Upon retirement can I elect to take my entire pension in a lump sum and then invest it on my own? This is not an option offered by TRS. There is a lump sum option but it is only for a payment to a beneficiary upon the death of the retired member.
My spouse has recently gained full medical and dental coverage for our family. Do I need to wait until next September to decline coverage within the district and to start receiving the payment for declination? No, you can start the declination at any time provided that you are able to submit proof to the district that you are covered by your spouse’s health / dental plan.

I do not live in the Middletown School District but would like my child to attend school in Middletown. Is there any contract provision for paying tuition? Yes, there is contract language that deals with this scenario. Teachers who elect to bring their children into the Middletown district can do so and be credited $2,000 per year in district tuition expenses per child.

When I retire can I drop out of the Orange/Ulster Health Plan and be covered by my spouse’s health insurance and then re-enter Orange/Ulster with my own plan when my spouse retires? No, once you retire and opt to not carry your own policy you are precluded from re-entering the health plan at a later date with your own policy.

Any questions regarding retirement, salary, or the Benefit Fund, may be e-mailed to: questions@middletownteachers.org. All questions will receive a reply; some may appear in future newsletters.