404 : Page not found
Return HomeThe page you are looking for may have been moved, you may have to update any bookmarks. See below for any matches.
Beneficiary Information
At your death, Georgia law requires that the settlement of your account be made in accordance with the beneficiary information on file with TRS.
View Page
Beneficiary Information – Active Members
When you joined TRS, you were instructed to go online and provide TRS with your beneficiary designations. It is important to keep accurate beneficiary information on file with TRS.
View Page
Beneficiary Information – Retirees
As a retiree, there are very limited instances where you can change your beneficiary. Should your beneficiary predecease you, you can make new beneficiary designations according to the provisions of the retirement plan under which you retired.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
Published: September 28, 2021
Beneficiary Designees
As you retire and select your plan of retirement, you will also be selecting primary and secondary beneficiaries. If you choose a beneficiary who is more than ten years younger than you, who is not your spouse, your benefit may be subject to the required minimum distribution incidental benefit (MDIB) rules of the Internal Revenue Service
View Page
Published: September 27, 2021
Death of a Beneficiary
As a retiree, should your beneficiary predecease you, you can make new beneficiary designations according to the provisions of the retirement plan under which you retired.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
Published: September 28, 2021
Shining the Light on Your TRS Beneficiary
At all stages of your career, it is very important to keep your TRS beneficiaries updated. The beneficiaries you select for your TRS account are different than beneficiaries selected at open enrollment and the information in your TRS account supersedes information in will, divorce decrees, etc.
View Page
Published: September 20, 2022
Updating Membership Information
If a member needs to correct a social security number, date of birth, name, or beneficiary, he/she will need to follow the instructions below.
View Page
Published: October 7, 2021
Member Account Information Requests
At the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS), we are committed to honoring the privacy of our customers. In an effort to protect our members, we have tightened our policy regarding the release of confidential information.
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
TRS Beneficiary Information Part 2: Updating Your Beneficiaries
/library/images/media/TRS-VIDEO-BENEFICIARIES-PART-2.png
View Page
Published: March 9, 2022
FY2021 Annual Membership Statements Are Available
Active members may now access their membership statements online via their TRS account. The statements provide valuable account information, such as an account balance, the lump-sum value of an account, estimated projections, as well as beneficiary and service credit information.
View Page
Additional Compensation Information
In addition to earnable compensation listed under Compensation and TRS Contributions, leadership employees’ contracts may include additional components that are considered earnable compensation for TRS purposes
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Plan B
Plan B provides members with 6 survivorship options: Option 1 allows you to possibly leave a lump-sum payment, but no monthly benefit, to a beneficiary(ies) after your death; and Options 2-4 allow you to provide a continuing monthly benefit to a beneficiary(ies) after your death.
View Page
Published: September 17, 2021
Life Changes
Events, or life changes, occurring during the course of your TRS membership may necessitate you contacting our office to report beneficiary changes or name changes.
View Page
Published: September 27, 2021
Changing Your Plan of Retirement
After you begin receiving a monthly retirement benefit, if you have chosen Plan A (Maximum Plan) or Plan B Option 1, you cannot change to a survivorship plan, which allows a monthly benefit to be passed to a beneficiary at your death.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Beneficiaries
It is critical that you designate at least one primary and one secondary beneficiary with TRS. To do so, you must log in to your online TRS account and complete the Designate Beneficiary section.
View Page
Death of a Retiree
Upon the death of a retiree, TRS should be contacted as soon as possible (404-352-6500 or 800-352-0650), with the following information
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
Published: September 28, 2021
Additional Steps Needed to Process Your Application
In addition to the information you provide online, there are additional steps you must complete before your application can be processed by TRS.
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Enrolling Employees in TRS
New employees are automatically enrolled as members of TRS based on the information you submit in the monthly employee detail file. Each new member receives a welcome letter, which includes instructions on how to register for an online TRS account.
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Plans A or B Option 1
If the retiree chose retirement Plan A or Plan B – Option 1, the deceased retiree’s beneficiary(ies) could be eligible for a lump sum refund, and will need to provide TRS the following
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
Published: September 28, 2021
Plan B All Other Options
If the retiree chose Plan B-Option 2, 2 Pop-up, 3, 3 Pop-up, or 4, the deceased retiree’s beneficiary(ies) are eligible for a monthly benefit, and TRS will need the following
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Confidentiality Policy
At the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS), we are committed to honoring the privacy of our members. In an effort to protect our members, we adhere to a strict policy regarding the release of confidential information. The TRS Confidentiality Policy helps to ensure that the release of personal information to a third party is authorized by the member or a properly executed power of attorney or guardian.
View Page
Published: August 27, 2021
Mid-Career Events
As you continue your career as an educator, it is important to revisit your retirement plan and stay abreast of new information and legislation that may affect your retirement benefit. This workshop will provide you with an overview about the services TRS offers, along with an update on what’s going on in the retirement arena-both at TRS and in the state legislature.
View Page
Published: August 31, 2021
Pre-Retirement Events
Retirement is within reach and it’s time to get serious about it! This workshop will provide you with the information and resources you need to help you map out your retirement plan.
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: August 31, 2021
Published: August 31, 2021
Retiree Events
We have created a workshop aimed at keeping you informed throughout your retirement, including information about what’s new at TRS, membership statistics, a financial update, as well as any legislation that may affect you.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: August 31, 2021
Published: August 31, 2021
Welcome, Employers!
Our website is your source for the latest information from TRS, Georgia’s largest public employee retirement system. At TRS, we strive to provide information and materials that will enable you to fulfill your pension administration obligations for your employees.
View Page
Mid-Career Workshop
As you continue your career as an educator, it is important to revisit your retirement plan and stay abreast of new information and legislation that may affect your retirement benefit.
View Page
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 6, 2021
Published: October 6, 2021
Pre-Retirement Workshop
Retirement is within reach and it’s time to get serious about it! This workshop will provide you with the information and resources you need to help you map out your retirement plan.
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
Published: October 6, 2021
Reporting Contact and Address Changes
To report a contact change or an address change for your organization, please log on to the employer desktop and update your information through the employer contact information link.
View Page
Published: October 7, 2021
Fraud Prevention
As a TRS member, you may receive solicitations from financial services companies that are representing themselves as TRS and communicating pension plan information in ways that may be incorrect or aimed at enhancing their own commissions.
View Page
Published: March 15, 2023
Board of Trustees & Investment Committee Meetings
Upcoming board and/or committee meetings information and agenda(s).
View Page
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 and Teachers Retirement System for Members, Retirees, and Employers
View Page
Retirement Plans Offered
TRS offers a defined benefit plan of retirement, also known as a 401(a). As its name implies, your retirement benefit is “defined” by calculation using your years of membership service, the average of your highest 24 consecutive months of salary*, and a 2% multiplier.
View Page
Published: September 16, 2021
Partial Lump Sum Option Plan (PLOP)
At retirement, in addition to selecting Plan A (maximum plan) or Plan B (survivorship plan), you may also elect to receive a one time lump-sum distribution (cash payment) in addition to your monthly retirement benefit.
View Page
Published: September 18, 2021
Annual Member Statement
Since your employer remits your retirement contributions to TRS, we provide you with the opportunity to review your annual member statement online at any time by logging into your account. You should carefully review your statement at least yearly and report any discrepancies to TRS.
View Page
Published: September 27, 2021
Service Credit
The chart below indicates the three types of service that can comprise your total years of creditable service upon retirement. Purchasing service can assist you in attaining vested status, allowing you to retire sooner or increasing your final retirement benefit.
View Page
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
New TRS Podcast Episode
In the fall, open enrollment season causes members to reflect on what benefits they currently have and what they will probably need during the upcoming year.
View Page
Published: November 21, 2022
Virtual Pre-Retirement Workshop on YouTube
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: February 20, 2023
Published: February 20, 2023
Welcome, Active Members!
TRS administers the fund from which teachers in the state’s public schools, many employees of the University System of Georgia, and certain other designated employees in educational-related work environments receive retirement benefits.
View Page
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
In addition to your TRS membership, you may be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) if the cost of living increases as determined by the CPI.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
Published: September 20, 2021
Name Changes in Retirement
In the event your name changes during retirement, you must mail in the following to TRS: a letter requesting the name change, signed with your new name, along with documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) verifying the name change.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
Published: September 28, 2021
How TRS Benefits You!
Your retirement plan is a defined benefit plan which requires contributions from you and your employer, is determined by a formula based on your years of service and/or age and your final average salary, and will be paid to you throughout your lifetime.
View Page
Suspending or Terminating Benefit Payment
If you return to work in a position that does not allow you to continue receiving your monthly benefit payment, you will have the choice to terminate or suspend your retirement.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
At Your Death – Survivor’s Benefits
Should you die prior to retirement, TRS offers survivor benefits to your surviving beneficary(ies).
View Page
Published: October 5, 2021
Suspending or Terminating Retirement
If a TRS retiree returns to work in any capacity other than what is listed above as acceptable employment, he or she may work one-half time or greater in a TRS-covered position and either suspend or terminate his or her retirement benefit.
View Page
Published: October 7, 2021
Mid-Career Half-Day Seminar @ UGA Center for Continuing Education and Hotel
View Page
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: June 23, 2023
Published: June 23, 2023
Mid-Career Half-Day Seminar @ Middle Georgia State University
View Page
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: August 3, 2023
Published: August 3, 2023
Pension Calculator
The TRS pension calculator is an educational tool designed to help members, who are more than 5 years from retirement, estimate their monthly benefit for service retirement. You may use this calculator far in advance of your retirement to help you develop your personal retirement strategy by experimenting with various retirement scenarios.
View Page
Published: September 3, 2021
Legislation
The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia administers its benefits and programs in accordance with applicable state and federal law, and administrative rules. Title 47 of the Official Code Georgia (O. C. G. A.) assigns the authority to establish and amend the provisions of TRS to the State Legislature. State law outlines specific details for state retirement systems, including vesting periods, employee contribution rates, benefit formulas, and retirement eligibility.
View Page
Privacy Policy
Welcome to the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia’s (TRS) website (the/this “Site”). Please read this visitor agreement and terms of service; by visiting and using this Site, you accept the following terms:
View Page
Published: August 27, 2021
New Hire Events
Many people are unable to retire because they started saving too late in life. But not you! You are lucky because as a member of TRS, you and your employer begin contributing toward your retirement your very first day of work. How many people can say they will be guaranteed a retirement benefit for life?
View Page
Published: August 31, 2021
Hosting a TRS Event
Planning for retirement needs to be a priority for our members—the earlier they start, the better off they will be!
View Page
A Message to Our Members About the Coronavirus from Executive Director L.C. Buster Evans
We are grateful to have the opportunity to serve our members by ensuring that you have a benefit that you can count on. There is a lot of uncertainty right now but I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring important developments.
View Page
Legislative Update 2019
During the legislative session, TRS posts legislative updates from the Georgia General Assembly that may affect the teachers pension system. Pending legislation is sponsored by members of the Georgia House or Senate, and does not become law until the Governor signs the bill. TRS does not draft or lobby for/against any legislation.
View Page
Published: February 25, 2019
Hello, Retirees!
Thank you for your service and dedication to the education of the children, youth, and adults of the great state of Georgia! You have worked hard for many years, and now you can count on TRS to provide you with the retirement benefits the State provides you.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
Published: September 20, 2021
Social Security
Your TRS retirement benefit is not reduced, or affected in any way, by a benefit you are eligible to receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
Published: September 20, 2021
Working After Retirement
All employment as a teacher, whether directly or indirectly (i.e. independent contractor, private temporary company, etc.) with a TRS employer is subject to salary and service limitations as outlined in Georgia law and TRS policy.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
Published: September 20, 2021
Eligibility for Retirement
You are eligible to retire ‘penalty free’ under the following conditions:
Completion of 30 years of creditable service – regardless of your age; or
Completion of 10 years of creditable service, and be age 60 or older.
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: September 27, 2021
Published: September 27, 2021
I’m Ready to Retire
Well in advance of your date of retirement, we recommend you contact TRS for a retirement benefit estimate and to discuss the various plans of retirement. If you are considering retiring within the next two years, we recommend that you speak with one of our retirement counselors.
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: September 27, 2021
Published: September 27, 2021
Allowable Employment – Service Retirees
All employment as a teacher, whether directly or indirectly (i.e. independent contractor, private temporary company, etc.) with a TRS employer is subject to salary and service limitations as outlined in Georgia law and TRS policy.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
Published: September 28, 2021
2021 Retiree Underwithheld Federal Income Tax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you are a TRS retiree with federal income tax withholding for January and February that was lower than the appropriate amount for your monthly benefit, please refer to the frequently asked questions below to find answers about the issue and resources available to you.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
Published: September 28, 2021
How Contributions Work
In order to successfully plan for your retirement, you need to understand how contributions are made to your TRS account. Your pension is funded by 3 sources: member contributions, employer contributions, and investment earnings.
View Page
Contribution Withdrawals
While you are employed in a TRS covered position, as stated in Georgia law, you cannot make withdrawals or borrow funds from your account. If you terminate your TRS covered employment you may apply for a refund of contributions and interest.
View Page
Service Credit Accrual and Purchase
‘Service credit’ is defined as the number of months and/or years of service you have earned toward retirement. You accrue service credit each month you work in a TRS covered position.
View Page
Hello, Mid-Career Members!
You have been an educator for several years now, but you still have a number of years remaining before you can fully plan your retirement. However, now is the perfect time to acquaint yourself with specific details regarding your forthcoming TRS pension benefit.
View Page
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Hello, Pre-Retirement Members!
Congratulations! Retirement is very near for you! We at TRS are ready to guide you through the retirement process, ensuring all your questions are answered, and that you can retire on the date you select!
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Insurance
The main purpose of having insurance is to hedge against risk. There is a small percentage of Americans that are fully self-insurable—meaning that they have enough assets to cover any financial liabilities that may occur due to health issues or damage to property and intangible assets.
View Page
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Federal and State Taxes
All or most of your TRS monthly benefit is subject to federal income tax, with exact details furnished to you at the time of your retirement.
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Social Security Offset
Your TRS retirement benefit is not reduced, or affected in any way, by a benefit you are eligible to receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
Published: October 5, 2021
Leaving Teaching or TRS Covered Employment
If you terminate your TRS covered employment, you may apply for a refund of your contributions and interest. You can either receive a check from TRS, or move your funds to another qualified plan.
View Page
Leave of Absence
TRS will allow you to extend the normal four-year period in which you may be out of covered employment and still retain an active account by submitting a notice for a leave of absence.
View Page
New Member Workshop
Many people are unable to retire because they started saving too late in life. But not you! You are lucky because as a member of TRS, you and your employer begin contributing toward your retirement your very first day of work.
View Page
Tags: New Hire
Published: October 6, 2021
Published: October 6, 2021
Post-Retirement Workshop
We have created a workshop aimed at keeping you informed throughout your retirement about what’s going on at TRS, a financial update, as well as any legislation that may affect you.
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 6, 2021
Published: October 6, 2021
Pre-Retirement Counseling Session
Planning for retirement and choosing the right plan for you and your family can be overwhelming. There is a lot at stake and it is important that you understand all of your options, as well as the laws and regulations governing the distribution of your benefit.
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
Published: October 6, 2021
State of Georgia Employment
If you were previously a member of the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERS) and withdrew your funds, you may establish this service with TRS. You are eligible to purchase your ERS withdrawn service after you have completed the required number of years of active TRS membership.
View Page
Covered Positions
All employees who are employed one-half time or more in covered positions of the state’s public school systems, regional and county libraries, RESA units, or any other agency of and within this state by which a teacher is paid are required to be members of the TRS as a condition of employment.
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Disability Retiree Employment
If you plan to hire a TRS retiree who retired under disability retirement, you must complete the Employment Verification Form and submit to TRS prior to hiring.
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Earnable Compensation
Earnable compensation is defined as the full regular compensation payable to a member for full normal working time.
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Eligibility for Retirement
You are eligible to retire ‘penalty free’ under the following conditions:
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Event Worksheet
Thank you for hosting an outreach event with the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia! We appreciate the opportunity to come to your location and meet with TRS members from your location and from locations nearby.
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Hiring Employees Vested In ERS of Georgia
Legislation (HB 661) was passed and became effective July 1, 1998, that allows any vested member of the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) who becomes an employee of an employer normally covered by TRS to remain a member of the ERS
View Page
Published: October 6, 2021
Preparing Your Employees For Retirement
In an effort to assist your employees, TRS has developed a list of things you can do to help ease the retirement process-for both of you.
View Page
Published: October 7, 2021
Reporting Employee and Employer Contributions
As a reporting employer, it is important that you properly submit employee and employer contributions to TRS.
View Page
Published: October 7, 2021
Your Responsibilities
As an employer in the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, we know that you want the best for your employees.
View Page
Published: October 7, 2021
TRS Launches New Website
The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia is pleased to announce the launch of our new website!
View Page
Published: April 30, 2018
2022 Federal Income Tax Withholding Rates
TRS processed January 2022 monthly retirement benefits using the federal income tax withholding rates for 2021, the federal rates publicly available at the time. The IRS released the 2022 rates in the second half of December, after the deadline for timely payment processing.
View Page
Published: January 27, 2022
Half-Day Pre-Retirement Seminar @ Central Georgia Technical College
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 25, 2022
Published: October 25, 2022
New Podcast Episode: From the TRS Vault - The Retirement Application Process Revisited
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: February 27, 2023
Published: February 27, 2023
Post-Retirement Half-Day Seminar @ Chattahoochee Technical College
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: May 2, 2023
Published: May 2, 2023
New Podcast Episode: From the TRS Vault: The Retirement Application Process Part II
View Page
Published: May 15, 2023
Pre-Retirement Half-Day Seminar @ Dalton State College
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 11, 2023
Published: October 11, 2023
Pre-Retirement Seminar @ Kennesaw State University
View Page
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: January 22, 2024
Published: January 22, 2024
Post-Retirement Seminar @ Clayton State University
View Page
Tags: Retiree
Published: March 25, 2024
Published: March 25, 2024