Eligibility

You will be eligible to retire with 20 or more years of creditable service, regardless of age. “Creditable service” is:

• Service as a firefighter or police officer under the 20-year plan;
• Service as a member or officer of the New York State Police;
• Service in the U.S. military, as specified by law; or
• Other prior police service, as specified by the New York State Retirement and Social Security Law (RSSL).

You must separate from service on the last day of the month following the month in which you turn 65. If you are over age 65 when your employer adopts this benefit, you must be separated from service within three months from the date it is offered.

Note: This benefit is not available to Tier 3 members.

The Benefit

With at least 20 years of creditable service, your pension will be 50 percent of your FAE.

If you retire at age 62, with less than 20 years of creditable service, you will receive a pension benefit of 2.5 percent of your FAE per year of creditable service, plus 1.66 percent of your FAE per year of service in other allowable government titles. The maximum benefit cannot exceed 50 percent of your FAE.

If you made voluntary contributions to PFRS, your benefit will also include an annuity purchased by your contributions (plus interest earned).

If you are age 55 or older at retirement and your regular plan would provide a greater benefit, the greater benefit will be paid.

Filing

You must apply for a service retirement with the Office of the State Comptroller 15 – 90 days before your date of retirement.

For information on how to apply for a service retirement benefit, read Applying for Benefits.