Q: I have a question regarding the Final Average Salary question in your recent column. The response is not exactly clear to me. In mentioning payments that are excluded, one item mentioned is payments made in anticipation of retirement. In a later paragraph, longevity bonuses are mentioned as a way to increase FAS. My district offers what is called in our contract a Longevity Salary Adjustment ($8,000, which can be split during the last two years of teaching). I have received mixed messages as to whether this counts toward FAS. Any clarification on this would be greatly appreciated.

A: It IS confusing unless you are already familiar with the concepts. Longevity payments that are an integral part of the collective bargaining agreement, as being available to all members who are at those particular longevity points in the agreement; that are paid every year from that point in the career going forward; and are not initiated on the eve of retirement (i.e. "... $8,000, which can be split during the last two years of teaching...") are includable in an FAS.

Once any connection to or condition of retirement is involved, or on the "eve" of retirement, it is not considered a longevity step, but rather a form of retirement incentive.

Q: My birthday is Oct. 29. When I retire on Tier 4 at 62 years of age, can I stop work at the end of June of that year and just not file for retirement until Oct. 29, when I reach 62? I don't think it is fair to the school or the students to leave in the middle, but I also don't want to work longer than I must. Please advise on the timing of retirement.

A: If you have less than 30 years of credited service and need to reach your 62nd birthday to avoid that penalty, then your birthday is a logical time.

However, you could retire July 1 and collect your pension those four extra months and only experience a small penalty (four months short of your 62nd birthday).

I strongly suggest you arrange for a video consultation in your area with a TRS representative, who will advise you which scenario is most financially beneficial for you.

Q: I recently received prior credit for service in the New York City Schools. I would like to know, however, if my Nassau County service from 1968-1973 would count as part of my retirement. I am in receipt of a letter from the county comptroller's office, stating that I worked part-time and that I was not a member of the NYS Retirement System at the time. Is it possible for me to buy any credit back to Tier I, since I worked during the time that Tier I was in place?

A: Prior service only affords additional service time; there is no tier change involved. It would seem as if the prior service you reference would be creditable.

We suggest that you contact the TRS at (800) 348-7298, ext. 6100, and set up a video consultation with a TRS representative.

Q: I just want to make sure that I am understanding correctly. I have been teaching in a public school system for nine years. Prior to this, I taught for three years in a private school for emotionally disturbed children. This private school experience does not count for me as experience at all — correct?

A: Unfortunately, you are correct. By the way, please don't forget that after you have completed 10 years of TRS membership, you no longer should have the 3 percent monies deducted from your check.