Post-9/11 Army Pension Credit For Teachers

By HOWARD MEGDAL

A new state law allows Teachers called to military service since Sept. 11, 2001 to receive free service credit in the Teachers Retirement System.

The bill, which had been backed by the New York State United Teachers, reduces costs for Teachers within Tier 4 of the system.

Save Three Percent

Currently, Teachers in that tier pay three percent of their annual salary toward TRS until they have purchased 10 years of service time. Teachers in Tiers 1 and 2 are given this time free of charge.

Tammy Mandwelle, a South Glens Falls Teacher who served with the U.S. Army in Iraq from May 2004 through December 2005, had previously saved money to purchase the time.

"It was a wonderful surprise that I'd get the time for free," she told New York Teacher.

Teachers in Tier 4 are those who joined the TRS after July 26, 1976.

Loan Waiver Extended

The Governor also signed a one-year extension of the waiver of Patriot Plan loan repayment for Teachers called to active duty after Sept. 11, 2001.

Both laws only apply to those who were educators prior to joining the military. They do not cover those who began teaching after serving, nor will prior military service make current Teachers eligible for the plan.

Another new law provides death benefits for Tiers 1 and 2 and accidental death benefits for Tiers 3 and 4 to survivors of public employees who die while on active duty in the military.