In-Service Members

• Introduction to the TDA Program: This program is for in-service members who are new to the Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program, TRS' supplemental retirement plan. The plan's features and benefits are presented, and the steps for enrolling are explained. Whether you haven’t joined TDA yet or you want to learn how to maximize your participation, this session is for you.
• Tier IV—Your TRS Benefits and Services: This is a program for Tier IV members with under 10 years of membership service. It gives an overview of membership benefits and TRS services and addresses key topics such as purchasing service credit, understanding TRS account statements, and using the TRS website to manage your account.
• Tier VI—Planning for Tomorrow: Designed just for Tier VI members, this program describes TRS benefits, contributions, and services. The session also explains purchasing service credit, enrolling in the TDA Program, and using the TRS website to manage your account.
• What is Service Buyback?: Service credit is one of the key factors in determining a member’s retirement allowance. And increasing service credit means increasing the amount of your retirement allowance. This program will review the different types of creditable service and the options to purchase service.
• Tier III/IV Service Retirement Plans: TRS members will receive a guaranteed retirement allowance under the Qualified Pension Plan after meeting certain age and service requirements. This session will discuss the available plans and eligibility requirements.
• Understanding the Age 55 Retirement Program: Did you opt into the 55/25 plan earlier in your career? Or are you a Tier IV member in a 55/27 plan? This class reviews the provisions and retirement eligibility for each Age 55 plan. Only members who are participating in an Age 55 plan are eligible to attend this class. 

Members Nearing Retirement

• Final Average Salary for Tier III/IV: Final Average Salary (FAS) is one of the key factors that make up your retirement allowance. During this session, we will discuss how the FAS is determined for a retirement under Tier IV.
• Final Average Salary for Tier VI: Final Average Salary (FAS) is one of the key factors that make up your retirement allowance. During this session, we will discuss how the FAS is determined for a retirement under Tier VI.
• Getting Ready for Retirement: This is a tier-specific program for members planning to retire in the next 12 months. The program guides members through the retirement application process, describes retirement plans and payment options, and explores some post-retirement issues to help your transition to retirement.
• Filing for Retirement Online: TRS’ secure online retirement application is available to members at age 55. If you’re ready to file, attend this session for a demonstration of completing the online application and uploading supporting documentation. For in-depth information on the retirement process, please register for Getting Ready for Retirement instead. (Tiers III/IV and Tier VI only)
• Retirement Payment Options: Did you know that you can reduce your pension to provide for your beneficiaries? This program will discuss the payment options that a retiring member in Tier III/IV or VI can choose on the retirement application. We will discuss the maximum option, choices that provide continuing payments to a beneficiary, and other options that provide for one or more beneficiaries. (Tiers III/IV and Tier VI only)

Retired Members

• Advance Planning for Retirees: This program, designed just for TRS retirees, reviews timely topics such as beneficiary designations, Required Minimum Distributions, and online access to TRS accounts.
• After-Retirement Earnings: Are you retired? Are you collecting your pension and planning to work after retirement? This program is designed for service retirees who are planning to earn income in New York City/State public employment. There may be restrictions on the amount you may earn while collecting a retirement allowance from TRS. We will discuss the waivers you may have to file.
• Death Benefits After Retirement: There may be benefits payable to beneficiaries after a member dies. In this session, we will discuss the different benefits that may be payable after a retired member passes away. 
• Required Minimum Distributions: Retirees need to start receiving distributions (known as RMDs) from their TDA account in the year they turn 73. This class reviews the RMD notification letter that TRS sends to affected members each spring and offers a step-by-step guide to filing your RMD election. 

• Reviewing Your Benefits Letter: Are you a recent retiree? You will receive a Benefits Letter around the time of your first finalized retirement allowance payment. The Benefits Letter shows the monthly and annual retirement allowance amounts, along with calculation details. During this session, we will review the letter and discuss additional items important to a retiree. (Tiers III/IV and Tier VI only)

• ​Retiree Website Tour: This program is a walk through the online features available to retirees who log in to the secure section of the TRS website. We’ll show you where to find payment information, account statements, bank information, beneficiary designations, and TDA features like loans, withdrawals, and RMD.
• TDA Annuitization: Once you retire, you can annuitize your TDA account and receive a monthly payment of your TDA funds for the rest of your life. If you’re considering annuitizing, this program will explain the payment options, the filing process, and what to expect after filing.
• TDA Options After Retirement: After you retire, you can leave your TDA account invested with TRS.  But you have other options too, including withdrawals/rollovers and annuitization.