Permanent, full-time employees of employers that participate in the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) must become members of the Retirement System.

Under any of the following four scenarios, however, Tier 1 membership was optional:

• You were appointed to a temporary or provisional position;
• You worked less than the standard number of hours for full-time employment as established by your employer for your position;
• Your job lasted for less than one year, or you worked on a less-than-12-months-per-year basis; or
• Your annual earnings were less than $1,500.

When you became a Retirement System member, you completed a membership application that was filed with the Office of the State Comptroller.