Retirement Programs

The Board of Education Retirement System is a Qualified Pension Plan that provides a defined benefit for its members. The benefits provided are determined by Tier Membership and other factors. Your membership in a particular Tier or Program is determined by various factors. These factors can include, date of employment with a covered employer, date of membership, employment status, prior membership in another New York State or City Retirement System, election and qualification for tier reversion, or special programs with legislated timeframes. If you are not sure which tier you are in, contact BERS with your membership number and we will advise you of your current tier.

For more information on your particular tier, please select one of the following:

Tier 1 Program Information

The Tier 1 Summary Plan Document (SPD) is online. To view the whole SPD at once, please click the following link:
View Tier 1 SPD

Tier 2 Program Information

The Tier 2 Summary Plan Document (SPD) is online. To view the whole SPD at once, please click the following link:
View Tier 2 SPD

Tier 4 Program Information

The Tier 4 Summary Plan Document (SPD) is online. To view the whole SPD at once, please click the following link:
View Tier 4 SPD
View Tier 4 Updated SPD

Tier 6 Program Information

The Tier 6 Summary Plan Document (SPD) is online. To view the whole SPD at once, please click the following link:
View Tier 6 SPD