Membership Exceptions

Vested Members of TRS and ERS

Any vested member of TRS who becomes an employee of an employer normally covered by the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) can elect to remain a member of TRS. Georgia statutes also provide that any vested member of ERS who becomes an employee of an employer that is normally covered by TRS can elect to remain a member of ERS.

In each case, a written election must be made to the respective retirement system within 60 days of such employment and is irrevocable once the election is made. The Membership Election for Vested Members of TRS and ERS form must be completed. This form is available under forms. Members and their employers will be required to make the appropriate contributions to the respective retirement system.

Employees Age 60

Certain employees (employed on or after July 1, 1987) who have attained age 60 at the time they become employed in a TRS covered position, or employees who have previous withdrawn TRS service and become employed again after attaining age 60, may decline TRS membership. Notice must be made to TRS within 90 days after employment on the Election to Decline TRS Membership form available under Forms.

Regents Optional Retirement Plan

Eligible university system employees can make an irrevocable decision to be a member of TRS or participate in the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia’s optional retirement plan. Employees electing the optional plan must complete a Board of Regents TRS/ORP Retirement Election Form, indicating their selection of a retirement plan within 60 days immediately following the effective date of their employment. Failure to provide this statement is considered an irrevocable election to become a member of TRS.

The Board of Regents TRS/ORP Retirement Election Form must be filed with the employer and with TRS. Thus, employers should send a copy of the completed Board of Regents TRS/ORP Retirement Election Form to TRS to be imaged and placed into the member’s electronic file. This form is in addition to the usual automated reporting to TRS of TRS enrollments and notification of ORP elections.

Technical College System

Eligible employees of the Technical College System of Georgia shall become members of TRS unless they elect membership in the Employees Retirement System (ERS). The election is irrevocable.

State Department of Education

Eligible employees of the State Department of Education shall become members of TRS unless they elect membership in the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERS). This election is irrevocable.

Public School Lunchroom, Maintenance, Warehouse and Transportation Managers and Supervisors

Employees who were previously eligible for membership in the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) and whose duties have been changed in such a manner so as to have made them eligible for membership in TRS may elect to remain in PSERS.