TCRS members pay into Social Security and should be able to receive those benefits once eligible. Social Security benefits are managed by the Social Security Administration. Your TCRS retirement benefit is not reduced, or affected in any way, by a benefit you are eligible to receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA)*. To better understand what benefits may be eligible to you at retirement, we encourage you to request a Social Security Benefit Estimate.
Apply for your Social Security benefits when you become eligible and desire to activate this benefit. To learn more, or to apply for benefits, go to SSA.gov.
*Some governmental entities are not required to withhold Social Security taxes, which could lead to a reduced Social Security benefit due to a “Windfall Elimination Provision.” This does not apply to your TCRS retirement benefit. However, if you are eligible to receive a pension from a governmental employer outside of TCRS that did not withhold Social Security taxes, your Social Security benefit could be reduced. TCRS cannot assist you with any questions regarding a Windfall Elimination Provision for a government pension outside of TCRS. Any questions on your Social Security benefit should be directed to the Social Security Administration.
Visit SSA.gov