Retirement Benefits

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF TEXAS (TRS) (Mandatory Participation for Classified employees)

TRS provides guaranteed retirement benefits in the form of annuities backed by the State of Texas. Employee contribution is 6.4% of salary, which is tax sheltered. State contribution is 6.8% of salary. Five year vesting period to receive TRS funded annuity at retirement age. There are five Survivor Benefit options one of which is a lump sum payment of 2X's annual salary up to $80,000. 

For more information about TRS go to: www.trs.state.tx.us

Optional Retirement Program (ORP)

OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM (ORP)

An investment plan under which employee selects a carrier from an approved list, selects investment options, and builds a retirement account composed of individual and employer contributions plus their earnings. Employee contribution is 6.65%, which is tax sheltered, and State contribution is 6.6%. The vesting period is one year and one day. 

Administrative and Faculty employees must participate in either the Teacher Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program.

Amarillo College

Authorized companies for Optional Retirement Program

And Tax Sheltered Annuities

The following companies are authorized to participate in the Optional Retirement Program at Amarillo College .

Amarillo College Authorized Companies for Roth 403(b)

The following companies are authorized to participate in the Roth 403(b) Program at Amarillo College .

Comparison of TRS/ORP for Administrators & Faculty

COMPARISON OF TRS/ORP FOR
ADMINISTRATORS & FACULTY

This is one of the most important decision that you will make regarding your retirement. It is a very personal decision and can only be made once. You need to study the material provided very carefully and you may even want to review it with your financial advisor.

If an employee completes 10 years of service in the ERS insurance program then the employee will have the State Health Insurance paid for them as a retiree when they turn 65 years old or when they reach the Rule of 80 (service years and age must add to 80) under current law.

Amarillo College Benefit Plan (ACBP)

AMARILLO COLLEGE BENEFIT PROGRAM (Optional Participation)

In addition to mandatory participation in TRS or ORP, you will have a one time opportunity to decide if you want to participate in this voluntary retirement program. This program was created by Amarillo College as a replacement for Social Security. Amarillo College does not participate in Social Security. Employee contribution is 6.65% of salary, which is tax sheltered. AC contribution is 6.65% of salary (5.9% to retirement and .75% to long-term disability). No vesting period; employee has access to employee and employer contributions upon termination of employment. Disability and survivorship benefits included. If you do not take the ACBP you can change your decision at any time to Yes but you can never opt out of the ACBP in the future.

Social Security

Amarillo College does not participate in Social Security. AC opted out of Social Security in 1983.  If you would like more information on how this will affect your retirement please visit the social security link listed below.

www.socialsecurity.gov

This website can also assist you with information regarding the following services:

• Applications for Social Security retiement, spouse's, and disability benefits.
• Benefits Calculators to estimate future benefits.
• Frequently asked questions
• Change of address for your retirees already receiving Social Security
• Replacement of Medicare Cards
• Verification of benefits