FAQ on BERS to TRS transfers
In Dec. 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill that will allow UFT members who are enrolled in the Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) to transfer into the Teachers’ Retirement System if they wish. This new law is the culmination of a years-long fight on the part of the UFT. By working together and raising our voices, we won a better future for ourselves and subsequent generations of UFT members.
Read our FAQ to learn more about eligibility and the transfer process.
What does the new legislation mean to me as a BERS member?
Chapter 551 of the laws of 2024 allows current members of BERS who are working in UFT-covered titles to transfer their membership from BERS to TRS. The transfer must be requested by Dec. 10, 2025 — one year after the effective date of Chapter 551.
What job titles are affected?
The law affects any job title that a) is covered by the UFT and b) provided membership in BERS. This includes but is not limited to substitute, per-session, and per-diem titles, educational analyst/officer titles, occupational therapists, physical therapists and more. See a list of titles eligible for TRS transfers »
Is there a deadline for transferring from BERS to TRS?
The transfer must be requested by Dec. 10, 2025 — one year after the effective date of Chapter 551. We urge you not to take any action until you have carefully considered all the information and understand how a transfer may affect you. See TRS' brochure for an FAQ, steps to transfer and more »
Members who do not file to transfer to TRS by the deadline will remain in BERS.
What does a membership transfer mean?
If you transfer your membership from BERS to TRS, you will become a member of TRS. Your tier status, service credit, pension contributions, Tax-Deferred Annuity Program account, loan balances, deficits in contributions, etc., would transfer to TRS with you.
It is important to understand that the retirement plans at TRS are similar but not identical to those at BERS, and your date of membership in BERS will help determine what retirement plan you qualify for at TRS. See a chart to compare the two plans »
Each TRS plan has different requirements for contributions, and some members who transfer membership may be required to make back contributions upon joining TRS.
The decision to transfer membership is irrevocable. If you file a request to transfer to TRS, you cannot “undo” that and transfer back to BERS. That’s why it is advisable to have all the information before making a decision. See BERS' FAQs for additional information »
What does the legislation mean for new employees?
Individuals who were hired in the affected titles after Dec. 12, 2024 will have the option to join TRS for pension coverage. They will not be eligible to join BERS. New employees are encouraged to join TRS right away so they can start earning pension credit as soon as possible. Those who wait to join will still be able to purchase pension credit for the period before they joined TRS, but the cost will be greater the longer they wait.
Does this new legislation apply to part-time employees who are members of BERS?
Yes, Chapter 551 applies to both full-time and part-time employees in eligible titles.
What are the differences between BERS and TRS? Does either of the retirement systems offer a better retirement benefit?
BERS and TRS provide retirement benefits to different titles within the education system. Both BERS and TRS provide a defined benefit pension plan. A defined benefit plan is a type of retirement plan that states the type of benefit to be paid. The benefit payable is calculated using a set formula based on years of credited service and compensation base. Both retirement systems also offer an optional Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA).
There are a few differences in the early retirement plans offered (based on job title, membership date, or hire date) between the two systems. See a chart to compare the two plans »