Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

Upon initial employment, all ACC full-time (40 hours per week) and part-time (20-39 hours per week) Staffing Table employees (as defined by TRS) are automatically enrolled in TRS. Adjunct faculty may become eligible based on establishing a pattern of regular eligible employment. Full-time faculty and administrators are subsequently eligible to enroll in the Optional Retirement Program within the first 90 days of employment.

TRS is a Texas State 401(a) defined benefit plan. The TRS plan provides retirement, disability and death benefits based upon years of service and salary. Retirement benefits are based on a formula established by the Texas State Legislature that uses the number of years of service and the salary earned. Benefits in the plan vest with the employee in 5 years.  More information and a retirement estimate calculator are available at www.trs.texas.gov.

TRS Retirement Age

The standard retirement age is age 65 with at least five years of service credit or qualification by the “Rule of 80,” where an employee’s age and years of TRS Service add up to 80. For employees starting TRS membership on or after September 1, 2007, they must be at least 60 years old and meet the rule of 80 in order to qualify for an unreduced benefit.

Employees may apply for early-age retirement (reduced benefits) at of after 55 with at least 5 years of service, or when a member has 30 years of service yet does not meet the “Rule of 80.” Effective September 1, 1997, the “Rule of 80” allows a benefits eligible employee to be eligible for Employees Retirement System (ERS) health insurance funded by the State of Texas. There is a minimum service requirement of not less than ten years with a Group Benefits Program (GBP)-participating agency or institution to be eligible for ERS retiree insurance.  Please consult the ERS website for ERS retirement qualifications.

An employee may qualify for early TRS retirement if they meet the following criteria:

  • Age 55 with at least 5 years of service OR
  • Any age below 50 with 30 years of service.

Please check the TRS website or call 512-542-6400 for additional retirement information.

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