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New York State and Local Retirement System

Employer Projections & Rates (EPR)

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where did the estimated salary figure come from?
  2. Why are the projection factors for Tiers 1 through 4 less than 100 percent?
  3. Why use estimated salaries?
  4. Why are the actual salaries double inflated?
  5. How are plan and option rates determined?
  6. What is the divide by factor?
  7. Why is group term life insurance (GTLI) separate from the regular pension contribution?
  8. Will I still receive the rates or the projections in the mail?
  9. If I choose to amortize my 2013 Annual Invoice, what is the interest rate on that amortization?
  10. What if I disagree with this information?
  11. What if I don’t see all of the location codes that I should have access to?
  12. If I don’t understand a term, where do I get additional information?
  13. What are the technical requirements needed to view the projections and rates?
  14. Why are there Tier 6 salaries on my projection?

  1. Where did the estimated salary figure come from?

    We take the most recent year’s actual salaries and multiply them by the projection factor for that tier.

  2. Why are the projection factors for Tiers 1 through 4 less than 100 percent?

    Tiers 1, 2 and 3 are closed tiers with many people retiring. The salaries in these tiers have been declining for many years — and because Tier 4 closed in 2009, we expect those salaries will go down as well.

  3. Why use estimated salaries?

    It’s the best starting point. We use actual salaries and multiply them by a factor that takes into account several variables. It’s the most accurate method we have for estimating the salary base.

  4. Why are the actual salaries double inflated?

    Salaries are not consistent from year to year, so we double inflate to project salaries fifteen months in advance. It’s similar to the way we calculate estimated salaries.

  5. How are plan and option rates determined?

    Those are calculated by looking at the cost of paying for the future benefits of your employees and the cost of maintaining the Common Retirement Fund.

  6. What is the divide by factor?

    The divide by factor represents the 45 days of interest that are discounted when you pay your annual invoice December 15th instead of February 1st. The factor changes with the interest rate.

  7. Why is group term life insurance (GTLI) separate from the regular pension contribution?

    GTLI is separate because it is excluded from the calculation of the Estimated Amount that May Be Amortized.

  8. Will I still receive the rates or the projections in the mail?

    No. All billing information is now online and is no longer being mailed.

  9. If I choose to amortize my 2013 Annual Invoice, what is the interest rate on that amortization?

    It is 3 percent for amounts amortized on the February 1, 2013 invoice.

  10. What if I disagree with this information?

    Contact the Employer Billing Unit at 518-486-3921 or email us at RTEmpSer@osc.state.ny.us.

  11. What if I don’t see all of the location codes that I should have access to?

    If you think there’s a problem, contact the Employer Billing Unit at 518-486-3921 or email us at RTEmpSer@osc.state.ny.us.

  12. If I don’t understand a term, where do I get additional information?

    Definitions are available by rolling over the column or row heading. Make sure that pop-ups are enabled for the Retirement System website.

  13. What are the technical requirements needed to view the projections and rates?

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • An Intel type PC or Mac (Computer must have Intel-based hardware)
    • Internet Access and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or above

  14. Why are there Tier 6 salaries on my projection?

    Since Tier 6 legislation was not effective until April 1, 2012, there are no Tier 6 reported salaries. For Projection purposes, we assumed that Tier 6 salaries will follow Tier 5 salary patterns. For Projection purposes Tier 6 Salaries are calculated at 120% of Tier 5 actual salaries for 4/1/11–3/31/12.

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