Benefits can only be paid if they are authorized by law. If you do not meet all the eligibility requirements established by law, you will not receive a benefit. If you believe that your benefit has been incorrectly denied or improperly calculated, you may request a hearing and redetermination to be held before an independent hearing officer.

Your request must be filed with the Hearing Administration Bureau within four months of the initial determination. Anyone who has had a retirement benefit denied can request a hearing:

Online:
Sign in to your Retirement Online account, click on “Make a Request” on the top right of your page, then follow the prompts.

By email:
Email the Hearing Administration Bureau at [email protected]

By mail:
Hearing requests sent by regular mail will be considered filed on the date they are received by NYSLRS. Hearing requests sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, are considered filed on the date mailed.

NYSLRS
Attn: Hearing Administration
110 State Street
Albany, NY 12244-0001

When requesting a hearing, include your name, NYSLRS ID number, your return email and mailing address, and a phone number where you can be reached during the day.

We will send you an acknowledgment letter with an explanation of the hearing process.

If you have questions about the hearing process, please visit our Administrative Hearings page, email the Hearing Administration Bureau or call us at 866-805-0990 (518-474-7736 in the Albany, New York area).