Tiers 1 and 2
You must: a) have at least 10 years of New York State service (and, if you are a Tier 2 member, at least five years of the service must have occurred since last becoming a member), and b) be totally and permanently incapacitated from further teaching service, and c) cease teaching because of the disability.
Tiers 3-6
You must: a) have at least 10 years of NYS service, and b) be totally and permanently incapacitated from all further gainful employment, and c) file a disability application with NYSTRS within 12 months from the last date you were on the payroll (or, if you are placed on leave of absence without pay for medical reasons, no later than 12 months after the date your leave has been terminated).
Under Tiers 3-6, the service requirement is waived if the disability resulted from an accident sustained in the performance of your teaching duties.