Tier III, IV and VI in-service members can file for retirement online. To file online, log in to the secure section of our website, go to E-Forms, and click on the Service Retirement link.

If you are a Tier I or Tier II in-service member, we suggest that you return your retirement application to TRS in person; that way, a TRS representative can check the application and ensure that it is completed correctly. You may also return your application to TRS by mail if you believe you have accurately completed it. However, please note that mistakes on applications can cause processing delays.

Once you register for access to the secure TRS website using the claim code provided in your notification letter, you will create a username and password and log in to the death benefit claim feature. The feature guides you through all required steps and includes an upload feature to submit required documentation and forms. After all the required online steps are completed, you will print a summary receipt for your records; you must also print the “Attestation and Notarization for Online Death Benefit Claim,” have it notarized, and return it to TRS.

If you are currently paid on the City of New York payroll through direct deposit for work in a position that entitles you to TRS membership: You will be automatically enrolled to receive your monthly benefit payments (including advance payments) via EFT. You do not need to do anything; these payments will be automatically deposited in your account via EFT. However, if you want your monthly benefit payments (including advance payments) to be deposited via EFT in a different account, you must file an EFT Election at Retirement Form (code BK66) .

If you are currently paid on the City of New York payroll through direct deposit for work in a position that does not entitle you to TRS membership (e.g., substitute or per diem teacher): You must file an EFT Election at Retirement Form if you want your monthly benefit payments (including advance payments) to be deposited via EFT.

If you do not want your monthly benefit payments paid via EFT: You must file an Opt Out of EFT at Retirement Form (code BK67) . (You may subsequently initiate EFT at any time by filing an EFT Authorization Form (code BK58) with TRS.)

Retiring TRS members who are not currently paid on the City of New York payroll through direct deposit MUST file either an EFT Election at Retirement Form or an Opt Out of EFT at Retirement Form in order to receive their advance and/or regular retirement allowance payments. Failure to file one of these forms would result in a delay in the payment of benefits.

These two forms are available on request from our Member Services Center (not from our website). Members who are retiring should speak with a Member Services Representative for more information about EFT.

Beneficiaries receiving a one-time lump-sum payment and/or continuing monthly benefits can initiate EFT in the online Death Benefit Claim feature

For more information, please see the Electronic Fund Transfer brochure.

In general, TRS will issue a duplicate lump-sum death benefit check within 15 business days after receiving the completed form.
 

Death benefit payments may include interest, when applicable, for a limited period of time after TRS is notified of the member's death. Claimants/beneficiaries are encouraged to promptly submit documentation of the member's death (and return payments issued by TRS after the member's death). This will enable TRS to begin determining benefit amounts and any interest payable.

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) is the method by which TRS makes payments to members and beneficiaries. EFT enables TRS members to have their monthly benefit payments, and other distributions, electronically forwarded to their checking or savings account. EFT allows members’ accounts to be credited on the payment date and safeguards against delayed, lost, or stolen checks.

Yes. For example, you can receive your retirement allowance payments in one account and your TDA annuity payments in a different account. You can make this election in the secure section of our website; log in and go to Payments.

Members should contact their bank to determine if the money market account is considered a checking or savings account. Note: Only certain money market accounts can be valid for direct deposit.

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) is the method by which TRS makes payments to members and beneficiaries. EFT enables TRS members to have their monthly benefit payments, and other distributions, electronically forwarded to their checking or savings account. EFT allows members’ accounts to be credited on the payment date and safeguards against delayed, lost, or stolen checks.