Note: Information on returning to work can be found at this link.

Qualifying for TRS Membership

Non-University employees: Non-university members do not contribute to Social Security. TRS membership is mandatory if your position with a TRS employer requires either certification or graduation from a four-year college or university. Additionally, any person providing part-time or substitute teaching services that are the same or similar to those teaching services provided by full-time, certified teachers shall be a member of the retirement system, regardless of whether certification or graduation from a four year college or university is required. Members providing part-time and substitute services with fewer than five years in their initial retirement account must complete at least 69% of a full contract year before they and their survivors are eligible for survivor benefits, life insurance benefits or disability benefits.

University employees: University employees are eligible to participate with TRS if they are employed on a full-time basis and their position requires either certification or graduation from a four-year college or university. University employees contribute to Social Security in addition to TRS.

Defining Employment

Full time is employment in a position that requires services on a continuing basis equal to at least 7/10ths of the normal full-time contract for any fiscal year.

Part time is any employment that is less than full time or less than 7/10ths employment. As of July 1, 2002, members providing part-time and substitute services for a non-university employer will participate in TRS and receive retirement credit. Part-time and substitute members are subject to the same limitations and conditions regarding the accumulation and use of service credit that apply to full-time employees.

Employee Contribution Rates

All full-time, part-time and substitute members make pretax contributions to TRS.

Determining retirement annuity benefit

Members should consult the appropriate Service Retirement brochure for each member’s account type. The separate brochures, one for TRS 1, TRS 2 and TRS 3 members and one for TRS 4 members is on the Service Retirement and Retirement Eligibility page. Additional information for TRS 4 members is on the TRS 4 information page.

Forfeiture of Membership

Members who are not eligible to retire and who permanently terminate their employment have the option to withdraw their TRS account balance. A withdrawal of funds cancels TRS membership and voids any future benefit eligibility (subject to reinstatement rules).