About The Retirement System

The New York State and Local Retirement System (the System) comprises the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), established in 1921, and the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS), created in 1966. The System is one of the largest public retirement systems in the world.

The New York State Comptroller is the administrative head of the Retirement System. He is directly accountable to the public, the State Constitution and Federal and State statutes.

The New York State Legislature establishes benefits and the overall methodology used to make sure System assets are available to pay these benefits. The System administers benefits for more than one million pensioners and members.

The Member & Employer Services Bureau is the primary contact between the System and more than 3,000 participating employers. In addition to providing service to employers, Bureau staff processes monthly reports, plan adoptions and employer annual contributions.