Just Retired? Here’s What You Should Know

Congratulations on your retirement! As you begin this new chapter, we’re here to support you with a secure pension and exceptional customer service. The following information and resources will help you transition to retirement and address your retirement-related questions!

Understand Your Benefit Payment and Calculation

Your benefit calculation includes factors such as your tier, age, years of service and final average salary. We have a fiduciary duty to make sure everything is accurate, which is why finalizing your benefit can take 9-12 months (sometimes longer for more complex cases). 

Your initial monthly benefit payment is based on information on file and fully processed by NYSTRS at the time of retirement and typically represents 95% or more of your final benefit, which will be determined once your application is fully processed.

Your benefit is paid by direct deposit on the last business day of the month. See the Benefit Payment Dates Calendar in the Retirees section.

You Can Make Changes (for a Short Time)

There’s a limited window to make changes after retirement. You can withdraw your service retirement application or change your retirement date within 14 days from your date of retirement by sending NYSTRS a signed request by mail or fax or secure message in MyNYSTRS. You also have 30 days from your retirement date to change your benefit payment option. After that, your selection is irrevocable. If you chose a survivor or pop-up survivor option, your beneficiary cannot be changed after that 30-day mark. If you’re not sure what you’ve selected or need to review your choices, you can find that information in your MyNYSTRS account.

What to Expect Once Your Benefit is Completed

Upon the processing of your benefit, we’ll send you a detailed letter  outlining your finalized benefit. In some cases, this benefit includes additional salary and service credit that wasn’t yet reported when you retired – such as your last month or two of work. Tier 2-6 members who reach a key milestone in their final year may see a substantial increase. You can track progress in the Service Credit section of your MyNYSTRS account. If your final benefit ends up being higher, we’ll issue a retroactive lump sum with your first new monthly benefit payment. 

Know The Rules Before Returning to Public Service Work

After you file for retirement, it’s important to retire completely – off the payroll and not employed in any NYS public position – for at least one full business day before returning to work. 

Eligibility for retirement under the New York State Retirement & Social Security Law (RSSL) requires a complete separation from all NYS public employment, whether full-time or part-time. That means you must resign from all positions and wait at least one full business day before returning to work. Don’t sign any reemployment contracts until after your retirement date. If you’re unsure how the rules apply to your situation, contact NYSTRS to avoid delays or issues with your benefit.

Visit our Retirees/Earnings After Retirement page for important information about the rules governing post-retirement employment.

Stay Connected – and Keep Your Info Current

We’ll keep in touch with you throughout retirement. Once your benefit is finalized, you’ll receive an annual Retired Member Profile each fall that summarizes your benefits. Each January, you’ll get a 1099-R tax form. You’ll also receive copies of Resource, our newsletter for retired members, with updates about your benefits and the System. 

MyNYSTRS is your go-to resource for checking payment details, printing tax forms and verification of income, reporting earnings, and updating your direct deposit, tax withholdings and contact info. Be sure to give us your personal email when you retire – so we can keep you in the loop for years to come. 

For further information, read The Path to Retirement: What Happens After You File Your Retirement Application, which walks you through the process.