Once you join, there are five ways your membership can end:

• If you are not vested and you leave public employment for seven years (membership ends automatically);
• If you leave public employment and voluntarily withdraw your membership;
• If you transfer your membership to another New York State public retirement system;
• If you retire; or
• If you die.

“Public employment” is paid service as an officer or employee with an employer that participates in NYSLRS.