Save with TDA & Roth option
Learn your options for saving for your retirement with the UFT's Tax-Deferred Annuity program and/or the Roth option, and remember that it's never too early to start.
All about your pension benefits
UFT members are among the rare 20% of US workers entitled to a traditional pension. The defined-benefit pension enjoyed by UFT members is the gold standard of retirement plans, guaranteeing the same amount each month throughout one’s retirement...
2026 COLA increase is 1.7%
Learn what the 2026 cost of living increase will be for retired educators and other public employees beginning with their September New York State pension checks.
A big fix for Tier 6
A sustained campaign by UFT members to reform Tier 6 of the New York State's pension system pays off with state lawmakers dropping to 58, from 63, the age at which members can retire without penalty with 30 years of service.
Tom Brown reelected TRS trustee
Tom Brown, UFT assistant treasurer and the current chair of the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) Board, was decisively reelected as a TRS board trustee on June 2. He will serve a three-year term.
Designating your beneficiaries
Why it's important to designate beneficiaries, keep your beneficiary designations current after life-changing events and ensure the latest contact information for your beneficiaries is on file with your pension system.
Required minimum distribution date changed
The Teachers’ Retirement System has moved up the timeline to October for when required minimum distributions from tax-deferred annuities will be paid.
Together, we win — on Tier 6 and more
UFT President Michael Mulgrew lauds the member engagement that resulted in bringing Tier 6 more closely in line with New York State's other pension tiers. He exhorts members to enjoy the summer and then to continue the momentum built around Tier 6 in...
Bridging the retirement gap
UFT members enjoy robust retirement benefits, often the envy of workers outside the union's ranks. Union leaders urged members at its second Pension Expo to support efforts to guarantee such benefits for all U.S. workers.
UFT Lobby Day 2026
About 1,000 UFT members, parents and advocates traveled to Albany on March 16 to lobby state legislators on key issues for the union. Members demanded that lawmakers Fix Tier 6 of the state pension system and reduce the retirement age to 55. They asked legislators to increase compensation for family child care providers and provide adequate state aid to city schools. Members also made their views known to lawmakers remotely via virtual Lobby Day activities during the week of March 16.