For UFT and CSA members in TRS and BERS

Know the pension before filing.

A one-on-one review of the retirement numbers, dates and paperwork, with a written report to bring to the TRS or BERS appointment.

Book a pension review See a sample report

$150, with a written report the same day. CSA members can be reimbursed in full.

Sample report · Tier IV · TRS31.5 years of service

Retire Sep 1, 2027

$6,929

a month, after tax and dues

Retire Sep 1, 2028

$7,266

a month, after tax and dues

Pension rate62.25% → 63.75%

Final average salary$162,400 → $166,000

Waiting one year adds$337 a month for life

Illustration with a sample member, not a real person. See the full sample report

What the review covers

The right numbers before the decision

The decisions stay with the member. The review puts the right figures in front of them.

Numbers, checkedService credit, tier, plan and final average salary, read from the member's own salary history.
Retirement dates comparedTwo or three dates side by side, and what waiting is worth each month for life.
Loans, annuities and CAR daysWhat an open loan or a loan at retirement does to the check, plus ASAF and CAR payouts.
Payment options in plain termsWhat each option pays the member and the beneficiary.
Final average salary, checked for the capAny year that rises more than 10% over the two before it is capped. Per session, summer school and coverage pay can trigger it.
Terminal leave and the last dayUsing leave days before the retirement date, the June 1 deadline for a September leave, and the 30 day notice.
55/25 and 55/27 contributionsWhen the extra 1.85% comes back to the member, and when it is lost.
Cost of living increasesWhen the COLA begins and how much of the pension it applies to.
Filing, step by stepThe forms, the 90 day filing window and what to bring to the TRS or BERS appointment.
A written report, same dayEvery figure from the meeting, laid out to keep or share with family.

How it works

Three steps

Book and send two documentsThe Annual Benefits Statement and the salary history, with instructions on where to find both.

Meet for 45 minutesBy video or phone, with a spouse or partner welcome. The numbers are reviewed together.

Receive the reportA typed report by email the same day, and follow-up questions answered for 30 days.

Book

Book a pension review

Most members book six to twelve months before their retirement date, while there is still time to change it.

Start with the free estimate

Pension review

$150

45 minute meeting by video or phone
Up to three retirement dates compared
Typed report emailed the same day
Follow-up questions answered for 30 days

CSA members: CSA reimburses DOE members up to $150 a year for an outside pension consultation, up to three times. At $150, the full fee falls within that amount, and a receipt in the format CSA asks for is provided.

Choose a time

45 minutes by Google Meet, weekdays 10 AM to 7 PM. Paid by card when booking. Full refund with at least 24 hours' notice; later cancellations and missed meetings are refunded minus a $25 fee. One free reschedule.

Is this part of the UFT or CSA?

No. This service is independent and is not affiliated with the UFT, CSA, TRS or BERS. Unions and retirement systems also offer free counseling.

Is there a recommendation on which option to pick?

The review shows what each option pays and what it means for the beneficiary. Tax and investment decisions belong with a licensed tax professional or financial advisor.

How exact are the numbers?

They follow the published plan rules and the member's own records. The retirement system issues the official figure; the review helps check it.

Pension rule changes, by email

When TRS or BERS rules change, like the 2026 Tier VI update, a plain-language summary of what it means. A few emails a year.

Get the free NYC school retirement checklist

Estimates only, based on published plan rules. Not affiliated with the UFT, CSA, TRS, BERS or the NYC Department of Education. Not tax, legal or investment advice.