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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: October 1, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: October 1, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
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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
Published: September 27, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Published: September 20, 2022
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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.
Published: October 7, 2021
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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.
Published: October 6, 2021
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TRS Beneficiary Information Part 2: Updating Your Beneficiaries
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Published: March 9, 2022
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: November 12, 2021
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Divorces
Should you divorce, your beneficiary information on file with TRS may need to be updated.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
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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
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Published: September 17, 2021
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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.
Published: September 27, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
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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
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Published: October 6, 2021
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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
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
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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
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Published: August 27, 2021
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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.
Published: August 31, 2021
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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.
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: August 31, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: August 31, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: September 20, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Published: October 7, 2021
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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.
Published: March 15, 2023
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Board of Trustees & Investment Committee Meetings
Upcoming board and/or committee meetings information and agenda(s).
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: March 19, 2024
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Board of Trustees
Current board member information.
Published: September 16, 2021
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Forms
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Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: August 26, 2021
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 and Teachers Retirement System for Members, Retirees, and Employers
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: May 20, 2020
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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.
Published: September 16, 2021
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Changing Your Plan of Retirement
Published: September 18, 2021
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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.
Published: September 18, 2021
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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.
Published: September 27, 2021
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Maintaining An Active Account
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 5, 2021
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Active vs Inactive Accounts
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Published: November 21, 2022
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PBI Data Breach
Published: July 10, 2023
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About TRS
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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: August 21, 2021
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Plan A
This plan provides you with the largest possible monthly lifetime benefit for you for the remainder of your life.
Published: September 17, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: September 20, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: September 28, 2021
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Vesting
Vesting is a key concept, but many people are not familiar with the benefits of this important milestone.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 5, 2021
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At Your Death – Survivor’s Benefits
Should you die prior to retirement, TRS offers survivor benefits to your surviving beneficary(ies).
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Published: October 7, 2021
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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.
Published: September 3, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: August 26, 2021
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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:
Published: August 27, 2021
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TRS Leadership Team
Meet the leadership team.
Published: August 30, 2021
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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?
Published: August 31, 2021
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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!
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: August 31, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement, Retiree
Published: March 10, 2020
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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.
Published: February 25, 2019
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
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Taxes
Published: September 20, 2021
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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).
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
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Health and Dental Coverage
Published: September 20, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 20, 2021
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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.
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: September 27, 2021
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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.
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: September 27, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: September 28, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 5, 2021
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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!
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
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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).
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 5, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Tags: New Hire
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Tags: Retiree
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Tags: Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Tags: Mid-Career, New Hire, Pre-Retirement
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Published: October 6, 2021
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Earnable Compensation
Earnable compensation is defined as the full regular compensation payable to a member for full normal working time.
Published: October 6, 2021
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Eligibility for Retirement
You are eligible to retire ‘penalty free’ under the following conditions:
Published: October 6, 2021
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Employer FAQ
Published: October 6, 2021
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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.
Published: October 6, 2021
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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
Published: October 6, 2021
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Mergers
As a reporting employer, if you merge with another reporting employer or consolidate, the new or remaining employer is responsible for submitting notice to TRS.
Published: October 7, 2021
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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.
Published: October 7, 2021
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Reporting Employee and Employer Contributions
As a reporting employer, it is important that you properly submit employee and employer contributions to TRS.
Published: October 7, 2021
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Your Responsibilities
As an employer in the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, we know that you want the best for your employees.
Published: October 7, 2021
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TRS Launches New Website
The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia is pleased to announce the launch of our new website!
Published: April 30, 2018
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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.
Published: January 27, 2022
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House Bill 385
House Bill 385 and it's impact to employers .
Published: May 24, 2022
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Account Login
Published: March 20, 2023
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TRS Social Media
Published: December 1, 2023
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