Who We Are

NYSTRS is the second-largest public retirement system in the state and one of the 10-largest systems in the nation.  We serve over 280,000 active members and 139,000 retirees and beneficiaries. Eligible retirees are guaranteed a monthly benefit payment for life.

NYSTRS administers a defined benefit plan that provides retirement, disability and death benefits to eligible New York State public school teachers and administrators. Eligibility for these benefits depends on factors such as a member's tier of membership, age, earnings and service credit.

The Retirement System was established in 1921 by the New York State Legislature, and our benefits are paid in accordance with the laws enacted by the Legislature.

To learn more about NYSTRS, see the pages in this section and read our publication Learning About NYSTRS.

Our Mission  

To provide the membership with timely service and accurate benefit payments, and to assure the funding of those benefits by utilizing proper actuarial techniques and maximizing investment returns.