Welcome BERS Member!

The New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS), founded on August 31, 1921, provides a defined benefit plan to eligible employees of the NYC Department of Education under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. A defined benefit plan is a type of retirement plan that indicates the type of benefit to be paid. The benefit paid is calculated using a predetermined formula based on years of service and compensation base.

BERS’ membership mostly consists of employees of the New York City Department of Education (DOE) who are not eligible to join the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). This includes school lunch helpers, school nurses, school custodians, substitute teachers, and many other job titles. BERS also provides coverage to employees of the School Construction Authority, School Crossing Guards employed by the NYPD, employees of certain charter schools, as well as employees of BERS.

Whether you have just enrolled in BERS or have been with us for a while, BERS is here to help guide you in understanding the benefits and services available to you.