Service Credit & Contributions

It is important to have all the credit for which you are eligible because your total service credit impacts your eligibility for NYSTRS benefits — and often the amount of those benefits. The following types of service can build your credit and help you reach important service milestones:

• Member Service
• Prior NYS Service
• Out-of-State Prior Service
• Transferring Credit
• Reinstatement Credit
• Military Service
• Benefit Enhancement (Article 19)
• New York City Subsequent Service

Member Contributions

Members are required by law to contribute a percentage of salary, which helps fund their pension.

• Tier 6 members are required to contribute a variable contribution rate, which is determined by their pensionable earnings, throughout their active membership. Read the Tier 6 Contribution Fact Sheet to learn how the rate is determined.
• Tier 5 members are required by law to contribute 3.5% of their salary throughout their active membership.
• Tier 3 and 4 members were required to contribute 3% of their salary until they had either 10 years of membership or were credited with 10 years of service, whichever occurred first.

See the Active Members’ Handbook to read more about contributions and credit.