Q: Summer's almost here! Does any time teaching summer school count for retirement credit?

A: Service credit for summer school teaching is only accruable for retirement credit if the New York State Teachers' Retirement System member has not served in a full-time position for the school year. For example, a part-time or per diem employee would earn service credit.

Q: I was interested to read about the possibility of allowing members who are at least 55 years old and have worked 25 years the opportunity to retire with 60 percent of their final average salary, with no penalty for retiring before age 62. From your article, I gleaned the Legislature had already passed these proposals, but that the new governor would have to approve.

A: The 55/25 bill would eliminate the penalty for not attaining 30 years of credited service. However, that would equate to 50 percent of a member's FAS (2 percent per year). Neither bill has passed the state Legislature at this time, but NYSUT continues to lobby for passage.

Q: I plan to retire in 2007 in my 25th year at age 62, I'm in Tier 4. Is there any benefit I can look forward to, such as extra service credit?

A: At age 62, with 25 years of credited service, you will not face any penalties. You receive half of your three-year final average salary. If you have any prior service working for any public entity in New York state before you joined the TRS, you can claim such service credit now. If you paid the 3 percent mandatory contribution in excess of 10 years — and if a NYSUT bill is enacted into law before you retire — you would receive one extra month of service credit for each year of contributions over 10 years. If the bill becomes law once you are retired, you will no longer be eligible. We're fighting hard for that bill, and you can contact your representatives in the State Senate and Assembly to urge their support. Advocacy letters are posted on NYSUT's Web site, www.nysut.org. Click on " Legislative Action Center," under Resources.

Q: I am a Tier 1 member. I intend to retire in June. I had planned to use a five-year final average salary and include in the calculation for this year a contractual addition of pay at my daily rate for one half of my unused sick days (about $15,000). I spoke to a clerk in my business office and she said I would not be getting additional pay added to my calculation.

A: Your clerk obviously does not understand TRS regulations. If you were a member before June 17, 1971, and you are receiving the amount of money you reference, you will be able to access the five-year FAS. We'd suggest you arrange a video consultation with the TRS by calling (800) 348-7298. You will be informed of the nearest site to visit and set up an appointment.