NYSTRS Home		 Section 13: Transfers
Introduction | Transfer from NYSTRS | Transfer to NYSTRS |
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INTRODUCTION

An individual who holds concurrent memberships in two New York State public retirement systems may transfer service credit from one system to the other as long as the memberships are active in both systems and the member is no longer employed under the system s/he is leaving. Generally, transfers between systems take one to two years to complete. The date of membership of a person who transfers into this System shall be the EARLIER of the membership dates in the two systems. The member will be credited in this System with all service that was credited in the other system. However, a member may not receive more than one year of credit for any one school year. If retirement occurs within three years of the request to transfer, and before the member has received three years of credit for teaching service with one or more participating employers of this System, the member may not receive a greater pension for the transferred service than s/he would have received if s/he had not transferred. Teachers contemplating retirement within three years of transfer should contact the System for specific information. Employers may be directed by NYSTRS to stop withholding member contributions and also to refund current year member contributions as the result of certain transfers. Tax information concerning these refunds can be found in Section 17. The member and employer will be notified if the transfer results in a change of membership number.

It is extremely important for employers to communicate directly with NYSTRS staff when questions arise pertaining to transfers.

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TRANSFER FROM NYSTRS

In order to transfer out of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System to another New York State public retirement system, the member must do the following:

  • File the System's form, Request for Direct Transfer of Membership (TRF-3), requesting transfer of her/his contributions to the other retirement system (Direct Transfer);
  • Make a written request for a transfer at the time s/he withdraws her/his contributions and deposits the contributions in the other system within one year (Indirect Transfer); or,
  • The request to transfer out must be received while the membership is active.

    • You may speak directly with NYSTRS staff when questions arise pertaining to transfers from NYSTRS by calling (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6050 (447-2900 if calling from the Albany area).

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    TRANSFER TO NYSTRS

    In order to transfer into the New York State Teachers' Retirement System from another New York State public retirement system, the member must:

    1. Provide the other retirement system with a written request for transfer (Direct Transfer); or,

    2. Make a written request for a transfer at the time of withdrawal from the other system and deposit the withdrawn contributions with NYSTRS within one year (Indirect Transfer).

    You may direct your questions concerning transfers to NYSTRS by calling (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6040 (447-2900 if calling from the Albany area).

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