Benefits Consultations

Benefit consultations are available to members who are age 53 or older and expect to retire within three years of the current school year and to members with potential disability retirement eligibility.

During a consultation, you will learn about your NYSTRS benefits and see the impact of reaching key service milestones. You'll also receive personalized benefit estimates and review your benefit payment options at retirement.

Benefit consultations are being conducted by phone or personal device video (which allows you to meet with a NYSTRS representative securely online using your own personal computer, smartphone or tablet). See the Make a Reservation section to schedule your consultation.

No matter which consultation type you prefer, you can expect to have all your questions answered. Here’s how we will connect with you, depending on the type of consultation you schedule:

• Phone: We will call you at the scheduled time.
• Personal Device Video: We will meet with you in a private video consultation via Microsoft Teams.

Benefit estimates will be provided in advance of your phone consultation. Estimates can be uploaded to your MyNYSTRS account or, if you prefer, mailed to you via U.S. mail. If you choose a personal device video consultation we will share the estimate in real time.

If you don't have a MyNYSTRS account, we strongly urge you to create one prior to your consultation. Register for your account here. You will need to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number and NYSTRS EmplID so have those handy. The latter can be found on the Benefit Profile sent to you each fall or on personal correspondence you have received from NYSTRS.

Make a Reservation

There are two ways to book a consultation:

1. Online using your MyNYSTRS account. After logging into your account, visit the Tools/Schedule a Consultation or PREP page.
2. By calling NYSTRS at 800-348-7298, ext. 6100.

You can generally book appointments up to three months in advance.

Have the following items ready for your consultation:

• A picture ID.
• Your most-recent and current salaries by school year (as well as future earnings if projections are desired).
• Any questions you have about NYSTRS benefits. Reviewing your latest Benefit Profile can be helpful in this regard.
• If your membership date is before June 17, 1971, information about local incentives or payments for unused sick days.