Optional Retirement Program (ORP)

You may use ORP service credit to help you meet the Rule of 80 or at age 65 towards the 10 years needed to qualify for health insurance. If you refunded your ORP account, the time cannot be used for insurance eligibility.

• Governed by Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• Earned at institutions of higher education.
• Available to employees who choose ORP instead of TRS.
• Does not increase your ERS annuity amount.

Higher education participants in the ORP cannot buy back refunded ERS service without being reemployed by a state agency under ERS (not TRS). If you plan to use ORP credit to retire under ERS, certain rules apply.