Full Menu Close Menu
RTC Information

Age to start minimum distributions is now 72

New York Teacher

UPDATE: As of Jan. 1, 2023, the SECURE 2.0 Act has increased the required minimum distribution age to 73.

The age at which required minimum distributions must begin has been changed from 70½ to 72. This change is effective for individuals who reach age 70½ after Dec. 31, 2019, and who have since left active service.

  • TRS members who were subject to RMD rules in 2019 (generally, retirees who reached age 70½ by Dec. 31, 2019) will need to receive RMDs in 2020.
  • TRS members who reach age 70½ after Dec. 31, 2019, will not be subject to RMD requirements until the year in which they reach age 72 (or the year they leave active service, if later).
  • TRS members who were in active service and were at least age 70½ on De. 31, 2019, will be subject to RMD requirements in the year they leave active service.

There are also changes in how money goes to beneficiaries after your death. The Teachers' Retirement System will be sending more information as it becomes available.

The changes took place as a result of the federal Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act that was signed into law in December.