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Frequently Asked Questions

You can search the FAQs on our website by keyword or category above. 

A list of the most commonly asked questions.

Is it possible to request a pension consultation with a specific person or consultant of my choosing?

Yes, you may request an appointment with a specific pension consultant by name, but it is not a guarantee that you will be able to schedule a consultation with that person. To schedule a consultation at your borough office, call 212-331-6311

What are the rules for borrowing/taking out a loan from my retirement/pension funds?

As a UFT member, you have two sources from which to borrow money. If you are in pension tiers 3, 4 or 6, you can borrow from your Qualified Pension Plan (QPP) against your Member Contribution Accumulation Fund and against part of your additional member contributions. You may also borrow from your Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) account.

The maximum amount you can borrow from your pension and your TDA is $50,000, provided you have sufficient funds in those accounts.

Loans from those account are typically available within two weeks after you apply and, under normal circumstances, are not taxable.

Both have convenient repayment plans. The interest rate for TDA loans is 7% per year and the interest rate for QPP loans is 6% per year.

For more information, see the Teachers' Retirement System (TDA) FAQ page*

What is a deferred pay date?

A deferred pay date is only applicable if you have yet to meet the age of retirement and will be collecting your pension at a later time. 

At what age am I required to receive required minimum distributions (RMD) from my retirement accounts?

The federal SECURE Act 2.0 has raised the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement accounts to 73, as of January 2023. The RMD age has increased to 73 for people who turn age 72 after 2022 and age 73 before 2033. For people who turn age 74 after 2032, the RMD age will be 75.

The SECURE 1.0 Act in 2019 increased the RMD age to 72 (for people born on or after July 1, 1949). Prior to the SECURE Act 1.0, the RMD age was 70 1⁄2.

See more information about important rules, dates and benchmarks related to RMDs. 

How can I update my personal information with the Teachers Retirement System (TRS)?

You may update your permanent home address and/or other contact information by logging in to the TRS website. Any updated information that you provide to TRS through their website will take effect immediately. 

As an alternative, TRS in-service members and retirees may also use this form to update their address with TRS. Upon receipt of this form, TRS will update its records with your new permanent home address and/or other contact information and will direct all future communications to the home address and/or other contact information that you indicate in “Part B.”

TRS will send you a written confirmation of all changes whether you use the online or paper form.

Beneficiaries who are receiving monthly benefit payments should instead file the “Beneficiary’s Change of Address Form” which is available on the TRS web site