Retirement Planning Services and Tools

The earlier you begin preparing for retirement, the more likely you are to have the funds necessary to make your retirement dreams come true. Planning can be complicated, so NYSTRS provides a variety of tools and services to help your planning go more smoothly.

Our Active Members' Handbook summarizes NYSTRS benefits, and our Countdown to Retirement pamphlet helps keep your retirement planning on track by reviewing the steps you should take as your retirement date approaches.  The Retirement Countdown video also offers a tutorial on the tasks members should complete during their last year of employment.

Your annual Benefit Profile contains valuable planning information, including a summary of your service credit and projections of your future retirement benefits.  Your Benefit Profile is also available online with a MyNYSTRS account.

Our comprehensive Pension & Retirement Education Program (PREP) explains the critical benefit-related decisions you must make, and reviews financial and legal considerations that help ease the adjustment to retirement.  These seminars are open to members of all ages and are held across the state. 

One-on-one benefits consultations, held statewide, enable you to meet with a NYSTRS representative to ask questions about your specific situation and receive printed estimates of your retirement benefit.  You can meet with a representative either in person or via video conference.

An online Benefit Estimator allows you to project your NYSTRS pension based on salary and service data reported to us by employers. (You must have a MyNYSTRS account to use this tool.) You can also ask us to prepare a benefit estimate based on specific dates you select.

Read our pamphlet Maximum or an Option: Choosing a Benefit Payment Right for You for an explanation of the benefit choices you have at retirement.

If you are a Tier 1 or 2 member, see how much additional service credit you will be eligible to receive at retirement under Benefit Enhancement (Article 19).

Learn what earnings can be included in your final average salary.

The General Income Tax Information fact sheet offers pertinent information about taxes as they apply to loans, annuity savings funds, and death benefits. We also address common withholding questions as they relate to your retirement benefit.

Of course, you can always speak with a NYSTRS representative by calling (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6250. 

Lastly, print a Service Retirement Application (RET-54). Visit our Forms page for other System forms.

Remember: Careful retirement planning can help make your retirement more care-free, and NYSTRS' services can help you meet that goal.