05/08/2020
If you are filing time-sensitive forms or submitting critical documents to NYSTRS, we strongly recommend that you use registered or certified mail through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to do so. The Postal Service is reporting delays in standard mail delivery times due to staff shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also remember many forms can be submitted quickly, easily and securely via MyNYSTRS. A retirement application, direct deposit change and address change are among the forms account holders can file online through MyNYSTRS. If you don’t have an account, create one today.
In several cases it is critically important to you that we receive your documents in a timely fashion. For example, if you file for a service retirement you have only 14 days from the date of retirement to withdraw your application and 30 days to change your benefit payment option. Using certified or registered mail through USPS in these instances ensures the postmarked date will be considered the date received by NYSTRS. (If you have a MyNYSTRS account, you can instead send us a Secure Message to withdraw your retirement application.)
For forms requiring notarization, a New York State executive order permitted the use of e-notarizations but the order was rescinded as of June 24, 2021.
As outlined in our web headline COVID-19 Update & FAQs, we are prioritizing transactions such as pension payments, direct deposit changes, disability retirements, death benefits and loans. All other transactions will be processed as expeditiously as possible.