As a Tier 4 member of TRS I realize that I need 20 years of service in order to receive 2% per year rather than 1 2/3% per year.  Since I started teaching mid-year do the 20 years need to be 20 full school years?  You are not required to have 20 full school years.  The 20 years of credited service might be fulfilled on the 20th anniversary of your start date, provided you did not have any leaves of absence during that time.

My probationary period will end prior to the end of the school year.  When do I start to receive the tenure increment?  You are eligible to start receiving the tenure increment on the first day that your tenure is effective.  If the effective date is during the school year, the increment will be pro-rated based upon the number of days that remain in the school year.

During 2008 I want to enroll my family in the voluntary family vision plan.  Do I apply for the coverage through the MTA Benefit Fund?  No, the voluntary family vision plan, with an annual premium of $230, is handled by the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust.  You can either download the application from the NYSUT website or call (800-626-8101) and ask to speak with Tammy Ross.

Can teaching assistants be covered by the NYSUT Legal Service Plan?  They can, but not through the Benefit Fund.  TAs and nurses who wish to be covered by the NYSUT plan can enroll in the plan by contacting NYSUT Member Benefits Trust (800-626-8101).  At this time the annual premium is $70.

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.