About NYSTRS
The New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS) provides retirement, disability and death benefits to eligible New York State public school teachers and administrators. NYSTRS is the second-largest public retirement system in the state and one of the 10-largest systems in the nation. We serve over 270,000 active members and over 133,000 retirees and beneficiaries. To learn more about NYSTRS, please review the publication Learning About NYSTRS or click on a topic below.
NYSTRS' Mission and Benefits
NYSTRS was established in 1921 by the New York State Legislature, and our benefits are paid in accordance with the laws enacted by the Legislature.
We administer a defined benefit plan that provides three core benefits: service retirements, disability coverage, and death benefits. Eligibility for these benefits depends on factors such as a member's tier, age, earnings and service credit.
NYSTRS retirees are guaranteed a monthly benefit payment for life. Depending on the benefit payment choice made at retirement, a retiree's beneficiary(ies) may continue to receive a benefit following the retiree's death.
Our Mission
To provide the membership with timely service and accurate benefit payments, and to assure the funding of those benefits by utilizing proper actuarial techniques and maximizing investment returns.
