Disability Retirement

The information below summarizes the rules for disability retirement benefits. For additional information, see the publication If You Are No Longer Able to Work. If you suffer a disability or are critically ill, promptly call NYSTRS at (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6010.

Eligibility

Tiers 1 and 2
You must: a) have at least 10 years of New York State service (and, if you are a Tier 2 member, at least five years of the service must have occurred since last becoming a member), and b) be totally and permanently incapacitated from further teaching service, and c) cease teaching because of the disability. 
 

Tiers 3-6
You must: a) have at least 10 years of NYS service (or five years, if you are a Tier 3 member eligible for Social Security disability benefits who is retiring under Tier 3), and b) be totally and permanently incapacitated from all further gainful employment, and c) file a disability application with NYSTRS within 12 months from the last date you were on the payroll (or, if you are placed on leave of absence without pay for medical reasons, no later than 12 months after the date your leave has been terminated).

Under Tiers 3-6, the service requirement is waived if the disability resulted from an accident sustained in the performance of your teaching duties.

Calculations

For all tiers, a disability retirement benefit is generally one-third of your final average salary. However, the benefit may be more or less depending on your age and service credit. For an estimate of your disability retirement benefit, please refer to your most-recent Benefit Profile or contact the System at (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6010.