This page provides an overview of eligibility requirements. For specific information, speak with your HBA, or refer to your General Information Book.
Eligibility Requirements
As a retiree, you may continue NYSHIP coverage for yourself and your eligible dependents if you meet the eligibility requirements at the time you separate from service.
Your retirement system’s requirements to receive a pension are different from NYSHIP’s requirements to continue NYSHIP coverage as a retiree.
To continue coverage as a New York State retiree, you must meet the following three eligibility requirements at the time you separate from service:
Minimum service requirements depend on your employer before retirement. Contact your HBA or refer to your General Information Book for more information.
You must be qualified for retirement as a member of a retirement system administered by New York State, such as the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS), the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) or any of New York State’s political subdivisions.
If you are not a member of a retirement system administered by the State or any of New York State’s political subdivisions (or you are enrolled in an optional retirement program such as the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America [TIAA]), you must satisfy one of the following conditions:
- You must meet the age requirement of the NYSLRS retirement tier in effect at the time you last entered service
- You must be qualified to receive Social Security disability payments
You must be enrolled in NYSHIP as an active enrollee or a dependent at the time you separate from service. Enrollment in NYSHIP may be through The Empire Plan, a NYSHIP HMO or the Opt-out Program. Your health insurance premiums, whether paid through payroll deduction or directly while on a leave of absence, including deferred premiums while on Workers’ Compensation Leave, must be paid in full. You will be ineligible to continue coverage into retirement if you have any unpaid balances.
Dependent Eligibility
You may cover your eligible dependents under NYSHIP by enrolling in Family coverage or adding eligible dependents to existing Family coverage. Dependents who meet the requirements described in this section are eligible for NYSHIP coverage. To enroll your dependent who is eligible for NYSHIP but not yet enrolled, contact your HBA.
Spouse, Domestic Partner and Divorce Coverage Dependent Children Coverage