Two major factors will determine the amount of your NYSLRS pension: How long you work and how much you earn. They are referred to as Service Credit and Final Average Earnings (FAE).
You earn one year of service credit for every year of full-time employment with the State or a participating public employer. Part-time work is prorated. Get credit for all your public service.
If you served in the military, you may be eligible to purchase up to three years of military service credit.
Your Final Average Earnings (FAE) are your average earnings during a period when your income is highest. For members in Tiers 1-4 the average is based on earnings over three consecutive years; for Tiers 5 and 6, it is based on five consecutive years.
Your tier and retirement plan determine which earnings are used to calculate your FAE. Your plan is listed in your Member Annual Statement (MAS). If you cannot find your plan booklet on our Publications page, please contact us for assistance.