In-service members may enroll in the TDA Program at any time by accessing the secure section of our website. The TDA Program offers a traditional (pre-tax) option and a Roth (after-tax) option, and each has a separate enrollment process. Each option also allows you to name beneficiaries for your account; we recommend that you do so as soon as you enroll.

In general, your deductions would take effect with the first payroll that occurs at least 60 days after TRS receives your elections through the TDA feature in the secure section of our website, or paper form: the TDA Enrollment Form (code TD1) for new participants, and the TDA Contribution Rate Change Form (code TD4) for current TDA participants.

TDA participants may also change their contribution rates through the online TDA feature or by filing a paper TDA Contribution Rate Change Form. Any contribution rate change you make would take effect with the first payroll that occurs at least 60 days after TRS receives your form or online request. However, if you change your contribution rate during the fall enrollment period, your election would generally take effect with the first payroll of the following year.

If you are enrolling in the TDA Program for the first time, you may elect how to invest your future TDA contributions by logging in to the secure section of our website or by filing a paper TDA Enrollment Form (code TD1). If you are already a TDA participant, you may elect how to invest your future TDA contributions and any past TDA accumulations by logging in to the secure section of our website or by filing a paper TDA Investment Election Change Form (code TD45) on a quarterly basis. Investing in 5% multiples, you may choose any combination of TRS' Passport Funds.

If your TRS membership is mandatory, the box may be blank because TRS has not completed processing your enrollment. If your TRS membership is optional, the box may be blank because you have not enrolled in TRS, or TRS has not completed your enrollment.

If your TRS membership is mandatory, the box may be blank because TRS has not completed processing your enrollment. If your TRS membership is optional, the box may be blank because you have not enrolled in TRS, or TRS has not completed your enrollment.

If you meet the requirements for Plan A or C, and if you filed an enrollment application or a retirement plan election form electing Plan A or C within two years of your appointment, please write to TRS to have the information on the ABS corrected.

Please note, however, that until Tier I members meet the requirements for Plan A, the benefit estimate provided on their ABS will be based on Plan B. Until Tier II members meet the requirements for Plan C, the benefit estimate provided on their ABS will be based on Plan D.

As a TRS member, you can take advantage of two retirement plans under one roof: first, the guaranteed plan known as the Qualified Pension Plan (QPP); and second, our popular Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program. Benefits Summary explains more.

 

Your First Steps

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Make Benefits in Brief the first place you go for TRS information. This booklet introduces you to TRS, summarizes your benefits, and describes key membership information. There’s a wealth of information elsewhere on our website—just use the Search feature, located at the top of any page, to learn about specific topics.

Log in to the secure area of our website. You can register by setting up a username (user ID) and password. Then, you can see your account information, enroll in our TDA Program, designate beneficiaries, and more! (In some cases, you may not be able to register until your first pension contribution is deducted from your pay.)

Watch our video for new members. TRS has created a video to introduce you to TRS, your retirement system. Watch now and share with a friend.

 

Your Next Steps

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Once you are registered for secure access, you can log in and:

• Designate your beneficiaries under the QPP;
• Upload proof of your date of birth; and
• Tell us if you have been a member of another retirement system in New York State.

These simple steps will complete your enrollment in TRS.

You also have the opportunity to participate in the Tax-Deferred Annuity Program, our supplementary investment program. Two-thirds of your fellow members have enrolled, and we hope you will consider doing the same after learning more and reading the Your Tax-Deferred Annuity Program.

S-P-D stands for a Summary Plan Description. TRS provides this booklet, containing important information about TRS membership and benefits, to each member upon enrollment. (The Tier I and II SPD is not currently available.)

You will be assigned a membership number once we have completed processing your enrollment. This number will appear on your paystubs, EFT statements, and TRS correspondence.