Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) administers a retirement plan for eligible Texas public education employees, such as a school district or higher education institution. Upon retirement, you may transfer creditable service between ERS and TRS. You may also buy back TRS service to transfer to ERS at retirement and increase your annuity.
ERS members
If you are an ERS member with at least three years of ERS service, you may establish former TRS service for the purpose of transfer without becoming a TRS member. An ERS member with at least three years service credit in ERS may reinstate service credit in TRS that was previously canceled.
TRS members
If you are a TRS member with at least three years of TRS service, you may establish former ERS service for the purpose of transfer without becoming an ERS member.
Service established in either system for the purpose of transfer is subject to the TRS rules for determining how much service is actually creditable. TRS rules provide that service of less than 4 ½ months in a fiscal year is equal to zero credit for that fiscal year.
Following are some important things to know about transferring ERS and TRS service credit:
- TRS employees that transfer all service to ERS at retirement are not eligible to convert annual and sick leave to ERS credit.
- Transfer of credit happens on the day you retire from ERS or TRS.
- Withdrawn TRS service will not transfer to ERS. To inquire about your TRS withdrawn service, contact TRS toll-free at (800) 223-8778.
- Certified TGE credit can help you retire under ERS (certified and on file with ERS before December 31, 2005).
