Changing jobs? It pays to transfer to TRS

Joining the Teachers’ Retirement System after being a member of another retirement system?

With the recent increase in people changing jobs, many new members face the possibility of switching from one retirement system to another. In some cases, you may be eligible to transfer your credited service and funds from your current system to the TRS when you are regularly appointed.

That would be a smart move if you worked in a non-TRS title, as a part-time employee or are a member of the Board of Education Retirement System (BERS). It also would be to your advantage if you are a member of another public retirement system in the state or New York City. By transferring, members of other retirement systems retain their original pension tier.

To transfer, simply join the TRS. Your school may have enrollment forms; if not, call the TRS (see below) or your UFT borough office. Once you get a membership number, contact your previous retirement system in writing and file the necessary forms to have your membership transferred to the TRS. Remember to send all correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested, and keep copies for your own records.

If you still have questions about transfer matters, call your UFT borough office and ask to speak to a pension consultant.

Important: If you were formerly in the TRS (i.e. as a paraprofessional or an appointed pedagogue) and are now no longer appointed or are a part-time employee, you may be eligible to remain in the TRS as a “transferred contributor.” To check about your eligibility, contact the TRS. For further information, call a pension adviser at your UFT borough office. Again, you must file the necessary forms to maintain your status as a “transferred contributor.“

NOTE: If you were once a member of any public retirement system in New York State and you lost membership status, you are eligible to reinstate your old membership date/tier. Contact a UFT pension consultant for details.

For further information call the TRS at 888-8NYCTRS, check the TRS Web site at www.trs.nyc.ny.us., or write to the TRS at 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041.