New York State Teachers' Retirement Plan

[katieinny]

I'm trying to get information about the New York State Teachers' Retirement Plan. I thought there might be a website, but I'm having trouble locating it if there is one.

Specifically, I'm wondering if a spouse is entitled to any benefit upon the death of a teacher. The teacher chose a single life annuity option. An earlier question on Benefitslink indicates that no spousal consent was required to take the single life option. However, I don't want to point to a message board as my authority. I would like to get it straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

[Guest lisbetf]

Was the teacher already in receipt of his life annuity benefit at the time of his death? If so, the spouse is out of luck.

[katieinny]

Yes, the teacher was already receiving benefits under the single life option when he died. I agree that the spouse is probably out of luck -- but in order to give her a credible answer, I want to show her something specific from the state.

[Everett Moreland]

http://www.nystrs.org/

[Guest Wayne Schneider]

The web site for the New York State Teachers' Retirement System is www.nystrs.org.

No benefit is payable upon the death of a retired tier 1 member who has elected a single life annuity. A very modest post retirement death is payable upon the death of most tier 2/3/4 members in retirement.

No spousal consent is required when the member elects an option at retirement.

[katieinny]

Wayne: That's exactly what I was looking for. Are you a NYS teacher, or do you consult in this area?

[Guest Wayne Schneider]

I am the System's General Counsel.

[katieinny]

Well, then...that's good enough for me!