Retirement For State Student Assistants

The Employees' Retirement System (ERS) is a defined benefit retirement system. Retirement pension benefits will depend on the results of a calculation at the time of retirement that takes into account the Final Average Salary, number of years of credited membership service, and age at the time of retirement.

When you join the retirement system, you are assigned to a tier depending on your date of membership. Your tier will determine your specific plan benefits and vesting period. The current tier availble is Tier 6.

Tier 6 members will be vested once they have accrued five years of full-time credited service. This means you have earned the right to receive a retirement benefit, even if you leave public employment.

Tier 6 members are required to contribute a specific percentage of your reportable earnings for all your years of public service after your date of membership. 

Mandatory members will automatically be enrolled. Employees the retirement system considers optional must take action to enroll.

1. Complete your ERS retirement plan election through the SUNY Retirement@Work website. Follow Instructions in the enrollment guide below.
2. Complete and submit the NYSLRS Membership Application form RS 5420 to Benefit Services. 
   • Complete only the employee section, sign, and date your form. Electronic signatures will be rejected by NYSLRS.
   • Save your form with your last name, first name and UB person number.
   • Use the secure upload link below to upload your RS 5420 form to Benefit Services.