Q: I am writing you to find out if the information I was given today at work from a private financial planner has any truth to it. This person told me that when I reach the age of 55 I am eligible to buy up to five years of service credit toward retirement. Is this so? I never heard of such a thing. When I reach 55, I will have 29 years in the system. He claims I can buy the last year of service credit and retire at the end of that school year. I would appreciate any information you have.

A: The answer is absolutely, definitively, NO!

There is no provision under state law that permits the purchase of service credit when no service was rendered. It is disturbing to learn that some private vendors are spreading incorrect information to members.

Thank you for your vigilance in checking the veracity of what turns out to be pure fiction.

Q: I am going to be 65 years old soon and have 21 years service in two school districts. I am on Tier 4 in the retirement system and I would like to know if I can buy into a tier change to Tier 1. I have heard that some people have been able to do that. I am not planning to retire yet but would also like to know if my substitute teaching will also count toward my retirement.

A: Your per diem service should be claimed as soon as possible by contacting the NYSTRS at (800) 348-7298, ext. 6250. Request the Prior Service claim forms and instructions for applying.

There is no ability under state law to "buy" into a tier. You may be referencing the fact that some members who were in an earlier tier are able to reinstate from a later tier.

But why would you want to change tiers? With 21 years of service (plus more if you file for prior service), and having surpassed age 62, you will receive, at retirement, the same calculation as a Tier 1 member (2 percent for each year of credited service times your final average salary).

You might wish to call the same toll-free number, ext. 6100, to arrange for a video consultation in your geographic area with a TRS rep. You will receive an estimate of your future retirement allowance.

Q: I am a Tier 3 teacher waiting to hear about the NYSUT program bill that would provide one month of service credit for each year of 3 percent contributions in excess of 10 years. From what I see, it appears to be a dead issue. It hasn't been discussed in New York Teacher in a while. What is the status of this bill and the 55/25 bill? Educate us on how we can get these issues passed or at least keep the fire going on them. Let's make this clear and precise and educate the members as to how to get these programs approved before we all retire and become non-eligible.

A: While pension retirement legislative proposals are not constantly written about in New York Teacher, that does not mean that those issues are forgotten.

The legislature considers pension bills after the state budget (due April 1) is set. That moves the time frame for pro-active political action on pension issues to the spring. At that time, it is suggested that members contact their state legislators (via the Legislative Action section on the NYSUT Web site), urging them to support and vote for the bill in discussion.

By the way, you are correct: Once members retire, they are no longer eligible for in-service benefit improvements. Many members are not aware of that.