Tier 6 FAS Limits (ERS)

 

 

First, a year of earnings in the FAS period can’t exceed the average of the previous four year’s earnings by more than 10 percent. Anything beyond that will not be included in the pension calculation.

Additionally, several types of payments will not be part of the FAS calculation for ERS Tier 6 members:

  • Lump-sum vacation pay,
  • Wages from more than two employers,
  • Payment for unused sick leave,
  • Payments for working during a vacation,
  • Any payments that cause your annual salary to exceed that of the Governor (currently $179,000),
  • Termination pay,
  • Payments made in anticipation of retirement,
  • Lump-sum payments for deferred compensation and
  • Any payments made for time not worked.

Generally speaking, here’s what an ERS Tier 6 FAS will include: regular salary, holiday pay, overtime pay (regular and noncompensatory) earned in the FAS period and up to one longevity payment per year, if earned in the FAS period.

Overtime Limits

While overtime pay generally is part of an ERS Tier 6 FAS, the amount that can be included is limited. The limit is adjusted for inflation each year based on the change in the Consumer Price Index over the one-year period ending September 30 of the previous year. Under a new law, beginning January 1, 2018, the Tier 6 limit will be updated on a calendar year basis instead of on a fiscal year basis.

The 2018 calendar year overtime limit for Tier 6 members is $16,406.

For more information about the Tier 6 FAS, find your retirement plan booklet on our Publications page, or check out our Final Average Salary and Overtime Limits for Tier 6 pages.

3 thoughts on “Tier 6 FAS Limits (ERS)

  1. William K

    Tier 6 was made under different economic conditions inflation exceeded everyone expectations. Tier 6 needs to be opened up and adjusted for the current economic situation we are currently in 35% will not cut it in 20 years

    Reply
  2. Ken Zee

    Couple questions:
    1. What if you don’t have five consecutive years of service in a single retirement system? For example, if you’re moving between NYCERS to NYSLRS, serving four years in each, what is the FAS calculation based on?
    2. Does the 10 percent cap have any exceptions, such as for promotions or change in job? Following the first example, will it look back at the previous four years part of a separate retirement system or is it limited to just membership service credited within the NYSLRS?

    Reply
    1. NYSLRS

      The best thing for you to do, and to get answers that are specific to your circumstances, is to email our customer service representatives using our secure email form, and one of our representatives will review your account and respond to your questions. Filling out the secure form allows us to safely contact you about your personal account information.

      Reply

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