N.Y. Education Law § 186: State not liable for payment of benefits

§ 186. State not liable for payment of benefits. Neither the state

nor the department shall be a party to any contract continued in whole

or in part with contributions made under the education department

optional retirement program established and administered pursuant to

this part V of this article. No retirement, death or other benefits

shall be payable by the state or by the department under such education

department optional retirement program, except as otherwise provided in

section 184. Such benefits shall be paid to electing employees or their

beneficiaries by the designated insurer or insurers in accordance with

the terms of their contracts.