In order to file a grievance properly, you must have as much information and documentation as possible.

Yes, but the required age differs depending on when you joined the retirement system and what pension tier you are in. To find out the minimum age you must reach before collecting full or reduced pension benefits, you can speak to a pension...

The state laws governing the public employee pensions have changed over time. Usually the changes do not apply to people who have already joined the retirement system — in other words, the new pension plan applies only to future members. So the rules...

In addition to the defined benefit Qualified Pension Plan, the Teachers’ Retirement System and the Board of Education Retirement System offer a voluntary program, the Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) that allows you to save additional money for your...

In some cases, Tiers III, IV and VI members can purchase service credit for certain employment they had before joining TRS. For your service to be eligible, the work had to have been rendered while you were in public employment in New York City or...

It is very important to choose a beneficiary or beneficiaries so you can be sure that if you die while you are still working for the New York City public schools the person(s) you choose receives your death benefit, instead of leaving it up to the...

Being in the retirement system gives you the security of knowing that if you complete the minimum requirements you will receive a monthly pension allowance for the rest of your life after you retire. If you also enroll in the Tax-Deferred Annuity...

First, your contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes are taken out; as a result, your current taxes are lower. (For New York residents, this includes federal, state and local taxes. Please check with your accountant about state...

Tier I — those who joined TRS before July 1, 1973. Tier II — those who joined TRS after June 30, 1973 and before July 27, 1976 Tier III — those who joined TRS after July 26, 1976 and before September 1, 1983 All Tier III members may retire under Tier...

Your pension is based on a complex formula that includes such factors as your date of appointment, your years of service, your age at retirement and your final average salary. You are entitled to an individual preliminary pension consultation any...

Substitute Teacher Position back to top It is the policy of the Board to provide for the gradual elimination of the position of substitute teacher in the following manner: No examination for substitute teacher of common branches will be conducted at...

Salaries and Differentials back to top The salaries and differentials of day school teachers and the eligibility requirements therefor are set forth in pertinent part in Appendix A which is attached to and made a part of this Agreement Staff...

If you resign and want to withdraw your pension funds, including the interest earned, you may be able to do so, depending on how long you worked and contributed. However, there may be several other choices available to you. You may be able to...

If you have a username and password on the TRS website at www.trsnyc.org, you can enroll in the TDA Program online at any time. When you enroll in the TDA Program, you should also designate a TDA beneficiary, which is available on the TRS website. If...

You may be eligible for a TDA loan if you have participated in the TDA Program for at least one year; you are an in-service member, or you are on a leave of absence, or you have TDA Deferral status; you are not in default on an existing TDA loan. You...

You may be eligible for a loan from your pension fund account (Qualified Pension Plan or QPP) if: you are either an in-service member or on a leave of absence, you are not in default on an existing pension loan. as a Tier I or II member, you have at...

The TRS Passport Funds provide six investment offerings: The Fixed Return Fund offers a guaranteed rate of return set by the New York State Legislature. The current 7 percent annual rate is guaranteed in accordance with applicable laws. The...

No. Your contributions automatically continue into the next year. However, you may change your contribution rate on the Teachers' Retirement System website at www.trsnyc.org or by filing a hardcopy TDA Contribution Rate Change Form. BERS members may...

The cost of purchasing service is based on your tier in the pension system. You may be eligible to pay in a lump sum, through payroll deductions, or through a TDA transfer. TRS will give you a Cost Letter, which explains the options, the amount of...

There is no limit on the number of years of prior service credit you can purchase. However, you can't receive more than one year of credit for any given school year, and there may be minimum service requirements in a given year. You must complete at...

New members receive a “Designation of QPP (Qualified Pension Plan) Beneficiary Form” with their TDA enrollment application and should file both forms together. Participants in the Tax Deferred Annuity Program should designate a beneficiary for their...

That depends on when you joined the retirement system. Your contribution rate is indicated on your Quarterly Account Statement from TRS or you can call a pension consultant at your UFT borough office. In any case, you will pay a percentage of your...

If you are an appointed teacher, paraprofessional or other pedagogue in a city public school, the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) will send you a welcome letter explaining the online enrollment procedure. Most others, including nurses, therapists...

Substitutes and per diem teachers cannot join the Teachers’ Retirement System, but they may be eligible for pension coverage with the Board of Education Retirement System (BERS). Contact BERS at 65 Court Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or call 929...

Not necessarily. Charter schools each decide what retirement benefits they will offer. They do not automatically provide pension coverage through the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System. However, they may opt to do so.

Yes. The Paraprofessional Bill was signed by the Governor on Oct. 29, 2021, and paraprofessionals in the following titles are now automatically members of TRS: Auxiliary Trainer; Bilingual Professional Assistant; Educational Assistant; Educational...

That depends on your job. If you are an appointed teacher, paraprofessional or other pedagogue in a city public school, you automatically become a member of the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), which provides your pension. Your contributions to...

For specific steps to take and forms to complete, visit the Line of Duty Injury section of the UFT website. The DOE’s Comprehensive Injury/Accident Report, including a description of the accident/incident and witness statements, must be filled out in...

If you miss the deadline because you are hurt or have other extenuating circumstances, report it as soon as possible and apply for the Line of Duty Injury on SOLAS. Speak to your UFT chapter leader or district representative if you think there may be...

On rare occasions, the DOE will request you to come in for a medical evaluation. Unless you hear from them, there is no need for you to contact them.

The special Education compliance complaint process is used to track trends and facilitate problem-solving around special education issues.

No. They may designate someone else if they choose.

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of the special education process for each student, serving as a comprehensive strategic plan that shapes the educational experience and outcomes for students with disabilities. Learn more...

Special class services serve students with disabilities whose needs cannot be met within a general education class, including integrated co-teaching classes, even with the use of supplementary aids and services.

To enhance flexibility in providing special education services, the NYC Department of Education (DOE) requested an innovative waiver from the State Education Department to combine Consultant Teacher services and Resource Room into a single hybrid...