Pension benefits are offered through the New York City Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS). As a benefit plan, the amount available to you at retirement is governed by formulas stated in the law, not by the condition of the stock market at the time of retirement.
Interest
The amount that is in your NYCERS retirement account continues to accrue interest, regardless of whether contributions are being made.
Vested Benefit
Vesting is the right to receive future retirement benefits upon completing the service requirements of the plan and tier. This means that your future retirement benefits are secure.
Retirement eligibility is based on years of service and age, which is determined by date of initial full time appointment.
| Tier | Date of Appointment | Years of Service | Age |
| I | Prior to 7/1/73 | Part A – 25 Part B – 30 | Part A – 55 Part A – 50 |
| II | 7/1/73 to 7/26/76 | 25 | 55 |
| III | 7/26/76 to 8/31/83 | 20 | 62 |
| IV | 9/1/83 to 6/30/92 | 10 | 62 |
| *IV | 6/30/92 to Present | 5 | 57 |
*AMC, or Additional Membership Conributions are mandatory contributions that are made by members in the Tier IV Special Programs (i.e. 57/5, etc). In addition to the basic contribution of 3% of wages there is a 1.85% AMC, equaling a 4.85 % bi-weekly deduction of wages.
You are strongly urged to speak to a NYCERs representative about your vesting and refund rights before leaving NYC service and to get instructions on how to properly file for this benefit.
Visit NYCERS Forms And Brochures Center for additional guides, change of address forms, etc.
New York State law mandates participation in a retirement system for Civil Service Managerial, Competitive and Labor Class employees. New staff must file their retirement application with the Office of Human Resources within 6 months from their appointment date.