Retirement System Board of Education: Calendar & Meetings

NYC Board of Education Retirement System guide

Retirement System Board of Education: BERS Calendar, Meetings, Office Hours, Login and Member Help

This Board of Education Retirement System guide helps NYC DOE, CUNY and eligible school-related employees quickly find the official NYC BERS meeting calendar, Board of Trustees notices, public packets, summary minutes, YouTube meeting videos, walk-in center hours, call center phone number, member self-service login, enrollment forms, DocUpload, TDA information, retirement appointments and official BERS contact links. It also explains the difference between BERS, DOE, TRS, NYCERS and NYSTRS so users do not send pension documents to the wrong office.

929-305-3800BERS call center
65 Court St.Brooklyn walk-in center
55 Water St.Meeting / postal notice address
YouTubeArchived board videos
Start by task
What Do You Need From NYC BERS Today?

Most people searching for “board of education retirement system” need one of these practical tasks: meeting calendar, board packet, meeting minutes, BERS office hours, pension enrollment, MSS login, password reset, forms, DocUpload, TDA, loan information or retirement appointment. Choose the closest task below.

Important search warning: BERS is not the same as DOE Human Resources, Teachers’ Retirement System, NYCERS, NYSTRS, or a local school board calendar. BERS is the New York City Board of Education Retirement System.
Fast answer

Board of Education Retirement System Quick Answer

The official Board of Education Retirement System is NYC BERS at bers.nyc.gov. The official site says it provides essential information for prospective, active and retired members about the retirement system, retirement plan and available benefits.

For public board meetings, use the BERS Meetings page. It lists current meeting notices, public packets, summary minutes, archived board materials and the BERS YouTube channel for meeting recordings. For office help, the call center is listed as 929-305-3800 or 800-843-5575 outside New York State.

Best first move: If your task involves a pension form, meeting packet, retirement application, MSS login, TDA, loan, FOIL request or enrollment deadline, open the official BERS page first and verify current instructions before sending documents.
At a glance

NYC BERS Contact, Calendar and Meeting Facts

These quick facts help members avoid the most common mistake: sending pension documents to DOE or using a random search result instead of the official BERS page.

🏛️SystemNYC BERSBoard of Education Retirement System
☎️Call Center929-305-3800Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30
🏢Walk-in65 Court StreetRoom 101, Brooklyn
📬Postal mail55 Water Street50th Floor, New York
🎥VideosBERS YouTubeArchived meetings
Source check: Official BERS pages reviewed include Home, Meetings, Contact BERS, Directions, Register/Log In, Enrollment, New to BERS, Member Resources, Forms, Tax Deferred Annuity, Ready to Retire, Frequently Asked Questions and the official BERS YouTube channel.
Page guide

What This BERS Guide Covers

Meeting calendar

Board of Education Retirement System Meeting Calendar and Public Notices

The BERS Meetings page is the official place to check current Board of Trustees meetings and committee meetings. It lists meeting type, date, time, location, attendance instructions and contact person when public attendance requires advance contact.

Current notices can include Board of Trustees meetings, Executive Committee meetings, Audit Committee meetings and Disability Committee meetings. Some meetings may be in person, and some may allow hybrid attendance. Always check the official posting before attending because date, time, format, location and contact person can change.

Meeting typeWhat to checkPractical note
Board of TrusteesDate, time, public packet, location and attendance contactThis is the main board meeting route for BERS public materials.
Executive CommitteeCommittee notice and contact personUse the current posting, not an old public packet.
Audit CommitteeHybrid/in-person format and calendar noticeSome postings may include video conference access instructions by contact.
Disability CommitteeMeeting date, location and committee contactsDo not send private disability details through unofficial websites.
Meeting caution: Do not rely on a saved calendar screenshot. Open the current BERS Meetings page before attending or citing a meeting notice.
Packets and minutes

BERS Public Packets, Summary Minutes and “Calendar Items” Explained

BERS meeting materials often use language such as public packet, summary minutes and calendar item. A public packet can show agenda items and supporting materials for a meeting. Summary minutes are posted records of prior meetings after processing. Calendar items are agenda items within the packet, not a school-year calendar.

If you searched “Board of Education Retirement System calendar,” you may be looking for meeting notices or “calendar items” inside a public packet. This is different from a school calendar. BERS is a retirement system, so the calendar most users need is the meeting calendar and packet archive.

Meeting notice

Shows upcoming meeting type, date, time, location and contact instructions.

Public packet

Shows agenda items, supporting materials and business planned for a public meeting.

Calendar item

A numbered item inside a board packet, often used for action or notation.

Summary minutes

Records posted after meeting processing and approval workflow.

Record tip: Use public packets for upcoming or same-day context, and use summary minutes for what was recorded after a meeting.
Contact BERS

BERS Phone Number, Email, Mail, Fax and FOIL Contact

The official Contact BERS page lists phone support Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The call center numbers are 929-305-3800 and 800-843-5575. BERS also lists brespon@bers.nyc.gov and members_outreach@bers.nyc.gov for email contact.

BERS lists postal mail at Board of Education Retirement System, 55 Water Street, 50th Floor, New York, NY 10041. The official contact page also lists fax numbers 718-935-4124 and 718-935-3830. For FOIL requests, it lists BERSLegal@bers.nyc.gov.

NeedOfficial routeUse this for
Call center929-305-3800General BERS member questions, MSS help, form questions and routing.
Outside NY State800-843-5575Members outside New York State.
Email response teambrespon@bers.nyc.govGeneral response team questions and MSS password help.
Outreachmembers_outreach@bers.nyc.govMember outreach, enrollment and teleconference help.
FOIL requestBERSLegal@bers.nyc.govPublic records requests, not private member-service questions.
Office hours

BERS Walk-In Center Hours, Office Location and Directions

The official BERS directions page lists the Retirement Office at 65 Court Street, 1st Floor, Brooklyn. It lists regular business hours as 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays. The Contact BERS page lists the walk-in center as 65 Court Street, Room 101, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

The MSS Register/Log In page separately says the Walk-in Center is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for MSS registration help. Because service type and office availability can differ, call BERS before visiting if you need a specific task, document copy, appointment or MSS registration.

Visit caution: BERS has more than one address in official use. The walk-in center is at 65 Court Street in Brooklyn. Meeting and postal notices can list 55 Water Street, 50th Floor, New York, NY 10041. Check the page for your exact task before traveling.
Member Self-Service

BERS MSS Login, Registration and Password Reset

The BERS Register/Log In page explains that members registering for an MSS account need to visit the BERS Walk-in Center at 65 Court Street, 1st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Representatives provide the MSS Registration Application, make a copy of photo ID and submit it for processing.

The same page says members should receive a welcome registration email and temporary password in approximately 10 business days after processing. For password reset issues, the page says to contact the BERS Call Center at 929-305-3800 or the BERS Response team at brespon@bers.nyc.gov.

Login safety rule: Use the MSS link from the official BERS Register/Log In page. Do not enter pension login details on a third-party website or old copied link.
Enrollment

BERS Enrollment, Auto-Enrollment, Opt-Out and Who Should Not Use DOE for Forms

The official BERS Enrollment page explains how to enroll in the BERS Qualified Pension Plan and the Tax Deferred Annuity Program. It also explains auto-enrollment and opt-out guidance for eligible members.

The page says BERS Membership Applications, Auto-Enrollment Opt-Out Forms and other retirement-related documents must be submitted directly to BERS, not DOE. It also says BERS requires all forms to be signed and notarized, and that enrollment applications may take up to 90 days from receipt to process.

1

Confirm you are BERS-eligible

BERS membership is not the same as TRS or NYCERS membership. Confirm eligibility through official BERS pages or a BERS representative.

2

Choose pension enrollment or opt-out carefully

Do not file an opt-out form unless you truly do not want BERS automatic enrollment.

3

Complete signed and notarized forms

Bers states forms must be signed and notarized. Check each form before submitting.

4

Submit directly to BERS

Use BERS mail, fax or DocUpload instructions. Do not submit BERS retirement forms to DOE.

Forms and DocUpload

BERS Forms, Notarization, DocUpload, Fax and Mail

The official Forms page says it contains forms related to service in BERS. It also includes an important notarization update: BERS rescinded the policy that had suspended notarization requirements, and forms submitted after June 24, 2021 must be notarized.

The Enrollment page says forms may be submitted by mail, fax or BERS DocUpload. It lists mail for enrollment-related submissions at Board of Education Retirement System, 65 Court Street, 16th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, and fax numbers 718-935-4124 or 718-935-3830.

DocUpload

Use the official BERS DocUpload route from the BERS site when uploading forms.

Fax

BERS lists fax numbers 718-935-4124 and 718-935-3830.

Mail

Enrollment-related mail can use 65 Court Street, 16th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Notarization

Check every form. BERS states all forms submitted after June 24, 2021 must be notarized.

Privacy warning: Retirement forms can include Social Security number, beneficiaries, medical/disability details, bank details and identity documents. Upload or send only through official BERS instructions.
TDA and resources

BERS TDA, Loan Program, Member Resources and Pension Planning Pages

BERS Member Resources groups several practical pages: pension system choice, auto-enrollment, contact cards, walk-in center calendar, general member resources, retirement options, how-to guides, retiree resources, TDA materials and how-to videos.

The TDA page explains that eligible BERS members employed by the Department of Education or CUNY may make employee contributions to the BERS Tax-Deferred Annuity Program. The TDA is separate from the pension and should be reviewed carefully before changing contributions, taking a loan or making investment decisions.

TopicOfficial routePractical note
TDA enrollmentTDA InformationTDA is voluntary and separate from the pension plan.
LoansMember ResourcesUse official brochures and forms before considering a loan.
PublicationsPublicationsGood for Tier 6, TDA, loans and retirement program explanations.
FAQsFrequently Asked QuestionsUse for member questions, TDA and plan-information basics.
Ready to retire

Ready to Retire With BERS: Appointment and Application Timing

The BERS Ready to Retire page says members should make a final appointment and complete the retirement application at most three months in advance of the desired retirement date. The page also gives timing rules for different tiers, including at least 30 days prior for Tier 1 and Tier 2 members and at least one day prior for Tier 4 and Tier 6 members.

Retirement timing is sensitive. Do not use an old article, agency rumor or co-worker memory to decide your filing deadline. Use the official Ready to Retire page and contact BERS before submitting final retirement paperwork.

1

Review Ready to Retire

Open the official BERS retirement page before choosing a retirement date.

2

Schedule the final appointment

Do not wait until the last day. Appointment availability and document completion matter.

3

Prepare signed documents

Check whether applications, beneficiary forms or other documents require notarization.

4

Confirm receipt with BERS

After sending important retirement documents, confirm the official route and keep proof of submission.

Video and recordings

NYCBERS Board Meeting Videos and Archived Recordings

The official Meetings page says archived videos of Board of Education Retirement System meetings can be viewed at the BERS YouTube channel. Use videos for meeting context, discussion and public access. Use public packets and summary minutes for written meeting records.

Watch a Recent NYCBERS Board Meeting

This embedded video uses a recent NYC Board of Education Retirement System board meeting recording. For the newest meeting, open the official BERS YouTube channel.

Map and directions

BERS Walk-In Center, Meeting Address and Postal Address Maps

The BERS walk-in center is listed at 65 Court Street, Room 101, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The official contact page also lists postal mail at 55 Water Street, 50th Floor, New York, NY 10041, and current meeting notices can list 55 Water Street for board or committee meetings.

BERS Walk-In Center: 65 Court Street, Brooklyn

Use this map for in-person walk-in center planning. Call first if you need MSS registration, retirement help or a specific representative.

BERS Postal / Meeting Notice Address: 55 Water Street

Use this map only when the official meeting notice or postal instruction tells you to use 55 Water Street.

FAQs

Board of Education Retirement System FAQs

What is the official Board of Education Retirement System website?

The official NYC Board of Education Retirement System website is bers.nyc.gov. It provides information for prospective, active and retired BERS members.

Open NYC BERS

What does BERS stand for?

BERS stands for Board of Education Retirement System. The official site identifies it as the NYC Board of Education Retirement System.

Open official BERS site

Where can I find the BERS meeting calendar?

Use the official BERS Meetings page. It lists upcoming meetings, public packets, summary minutes, committee records and the YouTube channel for meeting videos.

Open BERS Meetings

What is the BERS phone number?

The official BERS call center number is 929-305-3800. The outside New York State number is 800-843-5575.

Call 929-305-3800

What are BERS call center hours?

The Contact BERS page lists phone support Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Open Contact BERS

Where is the BERS walk-in center?

The walk-in center is listed at 65 Court Street, Room 101, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Call before visiting for task-specific instructions.

Open directions

How do I register for the BERS MSS portal?

The Register/Log In page says members need to visit the BERS Walk-in Center to complete an MSS registration application and photo ID copy process.

Open Register / Log In

How do I reset my BERS MSS password?

The Register/Log In page says to contact the BERS Call Center at 929-305-3800 or the BERS Response team at brespon@bers.nyc.gov.

Open MSS help

Can I send BERS enrollment forms to DOE?

No. The official Enrollment page says BERS membership applications, auto-enrollment opt-out forms and other retirement-related documents must be submitted directly to BERS, not DOE.

Open Enrollment

Do BERS forms need to be notarized?

The official Forms page states that BERS forms submitted after June 24, 2021 must be notarized.

Open Forms

Where do I watch BERS board meeting videos?

The BERS Meetings page links to the BERS YouTube channel, where archived Board of Education Retirement System meeting videos are posted.

Open BERS YouTube

What is a BERS public packet?

A public packet is a meeting document bundle that can include agenda items and supporting materials. It is different from summary minutes, which are posted records after a meeting process.

Open public packets

What is the BERS TDA program?

The BERS Tax-Deferred Annuity Program is an additional retirement savings program available to eligible BERS members employed by DOE or CUNY. It is separate from the pension plan.

Open TDA information

When should I complete my BERS retirement application?

The Ready to Retire page says members should make a final appointment and complete the retirement application at most three months in advance of the desired retirement date, with tier-specific minimum deadlines.

Open Ready to Retire

Is BERS the same as TRS or NYCERS?

No. BERS, TRS and NYCERS are different retirement systems. Use the official BERS eligibility and enrollment pages before assuming which pension system applies to your title.

Open BERS enrollment

Editorial disclaimer: This independent guide helps users find official NYC Board of Education Retirement System resources faster. It does not replace official BERS meeting notices, public packets, summary minutes, plan documents, retirement counseling, legal notices, FOIL procedures, MSS instructions, enrollment deadlines, TDA rules, loan rules, notarization requirements or member-specific pension advice. Always verify live details on bers.nyc.gov before attending a meeting, submitting documents, making pension decisions, changing TDA elections or filing retirement applications.
Final summary

Best Way to Use This Board of Education Retirement System Guide

Start with the official BERS website at bers.nyc.gov. Use the Meetings page for board and committee meeting notices, public packets, summary minutes and archived videos. Use Contact BERS for phone, email, mail, fax, walk-in and FOIL information. Use Register/Log In for Member Self-Service access, and use Enrollment, Forms, Member Resources and Ready to Retire for pension tasks.

For practical help, call 929-305-3800 before visiting or sending sensitive paperwork. Use 65 Court Street for walk-in center planning, 55 Water Street only when the meeting notice or postal instruction says so, and submit BERS retirement documents directly to BERS rather than to DOE.