Retirement

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A pension may be the last thing on your mind when you’re starting your CUNY job, but it is one of the first things you’re asked to think about. Retirement income is as much a part of your compensation from CUNY as your salary or benefits. And like the other aspects of your compensation, it is fought for and protected by the union, in this case through the State Legislature, which regulates pensions for public employees.

New York State law mandates participation in a retirement system for full-time members of the CUNY instructional staff. As a new full-time faculty and staff member, you have 30 days from the date of your appointment to choose a retirement program. The choice is irrevocable. If you don’t make a choice within 30 days, the law mandates that you be assigned to the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS).

Part-time employees may enroll in only one plan, TRS, at any point during their careers, but it usually makes economic sense to enroll as soon as you start working at CUNY.

Click here for information on your retirement options plus information on retirement age, vesting, contribution rates, retirement allowance, tax deferred annuities, disability and death benefits -- and more.