About BERS

The New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) was founded on August 31, 1921 to provide retirement benefits for civil service employees permanently employed by the City and School District of New York other than those who may retire under the provisions of other retirement laws. BERS has since expanded to include other employees, such as provisional and part-time employees of the Department of Education (DOE) and other covered employers.  

BERS is one of the largest multi-employer, multi-tiered retirement systems in the United States. Our members are employed in such agencies as the Department of Education, the School Construction Authority, the Police Department and the Transit Authority. BERS currently provides retirement benefits to members in five (5) tiers. The Retirement System benefits exist to provide financial security for our members and their beneficiaries both during and after employment ends.

Beyond retirement benefits, BERS also offers a tax-deferred annuity program established under the guideline of section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. This program gives members the opportunity to invest additional savings on a pre-tax basis.

BERS Centennial Timeline