To become a member, you must file an Application for Membership (NET-2). Once we receive a properly completed form, we will send you an acknowledgement letter, permanent membership card, and Your First Look at NYSTRS — a pamphlet designed for new members, and for part-time or substitute teachers who have the option of joining NYSTRS. The pamphlet outlines service milestones, your eligibility for future benefits and the services we provide.

Both the acknowledgement letter and membership card contain your System identification number, known as your EmplID. You will be asked to provide this number on forms, when corresponding with the System, when calling or meeting with System representatives, or when accessing the member-only Secure Area of our Web site. Like your Social Security number, your EmplID is unique to you and will not change as long as you are a member.

Membership tiers refer to groups of members whose benefits are determined by different sections of law and regulations. Your tier is determined by your current date of membership, as noted in your Benefit Profile mailed to you annually and available on the Secure Area of our Web site.

Tier structure is based on these membership dates:

Vested is the status that active members attain when they have at least five years of New York State service credit, which makes them eligible for a retirement benefit at age 55. (Prior to a July 17, 1998 change in law, vesting required 10 years of credit. By law, those whose membership rights ceased prior to that date were – and continue to be – subject to the 10-year requirement unless they return to New York State teaching and rejoin the System.) At age 55, if you are a vested member and have not transferred or withdrawn your NYSTRS membership, you may file a retirement application and begin to receive a benefit from the System. If you return to teaching before retiring, you will remain in your original tier and accrue additional credit.