The Teachers’ Retirement System’s primary responsibility is providing retirement benefits, but TRS is also committed to offering exceptional service and a variety of resources to union members including the TRS website, a call-in center, a walk-in center and many publications describing TRS benefits and services.The TRS website is a convenient and time-saving way to obtain information about TRS. The redesigned website makes it easier for you to find what you’re looking for as well as make changes to and monitor your TRS account.

The TRS website

The TRS website has eight tabs on the home page in the main menu bar:

1. HOME — The home page offers you important TRS-related news and allows you to log in to the secure, members-only section. With a username and password, you’ll have 24/7 access to some of the website’s most valuable benefits, including viewing personalized account information. You can go online to request a prior service cost letter for service rendered before becoming a member of TRS or change your Qualified Pension Plan beneficiaries. If you have a Tax-Deferred Annuity account, you can change your rate of contribution, make investment changes to your TDA funds, change your TDA beneficiaries, apply for a loan and view your latest Annual Benefit Statement and TDA Quarterly Account Statement.
2. FORMS — You can download TRS forms here. Some forms can be filled out and submitted online, including the TRS enrollment application form.
3. PUBLICATIONS — Here, you’ll find TRS newsletters including In-Service News and the Benefits Report as well as dozens of brochures on varied topics including service credit, loans, the Tax-Deferred Annuity program, distributions, service retirement, disability retirement, post-retirement and the TRS annual financial reports.
4. INVESTMENTS — This is where you’ll find information about TRS’s investment programs. The section includes profiles of each of the Passport Funds, current unit values and investment returns, historical data and a reminder of the filing deadlines for making changes to your portfolio.
5. NEWS — TRS posts recent news bulletins and a calendar of upcoming TRS board meetings in this section. You can also register for educational programs and read articles about current events, such as TRS’s divestment from gun manufacturers.
6. FAQs — The Frequently Asked Questions has content geared to both in-service and retired members. Many of the answers contain links to forms and publications to help you easily and quickly access additional information.
7. ABOUT US — This section contains an overview of the mission of TRS, the members of the TRS Retirement Board, TRS eligibility and a tool that allows you to review TRS expenditures in recent years.
8. RESOURCES — You can find a TDA contribution calculator, how to contact TRS, a glossary of commonly used terms and information on member education programs. This section also has an “Unclaimed Funds” tool that enables you to see if any unclaimed TRS payments belong to you.

TRS call-in services

Call TRS at 888-869-2877 and select whether you wish to speak with a member services representative or listen to an automated menu. Member representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The automated answering system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, you’ll need your retirement number and your date of membership so the TRS rep can verify your identity. Visiting TRSThe TRS walk-in center is on the second floor of 55 Water St. in Manhattan. It is open to all in-service TRS members and retirees from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of some holidays. You may also write to TRS at the above address, to the attention of the TRS Correspondence Unit.