As a TRS member, you can take advantage of two retirement plans under one roof: first, the guaranteed plan known as the Qualified Pension Plan (QPP); and second, our popular Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program. Benefits Summary explains more.

Your First Steps

Make Benefits in Brief the first place you go for TRS information. This booklet introduces you to TRS, summarizes your benefits, and describes key membership information. There’s a wealth of information elsewhere on our website—just use the Search feature, located at the top of any page, to learn about specific topics.

Log in to the secure area of our website. You can register by setting up a username (user ID) and password. Then, you can see your account information, enroll in our TDA Program, designate beneficiaries, and more! (In some cases, you may not be able to register until your first pension contribution is deducted from your pay.)

Watch our video for new members. TRS has created a video to introduce you to TRS, your retirement system. Watch now and share with a friend.

Your Next Steps

Once you are registered for secure access, you can log in and:

• Designate your beneficiaries under the QPP;
• Upload proof of your date of birth; and
• Tell us if you have been a member of another retirement system in New York State.

These simple steps will complete your enrollment in TRS.

You also have the opportunity to participate in the Tax-Deferred Annuity Program, our supplementary investment program. Two-thirds of your fellow members have enrolled, and we hope you will consider doing the same after learning more and reading the Your Tax-Deferred Annuity Program.

If you are contemplating retiring soon, you may be wondering how to begin. It's important to begin preparing for the application process well in advance of your intended retirement date.

The following checklist should help you prepare for the retirement process.

• Review your service credit as soon as possible, to ensure you are eligible to retire;
• Consider taking a loan or, if applicable, an excess withdrawal;
• Choose a method of distribution for your TDA funds;
• Elect a payment option and designate your beneficiaries, if applicable;
• Tier I and II members should make a QPP investment election at retirement;
• File the Service Retirement Application for your tier;
• Read any of the applicable TRS Retirement Series brochures; and
• Check for the forms you may need to file with your retirement application
• Before filing for retirement, TRS must have your Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) information on file If you haven’t already done so, please establish your Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) information with TRS to receive your retirement allowance directly into your bank account electronically. TRS cannot pay your retirement allowance until we have your bank account information on file. Log in to the secure section of our website and access the Payments section to designate an account.

Optional service credit is any service credit you have the option to claim or purchase. In all cases, your service must be verified by TRS, and your request for the service credit must be made before your effective retirement date. Creditable service includes the following:
Prior Service: Creditable service you performed with a New York City and/or New York State public employer before joining TRS that was not transferred to TRS with your membership. (For Tier I members, service performed outside of New York City is not creditable as prior service. See outside teaching service below.)
Amann Service: Creditable service, such as substitute teaching or per diem service, that you performed with a New York City or New York State public employer during a leave of absence from your TRS-eligible position or after separating from service. (For Tier I members, service performed outside of New York City is not creditable as Amann service.)
Military Service: Creditable U.S. military duty you performed before joining TRS or during a leave of absence from your TRS-eligible position.
Outside Teaching Service (Tier I only): Creditable teaching and/or pedagogical supervisory service performed on a regular per-annum basis in a school or college not maintained by the City of New York.
Leaves of Absence Without Pay: Periods that may be creditable under limited circumstances.