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TRS Enrollment Form

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TRS ENROLLMENT APPLICATION FOR PARAPROFESSIONALS

INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

• This application will enable you to enroll as a member of TRS as of the date TRS receives your enrollment application. Before completing this application, please read the attached Enrolling in TRS brochure for more details about joining TRS, including membership eligibility, membership date, pension contributions, required documentation, and membership in other retirement systems. If you have previously held membership in a New York City or New York State public retirement system, you may NOT file this form to apply for TRS enrollment. Instead, you must file a “TRS Enrollment Application” (code EN10).

• You may apply for membership if your position or title is listed below.

Auxiliary Teacher     Family Assistant (A & B)     Parent Program Assistant

Bilingual Professional Assistant     Family Associate     Teacher Aide

Educational Assistant     Family Worker

Educational Associate     Health Aide

• All members of TRS participate in the Qualified Pension Plan (QPP), a retirement plan that provides the security of a guaranteed, defined-benefit pension. You are required to contribute a percentage of your wages to the QPP.

• Once you enroll in TRS, you may not rescind your membership while you are employed in a TRS-eligible position. After your membership begins, TRS will send you a Welcome Kit with important membership information.

• For your convenience, TRS forms and publications are available on our website. If you require additional assistance, we encourage you to contact our Member Services Center at 1 (888) 8-NYC-TRS.

• Please make a copy of this completed application for your records.

Please read the instructions before completing this form.

(NOTE: Please print in black or blue ink, and initial any changes that you make on this form.)

PART A: All information must be provided below.

Please keep your personal information with TRS up to date. We will update our records based on the information you provide above, so do not enter a temporary address; instead, TRS suggests that you consult the U.S. Postal Service about having your mail forwarded on a temporary basis. To register any changes to your permanent address (and/or phone number), please access our website or file a “Member’s Change of Address Form” (code DM13) with TRS.

First Name

MI

Last Name

Social Security Number

Permanent Home Address

Apt. No.

Primary Phone Number

(Check one: Home Work Mobile )

City

State

Zip Code

Alternate Phone Number

(Check one: Home Work Mobile )

Date of Birth (M/D/Y)

Email Address

Gender

Please keep your personal information with TRS up to date. We will update our records based on the information you provide above, so do not enter a temporary address; instead, TRS suggests that you consult the U.S. Postal Service about having your mail forwarded on a temporary basis. To register any changes to your permanent address (and/or phone number), please access our website or file a “Member’s Change of Address Form” (code DM13) with TRS.

PART B: Please check the applicable box indicating your employer.

Employer:

Employee Job Title:

Name of School:

PART C: Please read the following and sign and date below.

I certify that I have never been a member of another New York State and/or New York City public retirement system and that, to the best of my knowledge, I am eligible to enroll in TRS; however, I understand that TRS must verify my membership eligibility. I have read the Enrolling in TRS brochure and the instructions on this form. I hereby elect to join TRS and make the required pension contributions toward a potential retirement allowance in the future. I understand that I will be enrolled in TRS under the provisions of the tier in effect as of my TRS membership date. I am aware that my membership in TRS may not be rescinded while I am employed in a TRS-eligible position. I hereby certify that the information I have provided above is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Applicant’s Signature

Date (m/d/y)

YOU MUST RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO TRS AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS FOR PROCESSING.

The information provided on this application should not be solely relied upon, as it is based on currently available information that may be subject to change. In all cases, the specific provisions of the governing laws, rules, and regulations will prevail.


Additional Documentation

If you are an employee of CUNY or a participating Charter School, TRS requires documentation verifying your employment, which may be submitted with your enrollment application. Acceptable documentation includes:

  • A Certificate of Salary Status and Employee Profile;
  • A letter of appointment on official letterhead from your Charter School or CUNY college; or
  • Documentation from your school’s Human Resources department.

If you do not provide the appropriate documentation, TRS would contact your employer to obtain it. Your enrollment cannot be considered final without this verification; however, your membership rights would be secured as of the date TRS receives your enrollment application.

TRS Tiers and Membership Date

Currently, all TRS members belong to one of five tiers, generally depending on the date they last became TRS members; benefits vary by tier. If you became a member of TRS after March 31, 2012, you would generally belong to Tier VI. If you became a member of TRS after August 31, 1983, but before April 1, 2012, you would generally belong to Tier IV.

Contributions to the Qualified Pension Plan

TRS members make pension contributions representing a percentage of their wages. The below tables provide the contribution rates for Tier VI and Tier IV members.

Tier VI

• 3% of your wages until April 1, 2013

Then, your contribution rate for the remainder of your service depends on your wages:

• $45,000 or less: 3%

• More than $45,000 to $55,000: 3.5%

• More than $55,000 to $75,000: 4.5%

• More than $75,000 to $100,000: 5.75%

• More than $100,000: 6%

Tier IV

Employer Membership Date Contributions to the QPP
DOE or participating Charter School After 12/10/2009 and before 4/1/12 4.85% until you have attained 27 years of service credit; then, 1.85% for the remainder of service.
DOE or participating Charter School After 2/27/2008, and before 12/11/2009 4.85% until you have attained 10 years of service credit; then, 1.85% until you have attained 27 years of service credit.
DOE or participating Charter School Before 2/28/2008 3% until you have attained 10 years of membership or credited service.*
CUNY Before 4/1/2012 3% until you have attained 10 years of membership or credited service.

* If you opted into the Age 55 Retirement Program (“55/25” provisions), an additional contribution of 1.85% would generally be required until you have attained 25 years of service credit.

Payroll Deductions

If your TRS membership is mandatory, payroll deductions representing your required QPP contributions would begin automatically. If your TRS membership is optional, payroll deductions representing your required QPP contributions would generally begin 60-90 days after TRS receives your enrollment application and required documentation from your employer.

Pension contributions are due beginning on your membership date; TRS will collect these via payroll deductions. If you do not see the deductions on your pay stub, please contact TRS.

Determining Your TRS Membership Date

DOE or Charter School Employees

• If your TRS membership is mandatory (e.g., you are in an appointed teaching position), your membership would be effective as of the date of your appointment.

• If your TRS membership is optional (e.g., you are a paraprofessional), your membership would be effective as of the date TRS receives your enrollment application.

CUNY Employees

• If your TRS membership is mandatory (i.e., you are a full-time instructional staff employee), your membership would be effective as of the date of your appointment.

• If your TRS membership is optional (i.e., you are an adjunct), your membership would be effective as of the date TRS receives your enrollment application.

For more information, please see the TRS Membership for CUNY Employees publication.

Note: Your membership date may actually be a different date than described above if either a) you become “reinstated” to a prior membership with an eligible retirement system, or b) you are transferring a current membership in an eligible retirement system to TRS. If you are a current or former member of a public retirement system within New York State, please read the following information carefully.

Membership/Tier Reinstatement

If you are a former member of TRS or any other New York City or New York State public retirement system, you may apply for membership/tier reinstatement after establishing your new TRS membership. To effect a reinstatement, you must repay any contributions refunded to you when your previous membership(s) ceased, plus applicable interest. Your date of membership (and tier status) in TRS would be deemed to be the date of membership (and tier status) in your prior system.

Membership Transfer

In-Service Members of Other Retirement Systems

You may transfer a current membership in one of the following eligible retirement systems to TRS:

• New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS)

• New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS)

• New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS)

• New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System (NYSLERS)

To initiate a membership transfer, you should file the “TRS Enrollment Application” (code EN10) with TRS and notify your current retirement system of your intent to transfer. That system is responsible for transferring your service credit and member accumulations to TRS. The tier you held in your previous retirement system would normally transfer to TRS with your membership. However, you would be enrolled in the current TRS tier until the transfer process is completed. TRS would make any necessary adjustments to your tier status after your transfer is completed.

Retired Members of Other Retirement Systems

If you have retired from one of the retirement systems listed below, and you are now working in a position that entitles you to membership in TRS, you may transfer your membership to TRS under certain conditions stated below:

NYCERS or BERS (Tiers I/II only)

• If you have not yet received a retirement allowance payment from the other retirement system or you are on deferred payability, your retirement application from your prior system would be considered withdrawn. Following your membership transfer, you would have no minimum service requirement before becoming eligible for a (potentially higher) TRS retirement benefit.

• If you have already received a retirement allowance payment from your other system, you must first suspend your retirement allowance from that system. In addition, you must repay your other system any retirement allowance payment(s) that you have received. Your membership transfer would be permitted after the repayment is verified by TRS.

NYSTRS or NYSLERS or New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System (All Tiers)

• You must suspend your retirement allowance from the other retirement system and provide documentation to TRS with your enrollment application confirming the suspension before you can be granted TRS membership.

• You may not transfer your membership to TRS; instead, you would maintain the two memberships separately.

If you later choose to reinstate your retirement allowance with the other system, you must notify TRS immediately. In such a case, you would be unable to receive any additional service credit from TRS, and your TRS membership rights may be affected.

If you retire from your new position after you have attained vested rights with TRS, you may be eligible to receive a retirement allowance from both your other retirement system and TRS, depending on your tier status.

Retired members of the following retirement systems may not transfer their membership to TRS:

• NYCERS (Tiers III/IV)     • New York City Fire Department Pension Fund

• BERS (Tiers III/IV)     • New York City Police Pension Fund

If TRS pension contributions are being deducted from your paycheck, please advise TRS immediately so that we may stop and refund the erroneous contributions. You may retain your current retirement allowance and work in public employment within New York State according to the provisions of Section 212 of the Retirement and Social Security Law (RSSL). For further information, please refer to the Earnings After Retirement brochure.

For your convenience, TRS forms and publications are available on our website.

If you require additional assistance, we encourage you to contact our Member Services Center at 1 (888) 8-NYC-TRS.

This publication should not be solely relied upon, as it is based on currently available information that is subject to change. TRS suggests that you consult with an attorney and/or a tax advisor if you have any specific legal or tax questions concerning this information. In all cases, the specific provisions of the governing laws, rules, and regulations prevail.

Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York
55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041
www.trsnyc.org • 1 (888) 8-NYC-TRS

Code 1.7
5/12

Please submit your completed form and required documentation to TRS.

Enter text✕

What the TRS Enrollment Form Is and Who It Covers

The TRS Enrollment Form is a standardized enrollment document used to register an individual with a Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or similar defined-benefit pension program. It captures personal details, employment history, beneficiary designations, and enrollment options that determine contribution and benefit status. Agencies and employers use the form to establish membership, confirm eligibility, and initiate payroll contributions. Accurate completion ensures correct benefit tracking and avoids processing delays. This guidance explains the form's purpose, required fields, common filing paths, and practical considerations for electronic submission.

Why Accurate TRS Enrollment Matters

Completing the TRS Enrollment Form accurately establishes pension membership, ensures correct payroll withholding, and documents beneficiary choices. Timely submission prevents coverage gaps and avoids administrative rework or retroactive adjustments that can delay benefit accrual and payout calculations.

Why Accurate TRS Enrollment Matters

Who Typically Completes and Manages the Form

Employers, human resources staff, payroll administrators, and employees complete the TRS Enrollment Form to register membership and set payroll contributions.

  • Public school employees and HR administrators participating in state TRS programs.
  • Higher education faculty and staff enrolling in system-specific retirement plans.
  • Private employers offering defined-benefit plans with TRS-like enrollment requirements annually.

Use these role summaries to route the form correctly inside your organization and avoid submission delays.

Core Sections Every Professional TRS Enrollment Form Should Include

Essential sections that appear on a professional TRS Enrollment Form and how each contributes to accurate member records and benefit calculations.

Personal Information

Collect full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or TIN, current mailing and residential addresses, email, and phone; accurate identity data speeds verification and prevents mismatches with payroll or pension records.

Employment Details

Record employer name, job title, hire date, work location, salary basis, and employer ID; employer-provided data confirms eligibility, determines contribution tier, and supports accurate payroll reporting.

Beneficiary Designation

Specify primary and contingent beneficiaries, include full names, SSNs, birthdates and relationship; percentages should total 100% to avoid probate delays and ensure correct payout.

Enrollment Elections

Document contribution rate, pension tier selection, service purchase elections, and beneficiary options; unclear or unsigned elections may default to plan rules and require employer clarification.

Employer Certification

Employer representative signs to verify employment details and contribution start dates; certification enables system entry, auditability, and authorizes payroll deductions per plan rules.

Supporting Documents

Attach proof of identity, previous service documentation, and any court orders; missing documents prolong verification, which can delay benefit accrual and require manual reconciliation with records.

Step-by-Step: Complete and Submit the TRS Enrollment Form

Clear step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting the TRS Enrollment Form, including verification and signing options.

  • 01
    Prepare Documents: Gather ID, employment records, and beneficiary information before you start.
  • 02
    Complete Sections: Enter legal name, SSN or TIN, and employment dates accurately.
  • 03
    Select Options: Choose contribution tier and beneficiary type; confirm with employer.
  • 04
    Sign and Submit: Sign, date, and submit via employer, mail, or eSignature.

Typical Processing Flow from Completion to System Posting

Typical routing for the TRS Enrollment Form from completion through verification to final filing with the retirement system.

  • Prepare: Collect ID, employment records, proof of prior service.
  • Fill: Populate personal, employment, and beneficiary fields accurately.
  • Authenticate: Confirm identity; use notarization or eSignature as allowed.
  • File: Submit to employer or retirement system per instructions.

Configuration Checklist for an Online TRS Enrollment Workflow

Settings to configure when building a digital TRS Enrollment Form workflow for consistent capture and compliance.

Field Configuration
Full Legal Name Required; validate against ID document
SSN/TIN Masked entry; require exact match for payroll
Beneficiary Designation Conditional fields; allow multiple beneficiaries
Signature Method Allow eSignature or wet signature per state rules
Document Retention Retain signed copy; apply role-based access controls

Platform and Integration Considerations for eSubmission

Basic platform and integration considerations when accepting electronic TRS Enrollment Forms.

  • Supported Formats: PDF, Word DOCX, and HTML
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
  • Authentication Options: Email link, SMS code, or stronger methods

Common Timeframes and Internal Deadlines

Common timeframes and internal deadlines tied to TRS enrollment, payroll processing, beneficiary updates, and retroactive contribution adjustments.

Upon Hire Deadline:

Submit enrollment promptly to start contributions with first payroll.

Within 30 Days:

Many systems require forms within 30 days to avoid retroactive processing.

Open Enrollment Period:

Annual windows may allow plan elections or tier changes.

Beneficiary Updates:

Submit changes immediately to ensure correct payout designation.

Correction Window:

Contact employer promptly to correct errors before year-end reporting.

Sequential Milestones From Submission to Benefit Effective Date

Key milestones from initial enrollment through employer verification and final system posting, presented in sequence.

01

Enrollment Submitted

Employee completes form and submits to HR for review.

02

Employer Verification

HR confirms employment dates, payroll codes, and eligibility.

03

System Entry

Payroll posts contributions and member ID is assigned.

04

Benefit Effective

Enrollment is effective and benefit accrual begins per plan rules.

Practical Tips to Minimize Errors and Speed Enrollment

Practical tips to reduce errors, speed processing, and maintain compliance when completing TRS Enrollment Forms.

Double-check identification and TIN
Verify that the enrollee's legal name exactly matches government ID and that the Social Security Number or TIN is entered correctly. Even a single-digit error can require manual reconciliation, delay contributions, and complicate tax reporting.
Use consistent name formats
Avoid nicknames or omitted suffixes. Use the same full legal name across payroll, benefits, and the retirement system to prevent identity mismatches that trigger verification holds or require notarized affidavits to resolve.
Confirm beneficiary percentages total 100%
Ensure primary and contingent allocations sum to 100 percent and include birthdates and relationships. If percentages are missing or inconsistent, the system may default allocations under plan rules or require additional documentation.
Retain proof of submission
Keep copies of the signed form, proof of delivery, and any email confirmations. Retention supports audits, dispute resolution, and statutory retention requirements for payroll and benefit records.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete beneficiary section or missing signatures cause the retirement system to return the form and require resubmission, delaying coverage effective date and contribution setup.
  • Entering an incorrect Social Security Number or employer identification can trigger backup withholding or require manual reconciliation with payroll records.
  • Using inconsistent name formats across systems (initials, nicknames, missing suffixes) creates identity verification failures and slows enrollment processing.
  • Failing to select the correct contribution tier or prior service purchase option can lead to incorrect deductions and retroactive adjustments.

Security, Compliance, and Technical Controls to Consider

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps, IP, and action logs
HIPAA: BAA available for protected health information
ESIGN/UETA: Compliance with ESIGN Act and UETA
Access Control: Role-based access and MFA options

Consequences of Incorrect or Late Enrollment

Delayed Benefits: Enrollment errors can delay vesting.
Incorrect Contributions: Payroll misposting leads to corrections.
Beneficiary Errors: Wrong beneficiary causes probate complications.
Identity Mismatch: Mismatched name or TIN may require proof.
Regulatory Risk: HIPAA or privacy breaches may incur penalties.
Replacement Costs: Resubmission and audits increase administrative costs.

Who Has Authority to Sign and Certify the Form

Employee

The enrollee must sign where indicated to attest to accuracy and beneficiary choices. The employee's signature confirms intent to enroll and authorizes payroll deductions; incomplete or unsigned forms will not be processed and may require re-execution.

Employer Representative

An authorized HR or payroll officer signs employer certification sections to verify employment details and contribution start dates. Employer signatures confirm payroll setup and may be required to trigger system entry and audits.

Real-World Examples of Digital Enrollment Workflows

Two short examples showing how organizations digitized enrollment and protected records during onboarding and processing.

Martin Properties — Tim Martin

A regional property management firm used e-signature to collect employee enrollment forms remotely during onboarding.

  • Reduced processing time by eliminating paper routing.
  • I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently.

Fertility Centers — John Butler

A healthcare provider digitized enrollment and consent processes to protect patient data and speed payroll enrollment.

  • Strengthened privacy and auditability across workflows.
  • The airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow as a company.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for TRS Enrollment Workflows

Representative plan and feature comparisons for common eSignature vendors. signNow is listed first to align with technical integration and compliance considerations.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About TRS Enrollment Forms

Answers to frequent questions about completing, signing, and submitting the TRS Enrollment Form, including electronic signature and notarization concerns.


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