Rochester Retirement Plan & Pension Attorney

Rochester Retirement Plan and Pension Lawyers

Planning for retirement in Rochester, New York is a critical process that can ensure the prosperous future of you and your family. As a tax-paying individual who works hard for the state, you are entitled to a proper retirement. However, understanding the specifics of what benefits you can potentially receive, as well as what pension plans might work for you, can be difficult to grasp.

At Trotto Law Firm, P. C., our dedicated Rochester retirement plan attorneys are here to assist you with understanding what your options are. Whether you have questions about receiving disability or retirement in older age, a pension lawyer from our firm can help clarify the planning steps that will help you and your family’s situation.

When it comes to retirement planning, you will need a pension lawyer who can help you consider personal, legal, and monetary elements related to your circumstances. A retirement plan and pension lawyer from Trotto Law Firm, P. C. can help you understand complex legal definitions related to Rochester, New York pension plans, disability benefits, and other retirement-related entitlements you may have. Our lawyers can help ensure that you are making strategic plans for your future and that once you have reached retirement, you receive all of the benefits that you are entitled to.

What Is A Retirement Pension Plan?

In order to properly plan for retirement, it is critical to understand basic definitions and legal processes surrounding pension. A retirement pension plan is a plan that helps make sure that individuals have the support that they need after they go into retirement. Usually, this plan is supported by the employer of the individual or the government. The government retirement plans can be made on the district, state, or even federal level.

During the pension agreement, an individual agrees to pay a certain amount of their salary or wages into an account so that when they retire and are no longer working, they can receive monthly payments from this same account. Depending on the terms of the agreement, the government entity or employer involved may agree to contribute a certain amount of money to the retirement plan as well. To determine what monthly or lump sum retirement payments will be, factors such as the time in service and the amount contributed by the individual are taken into account.

Understanding New York State Pension Plans

As of 2023, there are three main Rochester, New York state pension plans that public servants in the state of New York are using to plan for retirement. They are as follows:

New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System (ERS)

The New York ERS is for government workers in the state who do not live and work in New York City. Workers eligible for the ERS can be working on the local or state level. Under this pension system, individuals enrolled can get access to disability and retirement benefits, as well as coverage in case of death.

New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS)

The pension system, otherwise known as PFRS, is solely for firefighters and police officers who work in New York State and are not located in New York City. Individuals enrolled in this pension system have potential benefits related to retirement and disability and payments to affected loved ones should the individual pass away.

New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS)

The NYSTRS is particularly for public servants in New York who work in the public schools as administrators or teachers. It does not apply to those living in New York City. Like the other pension systems in New York State, individuals with access to this pension system can get retirement and disability benefits, as well as death benefits.

It’s important to keep in mind that in addition to the three pension plans for government workers in New York State, individuals working for the public system in New York City have five options. The Rochester pension systems are run separately from the state-run options.

Understanding Pension Payments

A pension payment is essentially the amount of money that an individual will receive from their pension plan, which can either be in the form of regular payments or withdrawn money. Regular payments are formally known as benefits. It is also possible to take out funds in the case that the individual opts out of the pension system before receiving payments. This is known as withdrawal.

FAQs About Rochester, NY Retirement Plan and Pension Law

What New Law Was Introduced for New York Retirement Planning?

In late 2021, the governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, put into place a law that makes businesses in New York with ten or more employees offer retirement-related options for their workers, including a 401(k) or a 403(b) plan. It is important to note that as of 2023, the exact details for implementation are still being sorted out.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Start Receiving Pension Payments?

In order to understand when you can start getting pension payments, you will need to understand which kind of pension plan you are subscribed to and what the exact rules are. Usually, the minimum age you can start collecting payments at ranges from 55-65. New Yorkers usually retire from 60-65. It’s important to speak to a knowledgeable pension lawyer so that you can understand when you can strategically start collecting money without losing certain benefits.

How Much Is a New York State Pension?

A Rochester, New York State pension amount depends on the circumstances of the individual contributing to the plan, including how long they worked, how much they made, and the kind of plan they are enrolled in. Each of the three kinds of pension systems in New York State has different rules that determine how much money will be paid out.

Can I Contribute to Both a Pension Plan and an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?

Yes, you can contribute to a pension plan as well as an individual retirement account, or IRA. Usually, pension plans are agreements made between employees and workers, and employees make contributions by adding portions of their salaries to the plan. An IRA is an account set up by an individual who can choose to contribute as much as they want and can receive tax-deductible savings if they don’t take the money out before a certain time.

Secure Your Retirement and Future Today

The legal professionals at Trotto Law Firm, P. C., have years of experience helping hard-working Rochester residents plan for their future in retirement and get the benefits that they have long labored for. Contact one of our NY retirement plan & pension attorneys today to get the support you need.