INTRODUCTION

The Retirement System requires specific information from employers when members file for retirement. The information is needed so we can accurately and efficiently calculate the member's pension and begin providing the retiree with a monthly allowance.

When we receive a retirement application from an employee of SUNY or the Education Department, we will request certain information by letter, such as the date the member's employment obligation ceases and the amount, if any, of termination payments.

When an application for retirement is received from an employee of a school district, community college, the School for the Deaf or the School for the Blind, a Retirement Report (QTR-78) form will be sent to the employer. If the member has not recently been employed at your location, you may be sent a Statement of Salary Data (QTR-78.1) form in lieu of the previously mentioned document.

Regardless of employer, the information being requested is vital in order for the retiree to receive her/his full benefit. Generally, the information being requested is information not available through the employer report process. This information, as well as your employer report, will be used to calculate the member's retirement allowance.

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COMPLETING THE RETIREMENT REPORT

The Retirement Report is a three-part form. The original and one copy should be completed and returned to NYSTRS, the third copy should be retained for your files. This form has been designed to simplify the completion and review process. The Retirement Report should be typed or completed in ink as follows:

PART I: LAST DAY SALARY WAS EARNED - Please enter the date a contractual obligation ceases. This is not necessarily the date of the member's final paycheck. If the employee was not under contract, enter the last day salary was earned prior to the date of retirement.

• SALARY EARNED FROM JULY 1 TO TERMINATION DATE - This information is requested only for retirements occurring after July 2 and before April 2. Please enter all earnings, including EIT payments, to which the member is entitled for duties performed during the period July 1 through the LAST DAY SALARY WAS EARNED. The total earnings should be reported regardless of whether the monies were received before the last day of employment. For example, holdover payments and retroactive adjustments received after the end of the quarter must be included. Do not include any payments received in contemplation of termination of employment or payments for unused leave. If the termination date is prior to July 1 of the current school year, indicate zero. This question is NOT included for members retiring from April 2 through July 2 since this information is included on your employer report.

• JOB TITLE - This information is ONLY requested for members employed on an 11 or 12-month basis. Please enter the job title or position for these members.

PART II: FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE ONLY - If a member was on a sabbatical, or other leave, at less than full pay during the final year, enter the portion of salary received at part pay and the percentage of full pay it represents.

PART III: COMPENSATION FOR OTHER THAN REGULAR DUTIES - The columns represent the five previous school years. Depending on the type and date of payment, list the total amount paid in the appropriate box. Indicate -0- or none in all boxes where a payment is not shown. The types of compensation which must be reported are explained below.

1. Unused Leaves: (Tier 1 only) Please list any payment received in exchange for unused sick, vacation/annual, personal, compensatory or any other unused leaves.

2. Retirement Incentives: (Tier 1 only) Please list any payment made in anticipation of retirement other than unused leaves. Your teachers' and administrators' agreements may refer to these payments as termination, separation or severance pay, incentives, increments, or stipends. Payments must be reported regardless of whether they are received in a lump sum or in periodic payments.

3. Non-Regular Compensation: (Tier 1 only) Please list payments for superior attendance, the waiver of health insurance, or any other one-time only increment which does not become part of the salary base. In addition, please provide the cash value reportable to the Internal Revenue Service for fringe benefits such as employer provided life insurance policies or automobiles. Do not list payments for teaching assignments such as summer school, adult education, tutoring, coaching, chaperoning, curriculum development or extracurricular activities.

PART IV: PAYMENTS MADE AFTER

(Date will reflect the end of the quarter of retirement)

Identify and list all reportable salary paid to the member after the date indicated. It would be appropriate to note in this section that a contract settlement is pending with the approximate date of payment. Please remember that many members have retirement contributions deducted and the amount must be reported.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE - The signature of the Superintendent or designee must appear on the final page of the report.

The QTR-78.1 is slightly different than the QTR-78, however, the above instructions are applicable.

Should you wish further assistance in completing either document, please contact our Retirement Report Unit at (800) 348-7298, Ext. 2655 (447-2900 if calling from the Albany area).

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