1. (a) at least seven years have elapsed since the member or contributor withdrew from service or ceased to be a teacher for any cause other than death or retirement; or
2. (b) at least seven years have elapsed from the date any other person became entitled to a benefit from the system pursuant to any provision of the Education Law or the Retirement and Social Security Law.

This Part is intended to implement section 531(5) of the Education Law added by chapter 220 of the Laws of 2009 authorizing the mandated distribution of unclaimed amounts not to exceed $1,000 in each case to former members or contributors, or other persons entitled to receive benefits from the system, in cases where: