Q: As a Tier 3 teacher who is retiring this year I am very disappointed that NYSUT has not made the tier equity legislation a priority. You are aware that Tiers 1 and 2 never contributed and received an extra 4 percent added to their retirement, and the new Tier 4 members need only contribute for 10 years — while Tier 3 members like myself contributed 3 percent for 23 years. Why are there no articles or editorials in New York Teacher focusing on ways to rectify this situation?

A: Tier equity is a top priority for NYSUT. We are pushing for many bills that are geared toward tier equity, including one that would provide one month of service credit for each year members like you have paid into the retirement system for more than 10 years.

This is an extremely important bill that will be re-introduced again in the coming session.

We know it's a vital bill for members. Lobbying is done by NYSUT legislative representatives to the state lawmakers who are the key people needed to enact the bill into law. Perhaps you might wish to contact your local state senator and assembly member and urge them to vote for the bill. Please remember that once a member retires, if a benefit improvement is enacted, it only applies to in-service members, not retirees.

Q: We receive a stipend of $1,200 per year if we complete a certain number of hours of course and committee work for that year. Can this be added to the final average salary for our pensions?

A: If the stipend is available to ALL members of the collective bargaining unit (with no restriction based upon age or years of service) and the stipend amount is NOT a one-time payment, then it is usable in the calculation of the three-year final average salary.

Q: Where would I look to find information on pending legislation? I am specifically interested in credit for Peace Corps service credit for Tier 3 and 4.

A: NYSUT has a bill for all tiers that if enacted would provide credit for Peace Corps service. It's called the Federal Service Credit bill (S-3233-A in the Senate; A-8752-A in the Assembly).

Q: I am a full-time teacher anticipating an end to my 3 percent contributions this month. However, I have not received any notification of reaching that milestone. I am afraid I will open my first paycheck to find that the 3 percent amount is still being deducted. Should I be hearing something soon? Do I need to make some sort of move that I'm not aware of?

A: You are very wise to address the situation beforehand. Your district should have been notified by the New York State Teachers' Retirement System that your 3 percent contributions should cease as of the completion of the 10-year period of membership.

You might wish to contact the business office in your school district and verify that there will be compliance with the TRS notification.

If the response is not a positive one, contact us and we will communicate with the retirement system.