1. Home
  2. Retirement
  3. Publications
  4. Special 20- and 25-Year Plans
  5. 25-Year Benefit (Section 384)

Special 20- and 25-Year Plans

For PFRS Tier 2, 3 (Article 11), 5 and 6 Members, (Sections 384, 384-d and 384-e)

25-Year Benefit (Section 384)

Special 20- and 25-Year Plans
For PFRS Tier 2, 3 (Article 11), 5 and 6 Members
(Sections 384, 384-d and 384-e)

Eligibility

You will be eligible to retire with 25 or more years of creditable service, regardless of age. “Creditable service” is:

  • Service as a firefighter or police officer under a 20- or 25-year plan;
  • Service as a member or officer of the New York State Police;
  • Service in the Regional State Park Police;
  • Service in the U.S. military, as specified by law; or
  • Other prior police service, as specified by the RSSL.

Note: This benefit is not available to Tier 3 members whose employers offer a one-year FAE.

The Benefit

With at least 25 years of creditable service, your pension will be 50 percent of your FAE.

If you are age 60 or older at retirement, with less than 25 years of creditable service, you will receive a pension benefit of 2 percent of your FAE per year of creditable service. You will also receive 1.66 percent of your FAE per year of service in titles other than police officer or firefighter. The maximum benefit cannot exceed 50 percent of your FAE.

If you made voluntary contributions to PFRS, your benefit may include an annuity purchased by your contributions (plus interest earned).

If you are age 55 or older at retirement and your regular plan would provide a greater benefit, the greater benefit will be paid.

Filing

You must apply for a service retirement with the Office of the State Comptroller 15 – 90 days before your date of retirement.

For information on how to apply for a service retirement benefit, read Applying for Benefits.