Section 19: Retirement Applications

Introduction

Members who are eligible for retirement must have ceased employment and filed a retirement application with the System before their monthly pension payments can begin. The application may be submitted no more than 90 days before, and no later than, the date of retirement.

If a member is no longer able to work because of a serious illness or injury, they should contact NYSTRS as soon as possible at 800-348-7298, ext. 6010. If a member is critically ill, the member should file for disability retirement immediately. Please call us with any questions.

Due to the complex nature of retirement plans and available options, we suggest that employers or third parties should not attempt to advise members on these matters.

Members contemplating retirement should have a benefits consultation with a NYSTRS representative to obtain an estimate and to ask specific questions about their retirement. Consultation schedules are mailed to employers and are available at NYSTRS.org.

Members can be referred to the Ready to Retire page at nystrs.org for the latest information.

Applications

There are two types of retirement applications: service retirement and disability retirement. It is extremely important for members to complete the appropriate form when filing for retirement.

Members retiring for service should file the Service Retirement Application (RET-54) form. They can either file online through MyNYSTRS (for those age 55 or older) or submit a paper application.

Those seeking to retire due to disability should complete the Disability Retirement Application (RET-54.1) package by filing online in MyNYSTRS or submitting the paper application. The disability application must be filed with the System within 12 months of the last date the member was on the employer’s regular payroll.  

Members who are no longer on their employer’s regular payroll and/or are receiving workers’ compensation or long-term disability payments from a private or third-party administrator (e.g., not paid directly by an employer or paid through accounts payable) must also file a Disability Retirement Application no later than 12 months after the last date they were on their employer’s regular payroll. 

For all cases, once eligibility to apply and medical documentation has been submitted, the application will be forwarded to our Medical Board for review, which may require an examination by a physician chosen by the Board. The member may remain on payroll while the application is being processed.

Both retirement applications are available on the Forms page.

Requests for retirement estimates and forms or questions regarding the completion of retirement applications should be directed to us by calling 800-348-7298 at the extension noted below. 

After Retirement

Once the retirement date has passed, or the disability retirement application is approved by the Medical Board, the employer must complete the Retirement/Benefit Processing Report in the Employer Secure Area (ESA). NYSTRS requires specific information from employers when members file for retirement (either service or disability retirement) or die while in service. This information is needed so we can accurately and efficiently calculate the member’s pension and begin providing the retiree with a monthly benefit or provide death benefits to a beneficiary. 

See Section 15: The Retirement/Benefit Processing Report for further information.