new teacher articles

Am I a TRS member?

Nov 15, 2007 5:03 PM

All appointed pedagogues are automatically members of TRS.

Not sure if you are a TRS member? Check your pay stub for a “TRS414(h)” deduction. It usually kicks in within three months of your appointment. This 3 percent deduction helps fund your TRS pension. Remember that this deduction lasts for only 10 years of service. (This will change if the new 55/25 legislation is enacted and you opt in. See details in the 55/25 update Q&A on the union web site, uft.org.) because it’s a pre-tax deduction, it lowers your taxable income so you get more bang for each buck that you contribute. If you don’t see the deduction, call TRS at 1-888-8NYCTRS or write to TRS at 55 Water St., New York, NY 10041.

All non-appointed and part-time pedagogues can voluntarily join the Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) by filing a BERS enrollment application. Participation is voluntary, but the union strongly urges that you take advantage of this benefit. You will contribute 3 percent of your salary for only 10 years. You will be building eligibility toward retiring with a city pension, health plan and Welfare Fund benefits. When you get an appointed position, you can transfer your pension credit to TRS. Get an enrollment form by writing to BERS at 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 or calling 1-718-935-5400 or your UFT borough office. When you join you will receive a booklet summarizing your benefits and responsibilities.

Call a pension consultant in your UFT borough office if you have any questions about these matters.