Returning to state employment after taking state retirement may impact benefits. Please be sure to thoroughly research your options first.
Retirement Programs and Returning to Work
The rules for returning to work are different for TRS and ORP retirees, and for retirees from The University of Texas System or other state institutions and agencies. Returning to work may also impact how health benefits coordinate with Medicare.
If you retire from a UT institution through TRS or ORP and then return to work within the UT System, you will continue receiving benefits as a retiree and will continue to pay premiums directly to UT Benefits Billing. You may not contribute to TRS or ORP programs after retiring but you may contribute to a voluntary retirement program.
TRS Retirees
If you are a TRS retiree and plan to work for a TRS employer, carefully review all information to ensure you don't negatively impact your retirement. Carefully review the TRS Employment After Retirement Brochure. and contact TRS with any questions.
ORP Retirees
If you are a Texas ORP retiree, you may return to work with any employer at any time without restrictions on your employment.
ERS and Texas A&M Retirees
ERS retirees who participate in the ERS group insurance program and Texas A&M (TAMU) System retirees who participate in the TAMU group insurance program are eligible to enroll in UT employee insurance if they subsequently become employed by UT System in a benefits-eligible position. However, you may not simultaneously participate in both the ERS/TAMU insurance and UT insurance. The options are:
- Drop the ERS/TAMU insurance and elect UT insurance, or
- Decline UT insurance and remain enrolled in ERS/TAMU insurance.
If the choice is made to drop the ERS/TAMU insurance, a statement from ERS/TAMU is required indicating the coverage end date before the employee can be eligible for UT insurance premium-sharing.
An ERS retiree working for UT System in a benefits-eligible position must participate in TRS/ORP. The employee may vest with TRS/ORP and become eligible for retirement benefits under that plan.
