Retroactive Payments and Your NYSLRS Pension

Retroactive payments are lump sum payments you receive from your employer. These payments can be from new union contracts, arbitration awards or legal settlements that took place while you were on your employer’s payroll.

If you receive a retroactive payment from your employer, it could affect your pension benefit calculation.

How Retroactive Payments Can Affect Your Benefit

Retroactive Payments

Your final average earnings (FAE) are a major factor in your pension benefit calculation. It’s the average of your three (five for Tier 6 members) highest consecutive years of earnings. For most people, their highest years of earnings come at the end of their careers.

Retroactive payments are applied to the pay periods when they were earned, not when they were paid. So, retroactive payments can increase your FAE, and therefore your pension benefit, as long as the time period in which you earned that money is part of the time period your FAE is based on.

However, please be aware that the law limits the FAE of all members who joined on or after June 17, 1971. For most members, if your earnings increase significantly through the years used in your FAE, some of those earnings may not be able to be used toward your pension. You can find information about earnings limitations by tier, including examples, on the Final Average Earnings page on our website. If your FAE has already been affected by these earnings limits, your retroactive payment will not increase your pension benefit.

Payments Received Before Retirement. If you receive a retroactive payment from your employer before you retire, your employer will report your earnings to us through their regular reporting process. You do not need to notify us of payments you receive.

Payments Received After Retirement (State Employees). If you retired from New York State and you receive a retroactive payment after you retire, we will recalculate your pension automatically. NYSLRS receives State payroll information automatically and you do not need to notify us. You will receive correspondence from us explaining any change in your pension benefit.

Payments Received After Retirement (Non-State Employees). If you retired from a non-State employer and you receive a retroactive payment after you retire, send a letter to our Recalculation Unit in the Benefit Calculations & Disbursement Services Bureau. Please include a copy of your check stub and any correspondence you received from your employer related to the payment. Mail it to:

NYSLRS
Attn: BCDS – Recalculation Unit
110 State Street
Albany, NY 12244-0001

You can also email and upload this information to the Retirement System through our secure contact form.

Your Pension Recalculation Will Be Completed

We continue to receive a record number of pension recalculations and are working diligently to address them. If you are currently waiting for your pension amount to be recalculated, please rest assured that we will get to it. Once we complete your recalculation, you will receive payment of all the money you are owed, and a letter explaining the change in your pension amount.

Recent PEF Retroactive Payments

If you were a Public Employees Federation (PEF) member before retiring from State service, you may have recently received a retroactive payment. The current PEF contract, covering employment from April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2021, was ratified last summer. If you were a PEF member, worked during these dates and have not received your retroactive payment, please check with your previous employer.

If you retired recently and your FAE included earnings from on or after April 1, 2019, your NYSLRS pension will be increased automatically. You do not need to notify us that you received a retroactive payment.

CSEA Contract Negotiations

If you were a member of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) before you retired, your contract and any retroactive payment is currently being negotiated. Contact CSEA if you have questions.

187 thoughts on “Retroactive Payments and Your NYSLRS Pension

  1. Wayne W Darling

    Alright folks, we know you’re overworked and understaffed. So were most of us while we worked for the state. BUT, we would NEVER make anyone wait 3, 4, even close to 5 years for settlement of their cases, applications, etc…….and I worked for OSC!! This is really borderline obscene. Been waiting since March 2021 myself. What is the timeframe you are working on? What is the backlog date?

    Reply
    1. Kathy A Smolinski

      As I’ve said in the past, I highly suggest any member waiting excessively should contact their legislators and/or the media.

      Reply
  2. Robert W Hiltbrand

    I retired in November of 2020 and have yet to receive my recalculation of benefits. I received a substantial retroactive raise in 2021 that would affect my benefit and I’m not sure that I received credit for my 1,500 hours of sick leave.

    When might I hear something on this?

    Reply
    1. kathy smolinski

      As I’ve said in the past, I highly suggest any member waiting excessively should contact their legislators and/or the media.
      When you do finally get a recalculation, there is NO BREAKDOWN.

      Reply
  3. Robert W Hiltbrand

    I retired in November of 2020 and have yet to receive a recalculation of my FAE. I also received a retroactive raise after retirement, which should affect my benefit.

    Reply
  4. Robert W Hiltbrand

    I retired in November of 2020 and am still awaiting a recalculation of benefits. I also received a retroactive raise after retirement, significantly increasing my FAE and I’m unclear if I was properly credited for 1,500 hours of sick leave that I still had.

    Reply
  5. Gary DeFranco

    Retired June 30th of 2022. My retirement paperwork was submitted prior to 2016-2023 Council 82 contract being ratified. My current retirement benefits does not include the salary increases awarded in the 2016-2023 contract. I have sent several emails to NYSLRS requesting a recalculation of my benefits, with no results. I have contacted my local State Assemblyman for assistance, with no results. Currently seeking legal counsel to assist in obtaining to the money I earned and I am entitled to. Retirement shouldn’t be this frustrating.

    Reply
  6. Paul

    I retired in March of 2021 and submitted my retroactive payments from negotiated contracts in September of 2021, still not an answer on when retirement will get around to doing the recalculation.

    Reply
  7. ROBERT ANDERSON

    I’m at 50 months and counting. Would love to have a recalculation before my COLA in September 2025. I’ve received no notification other than the usual canned response. Still have additional service time that has yet to be credited.

    Reply
      1. Robert Rathbun

        Retired July 2020. Contract ratified in 2022. Several emails…blanket response. Email to State Senator, then spoke with someone in his office…Nothing. I am owed a substantial amount of money, not an “arbitrary amount”. Also seeking legal counsel to protect myself and my spouse, in case payments are not received before something happens.

        Reply
        1. Robert Rathbun

          Just received another email from NYSLRS, they state that they have not received statement of accrued payments and leave credits form RS6221. They say it was sent to them and they haven’t received anything back. My last employer (Moriah Shock) is closed, where was it sent? This also contradicts the information that’s in this article! They also indicate I would be contacted by someone, still nothing.

          Reply
          1. NYSLRS Post author

            We have asked a customer service representative to call you. You should hear from them soon.

  8. Philip Buzzanca

    I’m going on 4 years now of retirement and still I am awaiting my final calculation. I know there’s alot of them to do but this seems to be taking way too long.

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      NYSLRS is working hard to complete recalculations and to provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this is taking for you. We are working to improve our service in this area and we thank you for your patience.

      Reply
      1. John Tatro

        How long do you think this would be tolerated in the private sector ? Everyone would be fired .

        Reply
  9. Earl Finkle

    When I retired in mid 2021 I was told my recalc would take 6 months. At 6 I was told 12, followed by 18. After 24 I asked our legislator if they knew anything. They said not a day goes by without receiving pleas for intervention but the last they heard it was 3 years. Needless to say nothing yet. I’m afraid my cancer will win the race to the finish.

    Reply
      1. Earl Finkle

        Thank you thank you NYSLRS. I received a call today from a very kind and knowledgeable representative who apologized for the delay and said a letter is being sent to me with the recalculation, and the new amount will be in the next pay cycle. I also learned that Covid losses, staff retirements and new staff hiring challenges created a kind of perfect storm (my words) which delayed processing. I understand staff are working very hard to catch up. To all who have posted comments I hope that my experience can show there is light at the end of the recalculation tunnel.

        Reply
      2. Martha A Bellinger

        I retired in 2021 and have heard nothing on my recalculation request after multiple emails and phone calls. Not to sound harsh but do I need to have a catastrophic disease to get a recalculation?? What gives?

        Reply
  10. Paula Parker

    With all the technology that is available today, why can’t the retirement recalculations to add in unused sick time and vacation payouts be done more quickly? The sad fact is that our employers (and ultimately the taxpayers) have long paid for these benefits and NYS is unfairly delaying all these recalculations. Maybe some type of class action lawsuit is in order?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      We’d like to help resolve your issue.

      To unlock your account:

      1. Click “OK” on the pop-up message saying your account is locked.
      2. Select how you want to receive your security code and click “Next.”
      3. Enter the security code you received and click “Submit.”
      4. Correctly answer secret questions that you created when you first registered.
      5. Enter a new password and click “Reset Password.”

      If you still need help, please contact the NYSLRS Call Center at 866-805-0990, press 2 and follow the prompts. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.

      Reply
  11. Thomas Carroll

    Like everyone else here I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever for the NYSLRS to adjust my pension. I retired In July of 2022 and have received no communication or timeline for this adjustment. I couldn’t even confirm that NYSLRS received documentation of my retroactive and SCAT pay.

    This is very frustrating.

    Reply
  12. John P Martin

    I retired in October of 2021 and haven’t heard a thing from the NYSLRS since this blog was published more than 20 months ago with a promise that retirees should rest assured NYSLRS is working diligently on the pension recalculations. Maybe the staff is working diligently, but obviously there is a failure of leadership to address this issue by devoting adequate resources to clearing the backlog of pension recalculations.
    Mr. DiNapoli is the person ultimately responsible for this problem. His photo is at the top of the blog. He is an elected official. Nothing is likely to improve until he is held accountable. He owes NY retirees millions of dollars because of his failure to address this backlog. It is his job to address this issue, and if he doesn’t, he shouldn’t remain in office.

    Reply
    1. Prakash G Patel

      I also retired October 2021 and still waiting for recalculation. No reply to my request yet. I agree with you. Mr. DiNapoli should be fully responsible for this issue. If he wants to be reelected than he should fix this problem once and for all.

      Reply
  13. EJ

    Hello Everyone, I retired in 2020 and My pension needs to be recalculated. I keep calling explaining to them that I became ill during the 911 attacks and I can’t work, Everyone penny will help and they just give you generic answers.. Clearly NYS don’t care about our Law Enforcement Community, Just look at the NY Bail Reform.. I have an appointment this Thursday with my Local Congress man, I’ll follow up after the meeting, I also spoke with an attorney and wants to see me friday…We need to let the whole Country how NYS Pension treats their retired Cops. A Class Lawsuit it’s possible, These people are Cop’s haters…. I’ll follow up Friday… Thaks..

    Reply
      1. Earl Stephen Finkle

        When I retired in June 2021 I was told my recalculation would be 6 months. After 6 months I was told 12 months, followed by 18 months, then 24 months. When I contacted our legislative representative I was told that not a day goes by without receiving desperate pleas to resolve recalculations and that the current answer from LRS was 3 years. Now I’m wondering if this is intentional since it would be an easy way for management to have use of the funds for investment before having to commit them to retirees. Having said this my request will probably be moved to the bottom of the pile but I hold little hope of it being resolved before my cancer wins the race anyway.

        Reply
    1. Jan

      Hi EJ,
      I was a nurse for nysomh for 30 plus yrs. I retired in April 2021 and I’m also waiting for my re-calculation . I read your comment and I would like to know if anything was resolved for you. If a class action case was started I would like to be part of that and I’m sure everyone else who’s waiting would as well… nurses, police officers. Social workers.,Teachers etc…
      TY…

      Reply
  14. Emil Garcia

    I retired as a Law Enforcement Officer in October 2020, I was also a 911 Survivor, I called the NYS Pension dozens of times explaining them that due 911 response illness I can’t work, I have financial hardship and that every penny will Help.. But it keep getting no response even though Supervisors keep telling me they contacted the recalculation unit and NOTHING,,,, I looking at my options to take legal action against NYS Pension, This Should be a Class Action Lawsuit… 3.5 years today,, It will be 4 years soon… They also tells me that the recalculation has not time limit to recalculate..So are we gonna be waiting for 15 Years ???…Lol… I had multiple retroactive payments as soon as I retired and the NYS opened the case in February 2021…. Im waiting on a call back from an attorney I contacted, They are giving me No Option other than to seek help and let people know the atrocious practices from the NYS Pension System…To all our Law Enforcement Officer, This is our pay back…

    Reply
  15. Ed

    This is bordering on class action material. It has been 3.5 years. I retired from a career in Law Enforcement and was a 9-11 responder. Way to take care of the people who took care of you!

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      As we mentioned to you earlier, NYSLRS is working hard to complete recalculations and to provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees.

      Reply
      1. Matthew Grover

        I agree with many who have posted here that this recalculation backlog has gone beyond intolerable. If I owed New York State back taxes for 4 years and simply kept telling them “sorry for the delay” , obviously my apology would not satisfy them. What can we do to get the Comptroller’s attention, or get some action from NYSLRS? They don’t care, and how many of us will die before a recalculation is made? Our survivors are never going to get those owed funds. This is a disgrace.

        Reply
      2. Tariq Rashed

        I’ve been waiting for my recalculation for three years, I’ve called constantly and I’ve sent letters regarding financial hardship, I’ve gotten no response no letters no nothing, I retired 2018, my department received raises 2021, I was told 18 month, not its 3 years. Who do I need to contact to get results. This is overbearing.

        Reply
      3. Chris

        I have been waiting over 4 years! why are some people getting theirs before others? I thought they were done in the order of retirement date? I have been told they received my wage information from the BSC over 2 years ago, so that is not an issue. I have contacted Retiement many times and have been given the same replies as everyone else, still no results.

        Reply
      4. Jodi Feld

        I have several concerns:

        1) The length of time this is taking is unacceptable. Are there not computer programs used where computerized LATS data and computerized Payroll data is plugged in to make these calculations?
        2) It seems that there should be more transparency about how both the initial FAS is calculated and then the final FAS and backpay several years later. If it really is so complicated and therefore takes so much time it certainly seems that there is a lot of room for error. I would like to see how the calculations are actually made – the data inputs.
        3) How can the state hold onto pensioners money and not pay out any interest when it is finally distributed? This is a windfall for the state. Additionally, receiving a large check for backpay can cause a pensioner to incur significant tax implications for that year;
        4) How much do pensioners actually initially get in their pensions? I have heard anything from 90-95%? Is this of the estimated # given when one requests an estimate? Again. this should be transparent.
        5) I have been on the NYCERS website and it seems they do not have similar backlogs. What’s that about?

        Reply
        1. NYSLRS Post author

          NYSLRS often receives adjustments to earnings for retirees after the date of retirement and so needs to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees. Most initial pension payments are made by the end of the month following retirement and are close to a retiree’s final calculation.

          Reply
  16. Chris Russo

    I retired over 3 years ago and have not received a re-calculation. WhenI fill out the secure form and e-mail I receive a standard boiler plate answer offering no time line. I was told that the any money not paid would be forwarded to me in a lump sum. But, what about any interest on these funds? It is extremely frustrating not being able to get a straight answer from anyone.

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      We’re sorry for your frustration. Your message is important to us, and we have sent you a private message in response.

      Reply
  17. jim mcavaney

    Well, I retired April 2021 so I guess I haven’t really waited that long Comparing to some people, but going on 3 years waiting for my 6 months of sick time to be added is ridiculous. I would suggest to use your sick time While you’re working instead of being a good employee like myself and getting screwed in the end. If I just called in sick for 6 months, I would have received full pay instead of the penny’s on the dollar I’ll be receiving someday And I would have that time automatically added to my service time worked so I wouldn’t be waiting around.

    Reply
  18. John Tatro

    I retired in10-31-20 and have not heard anything from the retirement integrity review unit . 32 years plus 3 years of military bought back at retirement plus 2 other state jobs added on for a total of approximately 35 years plus . New york State needs to hire more calculations people to catch up with this backlog .It is inexcusable . Perhaps a class action lawsuit against the state .Perhaps whoever is in charge of this unit needs to be let go and put someone who knows what needs to be done in charge . The State wouldnt put up with this kind of job performance in any of its law enforcement units or any other state unit .Why is this going on ? New York retirees deserve better . Perhaps it is upon orders from the Governors office .

    Reply
  19. Deb

    I just received a letter stating my employer reported post retirement income for me. I have no post retirement earnings, but did receive a retro check against my pre retirement earnings. I am expecting that money to be included in my recalculation not dismissed as post retirement income. I retired in July 2022 and am due a recalc for vacation pay cashed out plus unused sick time for increased time in service.

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      For questions about a letter you received, please message our customer service representatives using our secure contact form. Filling out the secure form allows them to safely contact you about your personal account information.

      Reply
    2. Kathy A Smolinski

      Good luck with that. Just hope it doesn’t throw us in another tax bracket for even more taxes! At least we received what was owed us, it’s awful to read some folks are waiting 4 years. I think someone should contact the media.

      Reply
  20. Mark Fox

    I retired in Jan 2023, while at the NYS Fair this year, I stopped at the NYSLRS booth and questioned them about the recalculation. Apparently it was a touchy subject, because the attendant stood and sternly stated they were short handed and were working on the 2019 retirees recalculations and to be patient He then said, you will get retro. It went south from there.

    Reply
  21. John M.

    Ok so I’ve been retired since Nov 2020 and also waiting. Noticed that people have retired 2 years later and had their recalculations completed, One of the posts did mention that they started the 2020 recalculations – Is that true?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      Virtually all initial pension payments are made timely by the end of the month following retirement. These payments are closer than ever to a retiree’s final calculation. NYSLRS often receives adjustments to earnings for retirees well after the date of retirement and is working hard to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees. Thank you for your patience.

      Reply
    2. Brenda

      Not true. I retired Nov. 2019. I waited 2 1/2 years before I began calling. I was told my final calculation would be completed no later than June 2022. I waited until October and called again. I was told that my file had been sitting on a desk for quite some time and the matter was going to be brought to a supervisor’s attention. I was told that someone would reach out to me. Nobody did. After waiting another 6 months I called again. Again I was told that my file was sitting and that it would be brought to a supervisor’s attention and that I would receive a letter in the mail letting me know when my final calculations would be completed. That was a month ago. I have been polite and patient and have been waiting for almost 4 years! Hoping they hand my file over to someone more competent as this person is clearly unable to handle the job and I would be concerned about errors in the final calculations. Also, I am requesting interest.

      Reply
      1. Cheryl

        I also retired in Nov. 2019 and had called and emailed NYSLRS numerous times about the recalculation of my pension. It would have been 4 years in November! They kept responding with canned answers. One time they did say that they hadn’t received my last payroll information from my employer. I finally talked to someone on August 3rd of this year (2023) and they told me that they had just requested my payroll information AGAIN from my employer (for the second time!) but they haven’t received a response. I asked the woman who I could call to get them to send it. She gave me the number of NYS Business Service Center (518-457-4272). I called and spoke to a woman about it that same day and she submitted a “ticket” to the Benefits Division as we spoke. On August 7th I received an email from the Business Service Center stating they have submitted everything to NYSLRS. I just received a letter today (9/8/23) from NYSLRS (dated 9/1/23) stating my pension has been recalculated and that the amount that they owe me from the date I retired will be in my next pension payment.
        Somebody obviously wasn’t doing their job in the Business Service Center! Almost 4 years!!! There’s no excuse for that.
        Hopefully this helps some of you who are still waiting.

        Reply
        1. MGA

          Great advice and information for the BSC, thank you. Perhaps that is where the problem lies in my case. For reference, I retired Jan. 2020 and my pension has not been recalculated.

          Reply
      2. Marie

        I have been politely waiting myself 20 months to date pailed in comparison to your 4 years. I have learned that someone from work did not get hers until after 5 years and it appears as though the COLA triggered the recalculation. With that taken into consideration, I may have 30 more months of waiting as well.

        Reply
  22. Alan D. Cohen

    I have been retired now for 2 years and was a PEF member. I have received my retro contractual raises in 2021. I too wrote NYSERS with the online form provided and received a automated reply. My pension choice was the joint 50%. I do not have anything “extra” with my pension (DRO, Loan, etc). I would like an timeframe estimate as to when i will be recalculated and begin receiving my updated pension payments.

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      NYSLRS is working hard to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees. Thank you for your patience.

      Reply
      1. Joe

        Take your time guys!!! No hurry for retro!! Just terrified that my benefits would be reduced! That would be devastating! I’m barely making ends meet with this hyperinflation!

        Reply
  23. ROBERT MATTHEW ANDERSON

    40 months since retirement and counting…don’t know what’s going to come first: recalculation or COLA …

    Reply
  24. BSD

    I, too, have made several inquiries to OSC and seem to get that automatic reply. Although OSC may lack staff like other state agencies, a clearer explanation as to where we are in the process should not be elusive. I’m tired of waiting too and appreciate the comments that help me to consider next steps absent any real information from OSC. Good luck to everyone who waits patiently!

    Reply
  25. Shannon Moore

    Add me to the list of “still waiting” and the ole standard responses that everyone else is getting! I retired March 2019; waiting on recalculation due for sick time and retro pay (at minimum). There really is no acceptable reason why we are waiting so long! Imagine if I put a client or customer off for over 4 years when I worked for the State! Yeah, that would never happen! And no, they are not processing in “date order” as they would have us believe, as can be seen by some of the responses here! Maybe this problem needs more media attention … totally unacceptable!!!

    Reply
    1. JM

      You are 100% correct! A class action suit should be strongly considered. I am waiting 16months for someone from nys retirement to spend a few minutes to process my recalculation.
      Absolutely unacceptable.
      I work in healthcare…..imagine if I told NYS to “sit tight” in our ER while they wait to be seen?
      The long delay is only helpful to the State.
      One of the many reasons why hard working people leave this state.

      Reply
    2. JM

      Would be interested in knowing the avg amt of time everyone is waiting. What is considered to be ” acceptable” vs unaccetable

      Reply
      1. David diprinzio

        May 2020 going on 39 months I call every month in June they told me they will expedite it in august they said a letter would be sent telling me the timeframe you get a different answer every time

        Reply
    3. michelle kucsma

      I applied for prior work service credit (for a state college course I taught while working as a court attorney) over 4 years ago!! Ive been fully retired for 3 years. This past March I got a letter saying my request was denied because I had not shown proof of employment. I responded that I had provided tons of such documentation and it was all still visible online. They assured me everything was therefore ok. Now, it’s been four more months and still nothing….I have called numerous times and even taken their advice to write letters. NOTHING BUT EXCUSES coming from the pension people. This has been stressful and frustrating. I have lost all hope…but not surprised to find out here that I am not the only one dealing with this situation.

      Reply
    4. Jan

      I agree 100%. I retired in April 2021 a few people are reporting in this reply section that they finally received their recalculation. One person stated they received theirs after contacting a politician, so no they are definitely not going in order. Looks like whoever barking the loudest. Retirees are the forgotten ones. Remember we still have PEF retiree union that’s SUPPOSE to represent us as well? So far they’re no help. All we’re doing on this reply page is venting. The response is an automatic generated response. Whoever is reading this, there’s POWER in numbers. We need to figure out a way to get the politicians and media’s attention. We deserve some kind of compensation for this…. imagine the interest and fines we would have to pay if this was reversed….this is BEYOND SAD..

      Reply
  26. Ed Goldsmith

    I retired THREE years ago from my position in Law Enforcement. I was a first responder during 911. I am owed a lot of money that I really need and I am getting no response from NYS. This is unfair, unjust, and probably illegal. After so many years of service, to have my hard earned money held hostage if just not right!

    Reply
      1. Christine

        I retired over three years ago as well. I have not received my final numbers and every time I call they tell me they are still working on it. This is unacceptable as we do not receive interest on the money but I’m sure they’re collecting interest. I could truly use the money now!

        Reply
        1. NYSLRS

          NYSLRS is working hard to complete recalculations and to provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees. NYSLRS often receives adjustments to earnings for retirees well after the date of retirement and so needs to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments. Most initial pension payments are made by the end of the month following retirement and are close to a retiree’s final calculation. Thank you for your patience.

          Reply
  27. Steve Ortolano

    I have been retired since September 2019 and my recalculation has not been done. Three years and nine months!!! Totally unacceptable. I have sent many emails and have called but always get the same b.s. response. What I want to know is are we going to be paid interest and penalty for having to wait so long? If we pay our NY state income tax late there is a 20% penalty and annual interest of 15%.

    Reply
    1. Kathy A Smolinski

      What did they say? I’m sure there will be NO INTEREST. Did they give you a timeframe?

      Reply
      1. Kathy A Smolinski

        GOOD NEWS! After 15 months, my letter is in the mail. I’m going to get stuck with extra taxes, but keep on trying! Good luck to you all..

        Reply
    2. David diprinzio

      Wow that’s strange when I called in July they told me they started the 2020 recalculations they are not doing them in ordet what happens if someone passes away does their spouse get the recalculation

      Reply
  28. Arnold D. Kolikoff

    I retired in September 2020 and also have received no substantive information regarding my recalculation or the date of my recalculation.

    Reply
      1. NYSLRS Post author

        When you retire, your pension payment is based on the salary and service information we have on file for you at retirement. NYSLRS often receives adjustments to earnings for retirees well after the date of retirement, and is working hard to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible.

        Reply
        1. JM

          No one from NYS retirement is actually “”working hard” recalculating.
          There are many many people waiting, and waiting years.
          I am waiting 16 months for someone to spend a few minutes just to recalculate my pension.
          I’ve inquired several times during this period only to be told” no information can be given”
          Additionally NYS retirement System administrators apparently prefer that ALL retirees who call in SHOULD be placed on hold for at least an hour.

          Reply
  29. Ivan Auger

    I have reached out several times for my recalculation via email form. I always get same reply that reply, and that there is not currently a timeframe to complete your recalculated benefit adjustment. I know that my FAS is indeed higher. It is beyond me why it is so difficult to do these recalculation. When can I expect this recalculation? Is there a way that I can appeal? And when you finally do the recalculation, do you pay the amount adjusting for inflation?

    Reply
  30. Joseph Bauman

    I commiserate with the rest of you! I have been waiting 45 months, retired July 2019, and still waiting for my recalc. I am expecting @ 13% more a month of my FAE not to mention thousands in retro money , so that certainly isn’t minimal! NYSLRS, you simply have to tell us more on where we stand! If a retirement system specialist (God Bless them) has or is physically working on a retirees case, why can’t they simply at that point email the retiree and tell them where their case stands, i.e., need further info and/or time frame on the conclusion of their case!? 45 MONTHS!!!

    Reply
    1. Charles Ferry

      I retired the end of June 2019. Emailed and called. Was told the necessary paperwork is in and the recal office would be contacted to see if they could it speed it up. Still waiting.

      Reply
        1. Vincentgreen

          I’ve been Retired since September 2021, I get my service pension, But I’m waiting for disability pension approval, they said I’m at the final stage and should be hearing something soon, if anybody receive disability pension how much will the amount change?

          Reply
          1. NYSLRS

            For account-specific questions, please contact your disability caseworker, or call our customer service representatives at 866-805-0990, press 2, then follow the prompts. You can also message our customer service representatives using our secure contact form. Filling out the secure form allows them to safely contact you about your personal account information.

    2. Cheryl Hall

      I agree! It would be nice to get some type of correspondence letting me know the status! I too am expecting more each month due to unused sick pay, cash out of the max allowed of unused vacation and retroactive pay I received after retirement. I have also reached out several times and get the same response. I retired in November 2019, so I’ve been waiting 42 months! This is unacceptable!

      Reply
    3. Kathy A Smolinski

      When I retired 05/22, they told me 3 years, but probably less, yours is way beyond that. Do you think we should contact the media?

      Reply
  31. Frank Schroeder

    I didn’t apply for NYS benefits til 63yrs & 7 months thinking my payout would increase similar to Social Security’s system. Unknowingly I reached full benefit at 62. Is there a way to recoup the twenty months of lost income?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      Unfortunately, you cannot recover the monthly pension payments that you would have received if you had retired at full retirement age.

      Reply
  32. Jon Hamblin

    I retired 5 years ago 4/2018. In 2021 I received 2 retroactive checks for a contract that was settled covering the last year I was working. I mailed copies of those in to the recalculation unit early November 2021. In August of 2022 I asked your representative at the NYS fair when I could expect my case to actually be opened, much less worked on. I was told to contact you at the 1 year mark ( November of 2022) and I would probably get an update. When I contacted your office in November of 2022, the response was “ we have forwarded your request to the unit”. Then nothing…
    I reached out again in January 2023, and received a rather terse response of “we will get to your recalculation when we get to it”. All I ever asked for was a time frame of when you would look at my recalculation; I know it is not going to add much to my pension; but you could be a bit more forthcoming with information about it. Especially if you’re going to make us wait 2-3 years for it.

    Reply
    1. Joe Bauman

      I commiserate with the rest of you! I have been waiting 45 months, retired July 2019, and still waiting for my recalculations. I am expecting @ 13% more a month of my FAE not to mention thousands in retro money and no interest, so that certainly isn’t minimal! NYSLRS, you simply have to tell us more on where we stand! If a retirement system specialist is physically working on a retiree’s case, why can’t they simply at that point email the retiree and tell them where their case stands, i.e., need further info and/or give a timeframe on the conclusion of their case!? 45MONTHS!!

      Reply
  33. Dan Bielaski

    I just today (3/18/23) finally received a letter stating that my recalculation had been completed (even though the Treasurer’s dept. here claimed to have sent the final salary information to NYSLRS back in Feb. of 2022). However, the final average earnings given do not match what I am expecting, and the new monthly gross benefit not only does not match because of the discrepancy, it does not give a correct amount even using the values within the letter, going by the formulas given in the Tier 3 and 4 ERS handbook (Coordinated Plan).

    I have already sent a secure E-mail to NYSLRS about this and am waiting for a reply. Is there any formal process for requesting a pension recalculation review?

    Reply
  34. Doreen Kostner

    I retired in January 2022. I should be receiving service credit for my unused sick leave and I also received a retro salary increase around August 2022. When can I expect a recalculation?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      Virtually all initial pension payments are made timely by the end of the month following retirement. These payments are closer than ever to a retiree’s final calculation. NYSLRS often receives adjustments to earnings for retirees well after the date of retirement and is working hard to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees. Thank you for your patience.

      Reply
  35. Doreen Kostner

    I retired in January 2022. I should be able to receive 165 days of credit for my unused sick leave and I received a retroactive payment for a salary increase in Aug 2022. When can I expect my benefit recalculation to be completed. ?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      Virtually all initial pension payments are made timely by the end of the month following retirement. These payments are closer than ever to a retiree’s final calculation. NYSLRS often receives adjustments to earnings for retirees well after the date of retirement and is working hard to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees. Thank you for your patience.

      Reply
  36. Salvatore Fiumefreddo

    I just recently retired and was wondering if anyone knows what percentage is held from your pension until you get finalized. Sorry if this question was raised before I’m new to this.

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      When you retire, your pension payment is based on the salary and service information we have on file for you at retirement. In some cases, slight adjustments are made to the initial amount after we receive and process final payroll information from your employer.

      Reply
  37. Barbara Fecio

    I have asked the question previously about what month and year NYSLRS is working on for the final determination of our pensions and never received a response. I retired in April of 2020 and my employer sent an corrected form in August of 2020 because they had submitted the wrong amount of vacation accruals. No answer to my question and the couple of times I emailed NYSLRS I just get the canned response which is really not a response at all.

    There were previous comments that the system the State uses is not working correctly and that they have to manually process a lot of the paperwork. This is ridiculous and the software company should be held responsible.

    I plan on emailing both my Assembly and Senate representatives to look into the reasons why this is taking so long.

    Reply
    1. Kathy A Smolinski

      Please let us know if that helps. We would all like to know the answers. The pension fund is doing well..with our money!

      Reply
          1. NYSLRS Post author

            Your message is important to us, and we have sent you a private message in response.

    2. Dan Bielaski

      FYI – I contacted my Assembly and Senate representatives last year for assistance, and they received the same response from NYS LRS that I already received (and provided to each of them). Then, I reached out to the Attorney General’s office (Public Integrity Bureau), and they said there is nothing they can do to help. I also reached out to an investigative reporter for one of the local news stations, but have not heard anything back. Extremely frustrating, but aside from possibly hiring an attorney, I guess all that can be done is to wait. And wait…..

      Reply
  38. Donna

    For final recalculations, what month/year is currently being processed?
    Others have asked in the comments about this, but there has not been a public reply.

    Reply
      1. Carolyn Bright

        I retired 10/27/2020 and haven’t received notification of my recalculation. I received MC salary increase in 2021, which I have not received recalculation, did not receive my al recalculation either. I have written 3 times requesting more information.

        Reply
  39. Donna

    This question was asked in other comments but not answered publicly.
    What date is the retirement system up to at this time for final recalculations?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      Virtually all initial pension payments are made timely by the end of the month following retirement. These payments are closer than ever to a retiree’s final calculation. NYSLRS often receives adjustments to earnings for retirees well after the date of retirement and is working hard to recalculate pension amounts and provide retroactive payments as quickly as possible. We apologize for the length of time this has taken for some retirees. Thank you for your patience.

      Reply
      1. Terry Morgan

        I retired in May of 2022, 33 months ago. About 6 months ago 2 retirement representatives stated that my case had been looked at twice but unfortunately for me no one followed up on it. The last representative I spoke to said if I did not receive my recalculation by May 2023 I would be put to the front of the line due to the untimely length of the wait for my recalculations. Is there any truth to that statement?
        Except for the 2 representatives telling me my case was looked at and dropped. Other than that I get a different answer time I call. That includes the help line and the Pension Integrity Bureau.
        A timely response is requested.
        Thank you.

        Reply
          1. Donna Meyer

            My case will have been open for three years as of next week. Will my recalculation be put to the front of the line in May also?
            I’m concerned because when I first inquired about my case, the representative was forthcoming about which month/year was currently being processed. That information is no longer provided, even when that question is asked directly.

  40. Lisa C Noreck

    I retired in September of 2020 and the recalculation of my final average salary is still open. I also received a retro pay raise lump sum after I retired, which raised my annual salary figure and needs to be recalculated into my FAS. Can you please let me know how long I can expect to wait for my recalculation and back pay owed?

    Reply
    1. Martha

      I am in the same boat. I retired in 2021 and PEF ratified contract that summer but my salary didn’t raise til after I had retired. There was a 2% increase for each of the three previous years that raised my FAS substantially. I keep asking the question as to when my final pension will be recalculated and get the same answer….”it will be minimal”..”wait time of 18-24 months”. I don’t consider it minimal,,,,how can NYSLRS call it minimal when they are not in my shoes. I also wonder if the increase in pension owed since that time to me will include interest??

      Reply
    1. NYSLRS Post author

      When you retire, your pension payment is based on the salary and service information we have on file for you at retirement. In some cases, slight adjustments are made to the initial amount after we receive and process final payroll information from your employer. These recalculations are processed in date order and are generally minimal compared to the overall benefit amount.

      Once we have all the information we need and we finalize your benefit amount, if your payment increases, you will receive a retroactive payment for the amount you are owed back to your date of retirement.

      Reply
  41. charles lacey

    I retired May 1 2021 and had accumulated over 200 sick days. I understand that 165 days could be added to my service time. Was employed in a public school system. I’m waiting for the final calculation to be adjusted. Could you update me on the status for me please? Thank you!

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      When you retire, your pension payment is based on the salary and service information we have on file for you at retirement. In some cases, slight adjustments are made to the initial amount after we receive and process final payroll information from your employer.

      These recalculations are processed in date order and are generally minimal compared to the overall benefit amount.   Once we have all the information we need and we finalize your benefit amount, if your payment increases, you will receive a retroactive payment for the amount you are owed back to your date of retirement.

      Reply
      1. Joe

        Hello. I understand that you are overwhelmed and are doing your best! I retired in 2021 and still haven’t been finalized and am in NO hurry if my pension stays the same or if it goes up by a couple of dollars. My concern is that it may go down, especially if it goes down by more than a couple thousand of dollars! We all are being hit hard by inflation. An increase would be a blessing and no change would be more than acceptable. However, a reduction after several years would be devastating. Prior to my retirement, I was advised by multiple representatives that you make every effort to “lowball” the initial calculation and take the position that it is better to owe the retiree than for the retiree to owe the state. I was also advised that in the vast majority of cases, the penison benefit either stays the same or goes up. I was told that the pension number given to me is more likely than not to be on the lower side. That is why I chose to retire. I figured I could depend on the number provided to me. I also looked at SeeThroughNY Police Pension records and was unable to find an instance where an officers pension went down. Not one officer in my department had his/her benefits reduced after finalization. If I thought my pension would go down, I would have worked OT for another 6 months. I have no problem waiting many years for a possible retro. I am just concerned that my pension being reduced. Being hit with historic inflation and then a reduction in pension is a hell of a double whammy, especially when you have already been retired for a few years and are depending on recieving your pension benefit. Should I be concerned?

        Reply
        1. NYSLRS

          For account-specific information, please message our customer service representatives using our secure contact form. Filling out the secure form allows them to safely contact you about your personal account information.

          Reply
  42. John Olivieri

    What date is the retirement system up to for final recalculations. I have been retired for three years and still no final recalculation.

    Reply
    1. Dan Bielaski

      When this topic was originally posted several months ago, several retirees commented that they had gone a long time (several years, in some cases) without their expected recalculation being finalized, and one or two had stated they reached out to their local legislator and afterward their recalculation was completed. I reached out to my local legislator, and her office in turn reached out to the Advisory Council Affairs office, but the reply given contained no new information. It just reiterated that recalculations are “complicated and labor intensive” and that is why there is such a large backlog, and that the average retiree receives “98 – 99%” of what they will obtain after the final recalculation is complete.

      I have recalculated my expected final pension, based on the data already provided to the retirement system from our Treasurer’s office, and in my case the difference will be over 10%. That is way more than 1 – 2% as claimed, and apparently no interest for that withheld balance (which apparently can run into the thousands of dollars) is paid back to the retiree after the long-delayed final recalculation.

      Reply
  43. Patricia

    Still have not received my retroactive payment. I retired in December 2019 and received a vacation check in January 2020

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      When you retire, your pension payment is based on the salary and service information we have on file for you at retirement. In some cases, slight adjustments are made to the initial amount after we receive and process final payroll information from your employer. These recalculations are processed in date order and are generally minimal compared to the overall benefit amount.

      Once we have all the information we need and we finalize your benefit amount, if your payment increases, you will receive a retroactive payment for the amount you are owed back to your date of retirement.

      Reply
      1. kathy smolinski

        I have tried repeatly to find out what the deductions were on my first pension check. No one gets back to my written questions and every time I call, it says there’s a long wait message and it says to call back. This is Soo frustrating!! Can ANYONE help??

        Reply
      2. John Olivieri

        I retired in the same year and the retirement office did not add my sick leave time and any overtime for final year. Which adds to 2% not being added to my pension for last three years, I don’t consider this minimal.

        Reply
        1. DAVID DIPRINZIO

          you are right it is not minimal i have been retired since may 2022.I have 165 sick days and six weeks vacation to be added 28 months so far the answer i get a software problem during covid they are doing the final calculations by hand amazing no software backup

          Reply
    2. Anthony Fontanelli

      New York state retirement system went with a new software company called PeopleSoft. They have had to resort to manual calculations and also using the software that does not work correctly. This fix could talk years. The NYS is only working on 2019. Good luck. I also retired a little over a year ago. I was told NYS does not know when they will get to me. High number of retirements bad software and low staffing!

      Reply
      1. kathy smolinski

        Yet the Comptroller and OSC were so quick to complain about NYSDOL and the computer issues involved with the unemployment fiasco. Our pension system is huge and worth a lot of money. They should spend some of that and be able to calculate our pensions in a timely manner. This is NOT acceptable!

        Reply
    3. Mike

      Curious if you got your final recalculation? I to retired in December of 2019 and still haven’t gotten mine going to be 5 years?

      Reply
  44. Kevin Chapman

    I am retired as of August of 2021 from NYS as an MC and still haven’t seen my vacation accruals added into my years of service and don’t know if the dollar amount was added in to calculate my final average salary?
    Now I see that MC is being given retroactive raise back in 2021 further complicating the calculation for FAS, my sick time value that pays for part of my and my wife’s health insurance. Therefore I believe my cost of insurance I pay for should be retroactively reduced and paid to me as well and thereby increasing my pension also- correct!
    I understand the workload and staffing issues as well as the complications in calculating our pension and must wonder what happens should I pre decease these payments/adjustments?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      When you retire, your pension payment is based on the salary and service information we have on file for you at retirement. In some cases, slight adjustments are made to the initial amount after we receive and process final payroll information from your employer. These recalculations are processed in date order and are generally minimal compared to the overall benefit amount.

      Once we have all the information we need and we finalize your benefit amount, if your payment increases, you will receive a retroactive payment for the amount you are owed back to your date of retirement.

      NYSLRS does not administer health benefits. The New York State Department of Civil Service administers the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) for New York State retirees. You can call them at 1-800-833-4344 or 518-457-5754 or email them at pio@cs.ny.gov.

      If you die, your survivors should contact us as soon as possible. Survivors can report the death of a retiree by using our online death report form, or they can call 866-805-0990 and press 3 and then 1. We’ll also need an original, certified death certificate. We’ll mail information about death benefits, and any needed forms, to your beneficiaries.

      Reply
      1. Kevin Chapman

        NYSLRS may not administer health benefits, however the payment for our health insurance is deducted from my pension. Hence- I expect, NYSLRS is involved somehow.
        Regardless many people need or could use the money they are entitled to and would not call it MINIMAL! Not to mention the extra Federal tax we must pay when recieving the lump sum retro pay.
        It would ease our minds to know all calculations /re calculation could be done in a timely fashion “like 6 to 9 months” and we could see the actual process and amounts used to make the calculations!!!

        Reply
  45. Christopher J Hartigan

    This is the worst time to get recalibrated or whatever!! My wife and I live month to month on my pension along with my social security disability check. I need to make a appointment asp…

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      To speak with a customer service representative, please call 1-866-805-0990 (or 518-474-7736 in the Albany, NY area), press 2, then follow the prompts. One of our representatives will review your account and respond to your questions. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.

      You can also email our customer service representatives using our secure email form. Filling out the secure form allows them to safely contact you about your personal account information.

      Reply
  46. Frederick Bush

    I am retired for 11years now and still receive a cola of 1.8% on the first 18.000 of my pension. This is an outrage. Our pension fund sits on hundreds of billions of dollars and hoards it as if is all theirs while doling out a paltry cola that fails to keep up with unprecedented inflation. The roughly $21 in cola is quickly eaten up by the increase in taxes and other charges. Why can’t we get a fait cola that’s calculated off of our entire pension award?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      Retirement benefits, including COLA, are established by law. The decision on whether to enact new laws comes from the State Legislature and the Governor. The State Legislature would need to pass a bill and the Governor would need to sign it into law in order to change the amount that COLA is calculated on.The September 2022 COLA equals 3 percent, for a maximum annual increase of $540.00, or $45.00 per month before taxes.

      Reply
      1. Frederick Bush

        $540 per year equals $45 monthly before taxes. After taxes $45 becomes $28. The increase in healthcare contributions brings the cola down to $17 a month. If you have life insurance and your age changes, that $17 becomes $11. So much for cola. It’s a sad fact that cola is a joke. Social security system does much better than our pension with a 5.9% cola this year and hopefully a 9.8% going forward in January 2023. Why isn’t the legislators moving to increase our cola? Who is responsible for lobbying for a cola increase? Why is State government involved in our private pension fund? How much money are they siphoning off of our pension monies? Is Syate government borrowing money from our plan the same way they borrow from social security and fail to pay it back?

        Reply
        1. NYSLRS Post author

          Under New York State law, the Comptroller is the trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, which holds the assets of the Retirement System on behalf of members, retirees and beneficiaries. The Fund’s assets cannot be diverted to the New York State General Fund or used for any purposes other than paying pension benefits.

          Reply
  47. Elio Giuliani

    Thank you in NYS LRS for this clear explanation from the accurate source. Much appreciated to clear up all the false rumors and other stories

    Reply

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