Step One: Sign up for Retirement Online, our self-service tool that offers an easy and secure way to review your benefits and conduct transactions in real time. Self-Help Guide to Pre-Retirement Planning for New York State Employees.Guide given to webinar participants covering 11 content areas. The PREP seminar will help you understand your NYSTRS benefits while also providing essential retirement-planning tips. You can fill out these worksheets to help you solve the retirement mystery. These worksheets are set up for individuals from age 50 to age 70. Apply for your monthly retirement benefit any time between age 62 and 70. Below you will find all forms related to your service in BERS. Download, print, fill-out and return any forms you need to conduct business with BERS. We have the tools, videos and advisors to help you prepare for retirement.