The start of the school year is is an excellent time to make sure you’re taking the right steps to prepare for retirement and secure your own future. Here are the most important things you need to know about your pension benefits as a UFT member.

UFT members who are currently enrolled in the Board of Education Retirement System have the option to transfer into the Teachers’ Retirement System, under a new state law signed by the governor.

One of the many benefits provided by the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) and the Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) is the ability to borrow against your Qualified Pension Plan and your Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) savings.

Were you a New York City or New York State employee or did you work as a substitute teacher or serve in the military before joining the Teachers’ Retirement System? If so, you may have the option to buy service credit.


If you are planning to retire in the next year or two, now is the time to start preparing. It may seem early, but trust us, it’s not. 
The UFT Pension Department is here for you to assist in your transition to retirement.