Most Requested
Most Requested
The tabs below contain the 20 most requested forms and other documents for each category. If the document you want is not here, search by keyword or browse by your membership status (New Employee, Active Member, Retiree, Beneficiary).
Application for Membership for NYCERS-Eligible Employees – Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6
Form #103
For City employees who wish to apply for NYCERS membership. You may also nominate a beneficiary for a death benefit payable if you die while in City service.
Loan Application – Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6 Basic and Special Plan
Form #302
Application for eligible Tier 3, Tier 4 and Tier 6 Basic and Special Plan members who wish to apply for a NYCERS pension loan.
Designation of Beneficiary – Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6
Form #133
For Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6 members who wish to nominate one or more beneficiaries to receive a death benefit payable upon the death of a member while in active City service.
Change of Address
Form #290
Submit this form if you wish to change the address that NYCERS has on file for you.
Designation of Guardian – When Designating a Minor as a Beneficiary
Form #137
If your beneficiary is under the age of 21, you may use this form to designate a guardian to claim the benefit on behalf of the minor. This form may be used in conjunction with any of NYCERS’ Designation of Beneficiary Forms.
Authorization for Direct Deposit (EFT) of Monthly Retirement Allowance
Form #380
Complete this form to have your NYCERS pension check automatically deposited into your bank account by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). Direct Deposit is easy, convenient, and secure. No more waiting for the check to arrive; no more trips to the bank in bad weather!
Designation of Primary and Contingent Beneficiary – Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6
Form #134
For Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6 members who wish to nominate Primary and Contingent beneficiaries to receive a death benefit payable upon the death of a member while in active City service.
Application to Purchase Credit for Service Rendered Prior to Membership Date in NYCERS (Buyback)
Form #241
Use this application to purchase (buyback) previous full-time or part-time public service rendered within New York State prior to your NYCERS membership. Note: Tier 1 members may only buy back public service rendered in a NYCERS-eligible title.
Application for Service Retirement – Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6
Form #521
Application for members who wish to apply for Service Retirement.
Application for Refund of Member’s Accumulated Salary Deductions
Form #331
For members who wish to receive a refund of their accumulated salary deductions. Note that by withdrawing your accumulated salary deductions, your membership and all associated rights, benefits, and privileges will end.
Designation of Beneficiary – Post-Retirement Lump-Sum Death Benefit – Tier 2, Tier 4, and Tier 6
Form #501
Use this form to name a beneficiary to receive a one-time lump-sum benefit upon your death after retirement (Tier 2, Tier 4, and Tier 6 only).
Request for Information
Form #852
If the information you are looking for is not available online or over the phone, please use this form to submit your request in writing.
Application to Change Federal Income Tax Withheld
Form #349
Use this form to change how much money is withheld from your monthly pension check toward federal taxes.
Membership / Tier Reinstatement
Form #181
For NYCERS members who wish to apply for reinstatement of a former membership with NYCERS or any other New York City or New York State public retirement system. If you are eligible, reinstatement could change your Tier and membership date, and may affect your contribution rate and retirement benefits.
Application for Change in Loan Repayment Schedule – Tier 3, Tier 4 and Tier 6
Form #309
For Tier 3, Tier 4 and Tier 6 Basic and Special Plan members who wish to change their loan repayment schedule.
Name Change Application
Form #291
For members, retirees, and beneficiaries who have changed their first or last name. You must attach proof of a legal name change, such as a copy of a Marriage Certificate or Judgment of Divorce.
Application for Disability Retirement – Tier 4
Form #604
Use this application if you are a Tier 4 member and wish to collect a retirement benefit due to disability.
Application to Purchase Credit for Military Service
Form #244
Military service must have been satisfactorily completed and a discharge under honorable circumstances must have been granted. A DD214 form is the most common proof of satisfactory military service.
Retirement Option Election Form – Tier 4, Tier 6 63/10, and Special Plan Members – Maximum, Option 1, 2, and 5
Form #556
This Retirement Option Election Form allows you to elect either the Maximum Retirement Allowance or an option that provides a continuing benefit to your designated beneficiary after your death. By electing a retirement option, you will receive a reduced retirement benefit.
Application for Transfer of Member’s Accumulated Salary Deductions to Another Retirement System Within New York State
Form #321
If you accept another position with the City or State of New York (or any of its political subdivisions) that entitles you to membership in another City or State retirement system, you may use this form to transfer your NYCERS membership to that system.
Loans – Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6 Basic and Special Plan Members
Brochure #911
Information about loan eligibility, borrowing capacity, and filing and processing a loan application for members in Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 6 Basic and Special Plans.
Retirement Options – Tier 4 and Tier 6 Basic and Special Plan
Brochure #926
This brochure describes the retirement options for Tier 4 and Tier 6 Basic and Special Plan members. By selecting an option, you accept a reduced lifetime retirement allowance in exchange for the payment of a benefit to your designated beneficiary upon your death. If you do not select an option, you will be awarded the Maximum Retirement Allowance. Be sure you understand each option before you submit your retirement forms.
NYCERS Membership at a Glance
Brochure #968
Besides the obvious benefit of collecting a pension when you retire, your NYCERS membership provides disability protection, survivor benefits, the ability to borrow against your contributions, and more.
Calculating Your Retirement Benefit – Tier 4 62/5, 57/5 or 55/25
Brochure #927
How the Service Retirement Benefit is calculated for Tier 4 members.
Buy-Back – Purchasing Credit for Service Rendered Prior to NYCERS Membership
Brochure #901
The benefits and the process for purchasing previous public service (buy-back).
Calculating Your Final Average Salary (FAS) – Tier 4
Brochure #929
How NYCERS determines a Tier 4 member’s Final Average Salary.
Leaving City Service – Tiers 3, 4, 6 and 22-Year Plans
Brochure #908
Learn about the rights and options available to you after leaving City service. Many options are time-sensitive; we encourage you to read this brochure prior to leaving City service.
Attention Non-Members: You may want to join NYCERS before leaving City service. By becoming a NYCERS member, you preserve your right to membership in the current tier. This may be beneficial if you return to public service in New York City or New York State in the future.
57/5 Retirement Plan for Tier 4 Members
Brochure #945
Participants in the 57/5 Retirement Plan who have five or more years of Credited Service, at least two years of which are Membership Service, are eligible to receive a Service Retirement Benefit at age 57.
Vesting – Tier 3 and Tier 4
Brochure #904
Vesting is your right to receive a retirement benefit in the future if you have met the requirements of your plan even if you leave City service before you are eligible to retire.
Disability Retirement – Tier 3 and Tier 4
Brochure #922
The disability retirement process for Tier 3 and 4 members.
Military Buy-Back
Brochure #902
Eligibility, benefits and application process to purchase service credit for time spent on active duty in the U.S. military.
62/5 Retirement Plan for Tier 4 Members
Brochure #946
The 62/5 Retirement Plan, also referred to as the Basic Tier 4 Plan, allows participants to retire with a full pension at age 62 with at least five years of Credited Service, or with a reduced pension between the ages of 55 and 61.
55/25 Retirement Plan for Tier 4 Members
Brochure #944
Participants in the 55/25 Retirement Plan who have 25 or more years of Credited Service, at least two of which are Membership Service, are eligible to receive a Service Retirement Benefit at age 55.
Transit Operating Force 25-Year/Age 55 Retirement Plan for Tier 6 Members
Brochure #986
This brochure outlines the obligations and benefits of the Transit 25-Year/Age 55 Retirement Plan for Tier 6 members (6TR-25). The 6TR-25 Plan allows participants to retire with 25 years of Allowable Service at age 55 and is available only to those employed in a Transit Operating Force (TOF) position.
63/10 Retirement Plan for Tier 6 Members (Tier 6 Basic Plan)
Brochure #993
The 63/10 Retirement Plan for Tier 6 members (Tier 6 Basic Plan), allows participants to retire with an unreduced pension at age 63 with at least 10 years of Credited Service, or with a reduced pension earlier than age 63 but no earlier than age 55.
How to Register for MyNYCERS
Brochure #967
Learn how to Register your MyNYCERS account for full access to all online services, including the ability to see an estimate of your retirement benefit, mange your beneficiaries, apply for and pay off a loan online, and change your address.
Transit Operating Force 25-Year/Age 55 Retirement Plan for Tier 4 Members
Brochure #910
This brochure outlines the benefits of the Transit 25- Year/Age 55 Retirement Plan (T25/55 Plan). The T25/55 Plan is available only to those employed in a Transit Operating Force (TOF) position.
Earnings Limitations for Service Retirees and Disability Retirees
Brochure #958
This brochure describes the earnings limitations that service and disability retirees may be subject to if they decide to return to public service within New York City or New York State.
Calculating Your Retirement Benefit – Tier 4 Transit 25-Year/Age 55 Plan
Brochure #930
How the Service Retirement Benefit is calculated for Tier 4 members in the Transit 25-Year/Age 55 Plan.
Membership Reinstatement
Brochure #905
Former members of a public retirement system in New York State who left public employment and later returned to public service may be able to restore their original membership date and tier status.
Loans – Tier 1 and Tier 2
Brochure #912
Information about eligibility, borrowing capacity, filing and processing application for a loan for Tier 1 and 2 members.
Tier 6 Basic Plan
Fact Sheet #718
An overview of the 63/10 Retirement Plan for Tier 6 members.
Pension Payment Calendar
Fact Sheet #713
Download your Pension Payment Calendar here and never wonder when your next payment will be issued.
Processing Death Benefits
Fact Sheet #702
An overview of NYCERS’ policies and procedures for processing a death benefit claim.
Special Tax Notice Regarding Plan Payments
Fact Sheet #717
Tax consequences and rollover options when receiving a lump-sum payment from NYCERS.
Guide to Your Pension Check
Fact Sheet #705
If you receive your pension check in the mail, this fact sheet will explain the information that appears on the check. We encourage you to instead consider having your pension check directly deposited into the account of your choice through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).
Sanitation Tier 3 22-Year Plan Enhanced Disability Benefit
Fact Sheet #728
The benefits and obligations of the Enhanced Disability Benefit program (EDB) available to participants in the Uniformed Sanitation Force 22-Year Plan (SA-22 Plan).
Tier 6 Special Plans
Fact Sheet #719
An overview of the Tier 6 Special plans for Emergency Medical Technicians, Dispatchers, Deputy Sheriffs, Special Peace Officers, Automotive Workers, Police Communications Technicians, as well as employees of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, and Transit Authority.
The Road to Your NYCERS Retirement
Fact Sheet #716
Retiring from your City job is an important step and the beginning of an exciting time in your life! On a practical note, it’s a process that will take at least a few months to complete and can go more smoothly if you fully understand what to do and what to expect. Here at a glance are your 6 Stops on the Road to Retirement.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Fact Sheet #707
COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. This is an annual adjustment to your retirement allowance that is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Certain pensioners are eligible to receive a COLA which is paid every September.
WTC Disability Law
Fact Sheet #703
Questions and answers about the World Trade Center Disability Law.
A Notice of Participation in WTC Rescue, Recovery, or Clean-Up Operations (NYCERS Form #622) must be filed no later than September 11, 2022.
Birthdate Evidence Alternatives
Fact Sheet #709
A list of alternative documentation that NYCERS will accept as evidence of birthdate if you cannot provide a legible, English-language birth certificate. Depending on the document(s) you provide, you may also be required to submit NYCERS’ Birth Evidence Affidavit #205.
Proof of Identity
Fact Sheet #711
An explanation of what documents NYCERS will accept from members, retirees, or beneficiaries as proof of their name (not proof of date of birth) or change of name.
Other Available Options for Lump-Sum Payment
Fact Sheet #708
Instructions for transferring funds from a Deferred Compensation Plan or Individual Retirement Account listed on this fact sheet (if allowed by your plan administrator) to pay for your previous service or membership reinstatement.
All Tiers — Maximum Compensation Limit under IRC 401(a)(17)
Fact Sheet #727
The Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA ’93) reduced the Maximum Compensation Limit under IRC 401(a)(17) for employees of the private sector. After a transition period the compensation limit was extended to include eligible participants of governmental state and local plans.
Participating Employers
Fact Sheet #724
A list of Participating Employers whose employees are eligible for membership in NYCERS.
Physically Taxing Titles
Fact Sheet #712
Information for Chapter 96 members employed in a physically taxing title. Use this fact sheet together with the brochure describing your Chapter 96 Plan for a complete understanding of your benefits and obligations. This fact sheet includes the Official List of Physically Taxing Positions.
5@55 Legal Checklist
Fact Sheet #726
A key part of retirement planning is to make sure you are prepared for the health and legal needs you may face. Here is a handy checklist to help you complete five key documents you need by age 55, but no later than retirement.
Loan Taxability Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet #706
An explanation of the taxability of your loan.
Correction Tier 3 22-Year Plan Enhanced Disability Benefit
Fact Sheet #731
The benefits and obligations of the Enhanced Disability Benefit program (EDB) available to participants in the Uniformed Correction Force 22-Year Plan (CF-22 Plan).