[ Your TRS Pension ]

Post-retirement earnings: How much is too much?

Q:
I retired last year and am now considering going back to work. Is there a limit on how much I can earn?
A:

Technically, yes. Sections 211 and 212 of the Retirement and Social Security Law determine New York state public employment by New York State Teachers’ Retirement System retirees under age 65. The current Section 212 earnings limit, as determined by the state Legislature, is $35,000 per calendar year.

However, a two-year extension of Chapter 55 of the Laws of 2025 (Part VV), relaxes the earnings limit from April 9, 2022, to June 30, 2027, for work at a public school district or BOCES. Post-retirement employment with a charter school, community college, SUNY, or any other public employment is not covered by this law and is still subject to the $35,000 calendar year earnings limitation.

The 2025 extension also amends Section 211 of the law to allow a NYSTRS retiree to earn compensation in a position at a school district or BOCES without suspension or diminution of their retirement allowance. For more info, read Working in Retirement: Your Questions Answered at nysut.cc/TRSworking.

Q:
I turn 65 this year, does that change anything?
Q:
I turn 65 this year, does that change anything?
A:

Absolutely!

All employment (including public employment) beginning in the calendar year you turn 65 is no longer subject to the earnings limits.

For retirees under age 65, there are also situations that would allow you to enjoy unlimited earnings in retirement, including:

  • Private sector employment that does NOT include services to any NYS public employer
  • Federal employment
  • Public employment in another state
  • Work under certain circumstances as an elected official, inspector of elections, poll or ballot clerk, commissioner of deeds, juror, or notary public
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Did you know?

Members did not always have the flexibility they currently enjoy in regards to filing — or withdrawing — a service retirement application. Chapter 695 of the Laws of 2002: eliminated the mandatory 30-day filing requirement; allows members to withdraw their retirement application up to 14 days after their date of retirement; and allows members to change their benefit payment choice up to 30 days from their date of retirement.
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