New York State Teachers' Retirement System

 

Retirement Countdown Video

NYSTRS Publications

NYSTRS produces a variety of publications to help ensure our members have all the information they need as they plan for and enjoy retirement. To find a particular publication, click on the relevant topic below. For your convenience, we have included a note next to each publication indicating when it was last published and (if applicable) when the online version was last updated.

Note: While most publications are HTML documents, some are PDF files. If you are unable to view or print PDFs, you may need to download a free copy of Adobe Reader. After viewing most publications, click "Back" to return to this page. Those publications noted with "new window" will open in a separate window; close the window to return to this page. To request that a publication be mailed to you, call our Hotline at (800) 782-0289.

An Introduction to NYSTRS  

Learning About NYSTRS
(last published Summer 2007; updated online 7/08)
An overview of NYSTRS' operations and benefits.

Your First Look at NYSTRS
(last published Fall 2006)
A pamphlet for new members, and for part-time or substitute teachers who have the option of joining NYSTRS.

Publications for Active Members
Active Members' Handbook
(last published Fall 2005; updated online 6/08)
A comprehensive resource for active members. (new window)
Looking to the Future
(last published 2006)
A guide to NYSTRS' services and publications at each stage of a member's career. (new window)
Borrowing From Your NYSTRS Contributions
(last published 7/01; updated online 9/07)
Questions and answers about taking a NYSTRS loan. 
You Deserve the Credit
(last published Spring 2007; updated online 6/08)
A look at various types of service credit that members may be eligible to claim.
NYSTRS Membership Information for Teaching Assistants
(PDF posted l/04; updated online 3/07)
Fact sheet explaining the pension choices available to teacher aides who are reclassified as teaching assistants.
 

Publications for Those Contemplating Retirement
Countdown to Retirement
(last published Fall 2007)
A look at the steps a member should take in the year leading up to retirement.  
Retirement Countdown Video
(posted online 5/07)
A tutorial on the tasks members should complete during their last year of employment.
If You Are No Longer Able to Work
(last published Fall 2005; updated online 6/06)
A summary of NYSTRS benefits that may be available to members who must stop working due to a serious illness or injury.  

Maximum or an Option: Choosing a Benefit Payment Right for You
(last published Fall 2007)
An explanation of the benefit payment choices members have at retirement. 

General Income Tax Information
(PDF; updated online 10/07)
A fact sheet of taxes as they apply to loans, annuity savings funds, and death benefits. Common withholding questions as they relate to your retirement benefit are also addressed.

Service Retirement Application (RET-54) (PDF)

Disability Retirement Application Package (RET-54.1) (PDF)

Publications for Retirees
The Path to Retirement: Understanding
the Retirement Process

(published Summer 2006; updated online 2/08)
A guide for new NYSTRS retirees that explains how the System processes retirement applications. (new window)
Retired Members' Handbook
(last published 1/03; updated online 4/08)
A comprehensive resource for retirees. (new window)
Discovering Retirement
(last published Spring 2004; updated online 4/08)
A guide to the opportunities and challenges that new retirees face. (new window)
Working in Retirement
(published Fall 2005; updated online 2/08)
A look at earnings limits and their effect on your NYSTRS retirement benefit. (new window)

Newsletters for Active Members Newsletters for Retirees

Your Source (PDF)

Winter 2008
Fall 2007

Spring/Summer 2007

Winter 2007

Fall 2006

Spring/Summer 2006




Resource (PDF)
To request an audio version of Resource, please contact us at (800) 356-3128, Ext. 4785 or convdel@nystrs.state.ny.us.  

Spring 2008
Fall 2007

Summer 2007
Winter 2007
Fall 2006
Spring/Summer 2006

NYSTRS' Annual Report (as of 6/30/2007)
(PDFs)

Mission / Table of Contents
Introduction
Financial Section
Investments Section
Actuarial Section
Statistical Section

Legal Publications

Compilation of Laws Covering NYSTRS
(as of 12/31/07) (PDF, new window)
A summary of laws governing NYSTRS.

Domestic Relations Orders and a Member's Retirement Benefit An Attorney's Guide to DROs and NYSTRS Benefits
(updated online 6/06)
A look at how divorce can affect a member's retirement benefit, and a sample Domestic Relations Order. (new window)

Important Information for Members Required by a DRO to Elect a Joint & Survivor Option in Favor of a Former Spouse
(posted online 4/08) (PDF, new window)

Impact of a Member's Bankruptcy on NYSTRS Benefits
(updated online 4/06)
Fact Sheet regarding the effect a member's bankruptcy has on benefits and loans.

NYSTRS Rules and Regulations
(as amended through July 25, 2007)
A compilation of the official rules and regulations guiding NYSTRS. (new window)

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