How the NYSLRS COLA works
The NYSLRS COLA is 50% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index for the year ending March 31, rounded up to the next 0.1%, with a floor of 1% and a ceiling of 3%. It applies to the first $18,000 of your yearly pension, figured as if you chose the single life option, and starts with the end-of-September payment. Regular members qualify at 62 after five years of retirement. Police, fire and correction members in 20- or 25-year plans also qualify at 55 after ten years. Disability retirees qualify after five years.
What to expect in 2027
The September 2027 COLA will be half of the CPI increase for the year ending March 31, 2027, between 1% and 3%.
What a COLA is worth over time
On a $3,000 monthly pension, a 2% simple increase adds $60 a month every year, so after 20 years the check is $4,200. A 2% compounded increase reaches about $4,460. A plan with no automatic increase stays at $3,000 unless lawmakers act, and at 3% inflation that check buys about 45% less after 20 years. Our COLA guide compares how other plans handle it.
