SKIP TO PAGE CONTENT
Menu

Retirement

Texas A&M University - San Antonio offers two mandatory retirement options. TRS which is the Teachers Retirement System, and ORP which is the Optional Retirement Program. All employees are automatically enrolled in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) on their first day of work. Specific positions (ex: some full-time faculty, certain professionals and administrators) will have the option to participate in ORP if eligible as an alternative to the TRS plan.

*Important reminders regarding the two plans:

  • If ORP eligible, you will have 90 days from your date of ORP eligibility to select your mandatory retirement plan. If you fail to complete the "ORP Event" in workday and submit the proper documentation to the benefit's team before the deadline, you will be automatically defulated into TRS. 
  • If you chose to elect TRS over ORP, you will not be able to participate in ORP while employeed with a state of Texas instiution and vise versa.
  • If you have been offered ORP at a previous state of Texas instiution please reach out to your benefits team at employeebenefits@tamusa.edu.

 

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

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.

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

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 from the vendor.

Employee & Employer Contributions

In both TRS and ORP, you and the state will make contributions towards 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 of An Overview of TRS and ORP.

Additional Retirement Programs (Tax Deffered Account)

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

Contact Us

You may contact the HR Benefits team at employeebenefits@tamusa.edu  or (210) 784-2058 if you have any questions regarding these retirement options.

More on Retirement