Retirement

Eligibility for retirement under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is based on a combination of your age and years of service credit. TRS offers several paths to retirement, each with its own requirements, timelines, and benefit calculations. Before beginning the retirement process, review the rules below to understand when you qualify for full or early retirement, how your service credit affects your options, and what steps you may need to take to prepare.

• Rule of 80 (age + years of service ≥ 80)
• Age 65 + 5 years of service
• Early retirement at age 55 with reduced benefits

Before you begin retirement paperwork, review your service credit and request a benefit estimate. TRS recommends starting 6–12 months prior.

Use the MyTRS Member Portal to verify service credit, update beneficiaries, and request estimates.

Official TRS Eligibility Links

• TRS Retirement Planning
• TRS Retirement Eligibility Requirements
• TRS Retirement Deadlines
• TRS Member Handbook (Eligibility & Benefits)

Eligibility for the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) is based on your job classification—not your age or years of service.

You are eligible if:

• You are appointed full-time for 4.5 months or more, and
• Your position is designated as ORP-eligible

You become vested after one year and one day of participation. Employees must elect ORP within 90 days or remain permanently in TRS.

Review the Approved UT System Provider list for contact information. 

Official ORP Eligibility Links

• Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Program Overview
• ORP Plan Document/Policy
• ORP and TRS Comparison

Eligibility for UT retiree insurance is based on your age, your years of benefits-eligible service, and your enrollment in UT insurance immediately prior to retirement. Retiree insurance is not automatic; employees must meet specific UT System criteria to continue medical, dental, vision, and life coverage after leaving UTA. This section outlines the requirements you must meet, how eligibility is determined for TRS and ORP retirees, and what steps to take to ensure your coverage continues without interruption.

You may continue UT medical, dental, vision, and life coverage if:

• You meet the UT System age + service requirements
• Be eligible to retire under TRS or vested under ORP
• Be actively enrolled in UT insurance on your last day of employment
• Maintain continuous coverage and pay monthly premiums

Use the UT System Retirement Eligibility Flowchart to review and confirm your retirement eligibility

Official Retiree Insurance Eligibility Links

• UT System - Retired Employee Insurance Overview
• UT System - Getting Ready to Retire (Insurance Eligibility Section)
• UT Benefits Billing (Premiums After Retirement)

As a retiree with UT, you and your eligible dependents may continue to use the UT System insurance plans.

The retirement-eligible coverage includes:

• Basic Medical & Prescription Coverage: Either the UT SELECT Medical Plan (for non-Medicare retirees and dependents) or the UT CARE Medicare Plan (for retirees and dependents who are Medicare-eligible).

• Prescription Drug Plan, wrapped into your medical coverage.

• $10,000 Basic Group Term Life Insurance as part of the basic retiree package.

• Optional Coverages (available for purchase): Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life Insurance.

Your medical and prescription coverage, and life insurance, continue without interruption if you meet eligibility requirements and complete retiree enrollment on time.

• Provides peace of mind by preserving benefits you currently use, such as medical care, prescriptions, vision or dental care, and life insurance.
• Offers flexibility: retirees can choose optional dental, vision, or supplemental life based on personal or family needs
• Works with Medicare when eligible: UT CARE coordinates with Medicare for retirees and dependents to ensure coverage continues smoothly.

When you are ready to retire, you will:

• Confirm you meet UT System's retiree-insurance eligibility rules.
• Submit your retiree insurance enrollment through UTA's People Services team.
• Set up premium billing (if needed) through UT Benefits Billing.
• If Medicare-eligible, make sure you enroll in Medicare Part A and B at the right time.

To get the full details, eligibility criteria, premium sharing, plan comparisons, enrollment instructions, and FAQs, click below: