TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF TEXAS

You become a TRS member on the 1st day of eligible employment.

As an active member of TRS you receive one year of credit for each school year (September - August) if you work at least

• four and one-half months
• a full semester of more than four calendar months
• ninety actual workdays of service

Do you know what benefits will be available to you through TRS at retirement?

TRS is a 401a -Defined Benefit Plan in Lieu of Social Security

• As a member you contribute 6.4% & 0.65% for retiree health insurance (TRS-Care)
• The State contributes 6% to TRS and 1% for TRS-Care
• District contributes .55% for TRS-Care

• Your TRS account earns 5% interest annually and is applied to your account on August 31st of each year.
• You have the option to purchase special service credit (If you would like additional information on Special Service Credit Purchase, visit the Teacher Retirement System website at www.trs.state.tx.us click on publications and then go to TRS Service Credit Brochure. 
• Survivor Benefits become effective on the first day of TRS-covered employment.  It is important to provide beneficiary information to TRS as soon as you become TRS eligible. 

Do you know when you can retire?

Normal Age Retirement Eligibility

• Age 65 with five (5) or more years of membership service credit
• Any combination of age and service totaling 80, with at least five (5) years of membership service credit

Early Age Service Retirement

• Total of age and service is less than ”80” and the following conditions are met:
• At least age 55 with 5 or more years service credit
• Any age below 50 with 30 or more years
  

Let’s calculate a Benefit at Retirement

Example based on Average salary of $36,500 for highest 5 annual salaries

________$36,500________
Average of Highest 5 Annual Salaries

__28__   X   2.3%   =   ___64.4%___
Total Years of Service Credit                             Total %

___$36,500__ X _ __64.4%___ = $23,506
               Average Salary       Total %            Standard Annuity

$23,506    /   12   =  ___$1,958.83 Monthly Standard Annuity

Retiring this year? 

If you are planning to retire this school year, you must complete a TRS 18 (Request for Estimate of Retirement Benefits Form)
You may visit Human Resources/Employee Benefits for a TRS 18 Form or you may visit the TRS Web Site at www.trs.state.tx.us. Once the form has been submitted and received by TRS, you will receive your TRS retirement packet within two-three weeks. 
You may contact Julie L. Camacho at (915) 881-2636 for an exit interview appointment.  During your exit interview you will be provided with assistance in completing the TRS packet required for retirement with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. 

*It is your responsibility to confirm with TRS, receipt of your retirement packet.  Only TRS can acknowledge receipt of the required forms and confirm your retirement date.  EPISD is not responsible for any documentation not received by TRS, in accordance with TRS retirement date deadlines.  
If you would like additional information regarding your retirement benefit, visit the Teacher Retirement System website at www.trs.state.tx.us.  

You may also contact a TRS Representative by calling toll-free 1-800-223-8778

For information on Social Security Benefits please visit: SocialSecurity.gov