annually from the date of the refund to the date of repayment.