In general, you would qualify for Tier II status if you last joined TRS after June 30, 1973 and before July 27, 1976. You may also qualify in the following situations: if you switched from Tier III or Tier IV to Tier II during the period that was available for tier changes, or if you transferred your Tier II 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 II 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.