09/14/2017
Whether you’re retiring soon or years down the road, NYSTRS offers many free tools to help you with the planning process.
No matter how far along you are in your career, attending a NYSTRS Pension & Retirement Education Program (PREP) seminar is beneficial. PREP is designed to help members of all ages prepare for retirement. Stay for the entire day-long seminar or just the modules that would be of greatest significance to you at your stage of life. Watch this video to learn more.
Schedule an in-person or video benefits consultation with a System representative at least a year before you plan to retire. They are held at sites across the state and at the System’s Albany office. At a consultation, you will: learn about your NYSTRS benefits; see the impact of reaching key service milestones; review your benefit payment options at retirement; and, receive personalized benefit estimates.
If you're contemplating retirement during or at the end of this school year, be sure to review our publication Countdown to Retirement to learn when to file your retirement application; what to consider if you have a beneficiary; the deadline for withdrawing your application or changing your retirement date; and, when to expect your first benefit payment.
Speaking of your payments, there are many important factors to consider before selecting the coverage best for you and your family. Our publication Maximum or an Option: Choosing a Benefit Payment Right for You provides a thorough explanation of the various benefit payment choices available so you can make an informed decision. If you’re more of a visual learner, watch the two-part video “Your NYSTRS Benefit Payment.”
Finally, if you’re planning to retire soon, download the NYSTRS Retirement Checklist, which reviews the six steps to collecting your retirement benefit. One important note: Retiring from your employer does NOT automatically trigger retirement benefit payments. You must also file an Application for Retirement (RET-54) with NYSTRS.
Still have questions? Call us at (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6250 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. and we will gladly provide assistance.