Individuals receiving retirement benefits from the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) may be employed in certain positions or on a part-time basis without affecting their benefits, according to TRS rules and state law. Service retirees who retire before May 31 may return to work in a Texas public school without a reduction in benefits one full calendar month after the retirement date provided they meet certain strict conditions. Retirees may work in the following capacities without a loss of retirement benefits:

• As a principal or assistant principal or teacher in an acute shortage area on a full-time basis, if certified as a principal and following a 12-month break in service. Retirees that retired under early age or disability provisions are excluded.
• As a full-time bus driver (early age and disability retirees excluded).
• As a substitute at no more than the established daily substitute pay rate (Individuals receiving disability retirement benefits may not work for more than 90 days in a school year.)
• On a half-time or less basis during any month. Half-time employment cannot exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the position's full-time load or 92 hours in a month.
• On a full-time basis during a six-month period during a school year, provided that this is their only employment in a Texas public school. Individuals who retire in August may begin employment in October of the school year following their retirement.

Under this last provision, retirees must submit annual written notice to TRS by the last day of the first month of full employment to avoid a disruption of benefits. Working any part of a month counts as a full month.

Other restrictions apply when a person has retired because of a disability. Individuals retiring because of a disability should contact TRS for details about employment restrictions.

Shortage areas. Certain retirees may return to work on a full-time basis as a principal or assistant principal or teacher in an acute shortage area without a reduction in their TRS annuity benefits. Acute teaching shortage areas are determined by the board based on Commissioner of Education guidelines. When filling acute shortage area positions, the district must give hiring preference to certified applicants who are not retirees. To be eligible for full TRS benefits a retiree must meet the following criteria:

Have not been subject to a reduction in benefits for retirement at an early age or retired under disability provisions
Have a 12-month continuous break in public school service since retirement
Be appropriately certified for the position in the applicable school year

Employees can contact TRS by calling 800-223-8778 or 512-542-6400. TRS information is also available on the Web (www.trs.state.tx.us).