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Congratulations on taking the first step to securing your financial future!
You've Got This!
Enrolling might feel overwhelming. It's not. Our staff will help you every step of the way.
If you think you cannot afford to participate, consider this: For members earning under $45,000 per year, the contribution rate is only 3% of your gross salary. A small contribution now will provide you with ongoing paychecks for life in retirement.
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.
How to Join BERS
To enroll in the BERS Qualified Pension Plan, complete the:
To enroll in the Tax Deferred Annuity Program
Please note: School Crossing Guards and employees of the School Construction Authority are not eligible to participate in the BERS Tax Deferred Annuity program.
Automatic Enrollment
On December 8, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law Chapter 721 of the Laws of 2023 ("Chapter 721"). This law, which takes effect on July 1, 2024, provides that certain employees eligible for BERS membership will be automatically enrolled in BERS unless they opt out within 90 days. For more information on how this law may affect your membership in BERS, check out our Auto Enrollment FAQ.
How to Opt-Out of BERS Membership
If you do not wish to join BERS at this time, you can opt out of automatic enrollment by filing an Auto-Enrollment Opt-out Form with BERS. Please note that BERS will need to receive your form before the opt-out deadline, so plan accordingly. Once BERS automatically enrolls you as required by law, you will not be allowed to withdraw from membership. It is your responsibility to submit this form before your Auto-Enrollment date.
Where and How to Submit Your Forms
Please do not submit any BERS forms to DOE. All BERS Membership Applications, Auto-Enrollment Opt-Out Forms, or other retirement-related documents must be submitted directly to BERS. BERS accepts forms by mail at the following address:
Board of Education Retirement System
65 Court Street, 16th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
You may also submit forms to BERS by fax at (718) 935-4124 or (718) 935-3830.
Lastly, you can upload your form through BERS DocUpload.
BERS requires all forms to be signed and notarized.
If you have any questions about auto-enrollment, or about BERS membership, please contact BERS. You may reach BERS by phone at (929) 305-3800, or at 800-843-5575 (if outside New York State), or by email at brespon@bers.nyc.gov.
Get social with us! BERS is now on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Follow us and check out what is happening at BERS.
Important: Please allow up to 90 days from the receipt of your enrollment forms to process your applications.
Membership in BERS is not open to regularly appointed teachers and other employees eligible to participate in the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) or the Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS).