Once you join the Retirement System, your membership cannot end unless you:

• Are not vested and seven years have elapsed since you left public employment. Public employment means paid service as an officer or employee of an employer that participates in the New York State and Local Retirement System;
• Have less than ten years of service credit, leave public employment for at least 15 days and voluntarily withdraw your membership;
• Transfer your membership to another retirement system;
• Retire; or
• Die.