Retirement Programs

TRS, ORP, TDA/DCP & Retirement

Employees are automatically enrolled in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) on their first day of work. Some employees (full-time faculty, librarians, and certain professionals and administrators) will be eligible to choose the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) as an alternative to the TRS plan.

Our retirement vendors often send us webinars and educational materials to provide to our employees. You will see the most recent information here:

The TRS plan is a traditional defined benefit state retirement program in which investment risks are generally absorbed by the state. Contributions go into a large trust fund that is managed by knowledgeable professionals. This type of plan provides stability and does not require any investment decisions by individual members.

MY TRS Account

An online access portal of the TRS website. A TRS member can update and maintain contact information, request a retirement estimate, and request a bill with withdrawn service. The portal also has a retirement calculator to estimate retirement benefits.

TRS Contact Information

Member Services: 1-800-223-8778, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fax Pension Benefit Forms: 1-512-542-6597

ORP is an individualized defined contribution plan in which each participant selects from a variety of investments offered by several companies through annuity contracts or mutual fund investments. Because participants manage their own personal investment accounts, ORP entails more individual risk and responsibility than that associated with TRS membership. If you are eligible for ORP, you will receive additional information.

ORP/TDA Vendor List
TRS/ORP Overview

In both TRS and ORP, you and the state will make contributions toward your retirement. The contribution amounts are based on a percentage of your salary and are automatically deducted from your paycheck on a pretax basis. The percentages are established by the Texas Legislature and may fluctuate over time. The current rates can be found under the Contributions section for The Texas Public Higher Education Retirement report.

TRS

Employer Contribution 8.25%

Employee Contribution 8.25%

ORP

Employer Contribution 6.6%

Employee Contribution 6.65%

You may also enroll in the Tax-Deferred Account (TDA) Program and/or the Texas$aver Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) at any time during your employment. These plans are in addition to your TRS or ORP participation.

The Texas A&M University System Tax-Deferred Account (TDA) Program is authorized under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The TDA program is a governmental 403(b) plan and is not covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Participation in the Texas$aver Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) entails certain responsibilities for the participant, including selection and monitoring of the individual investment. The Texas A&M University System has no fiduciary responsibility for the financial stability of the DCP vendor or the market value of individual investments chosen by the participant.

TDA/DCP Overview

Retirement Programs

TRS, ORP, TDA/DCP & Retirement

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

Employee & Employer Contributions

Voluntary Programs

Retiring from TAMU-CC?

HR Contact