Outreach

Congrats on getting started with enrolling in the BERS pension plan!

Just a small investment now will provide you with ongoing paychecks for life in retirement.

Note: We recommend that you bookmark this webpage in case you want to return to it later.

Step 1: Enroll in the Pension Plan

To enroll, complete the following enrollment forms:

• Tier 6 Membership Enrollment Application
• Tier 6 Designation of Beneficiary

Step 2: Enroll in the Tax Deferred Annuity Program

• TDA Enrollment Application
• TDA Designation of Beneficiary

Please note: School Crossing Guards and employees of the School Construction Authority are not eligible to participate in the BERS Tax Deferred Annuity program.

Please submit your completed forms via email to members_outreach@bers.nyc.gov.

You may also submit these forms via fax to 718-935-4124 or 718-935-3830.

Important: Please allow up to 90 days from the receipt of your enrollment forms to process your applications.

Questions?

NYC BERS is staffed with knowledgeable, caring retirement representatives who can work with you one-on-one to explain the plan and answer any questions you have.

Retirement representatives can:

• Confirm your eligibility
• Help you complete the enrollment paperwork
• Calculate your per-paycheck contributions
• Help you understand how the TDA Program works
• And so much more!

Email members_outreach@bers.nyc.gov or contact a retirement representative at (929) 305-3800 or (800) 843-5575 (outside New York State), Monday through Friday, to set up a teleconference call.

Learn More

By enrolling in the pension plan now, you'll not only receive a steady paycheck for the rest of your life after you retire, but you'll enjoy these benefits:

• The opportunity to save even more money for retirement through a Tax Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program, which can help you reduce your current taxable income now and save for the future
  • Within the TDA, you can choose to invest through the Fixed Program, which offers guaranteed annual growth of 7% for UFT members and 8.25% for all other members, or the Variable Program, which allows you to invest in a diverse mix of stocks, helping you potentially maximize your savings
• Financial protection-disability and accidental death coverage for qualifying members
• The possibility of retiring early at a reduced monthly payout rate (if you qualify)
• The option of leaving your pension benefits to your designated beneficiary
• Access to tax-deferred loans
• Transferable contributions—you can move your money to another compatible plan if you leave BERS

Learn more about BERS pension benefits by reviewing the Tier 6 Summary Plan Description (SPD) and the Tax Deferred Annuity Program (SPD).

Why Join BERS? Watch our video and see why you should become a member.

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