🚨 BIG NEWS FOR TIER 6 MEMBERS! 🚨
CSEA has secured the most significant Tier 6 reforms enacted since Tier 6 became law — a major victory that will put real money back in members’ pockets and strengthen retirement security for the future!
💰 Lower Pension Contribution Rates
Under the new law, effective October 1, 2026:
✅ Every Tier 6 member earning $75,000 or less will now pay just 3% toward their pension
✅ Roughly 90% of CSEA Tier 6 members will now pay the minimum contribution rate
✅ Under the old law, only about 30% of members paid 3%
That means more money stays in your paycheck — every single pay period!
🔽 Here’s What’s Changing
📈 More Overtime Counts Toward Your Pension for Tiers 5 & 6
The budget also increases pensionable overtime earnings from $21,589 to $30,000.
🔥 That means more overtime earnings can count toward your pension calculation, helping boost your final average salary and future retirement benefits.
Why This Victory Matters
💥 This is a massive investment by Governor Hochul and the State Legislature, costing roughly $215 million annually.
💥 Tier 6 members have long paid significantly higher contribution rates than members in Tiers 4 and 5
💥 These reforms deliver immediate financial relief while improving long-term retirement security
💥 For members currently paying above 3%, this is effectively equivalent to a raise
💥 Even if you already pay 3%, these reforms protect future raises from being eaten up by higher pension deductions
This victory did not happen by accident.
It happened because CSEA members organized, advocated, spoke out and stood together to demand fairness!
This is a huge step forward, and a victory worth celebrating — but we’re not done yet! Let’s build on this win and continue fighting to Fix Tier 6!
If you have questions about these changes, or want to learn more, CSEA’s Legislative and Political Action Department will be hosting a webinar on Monday, June 1 at 6:30PM. Registration is required. Click here to register.