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New Member Quick Start Guide

​​Welcome to the TRS family! As a new member, it's important to​ take specific actions at the start of your career. That's why we provide a new member checklist — so you have access to the resources you need to connect with your retirement system right from the start. Explore these resources and check them off your list as they're completed.


Benefits of Membership

  • By contributing to TRS, you are investing in a retirement program that provides several major advantages: retirement security; freedom from investment decisions; protection from investment risk; and certainty of payments.
  • Once you retire and begin receiving service retirement benefits, you will receive a monthly benefit for life!
  • TRS health plans bring high-quality care to its participants. With programs and benefits designed specifically for Texas educators, it's ever evolving to meet participants' and employers' needs.

Checklist

  1. Register for MyTRS

    Visit the online MyTRS member portal and click Sign Up. Once you've created your online account, you can:

    • View your TRS account information
    • View annual statements
    • Update beneficiaries
    • Explore retirement benefits with the benefit calculator
      And More!

  2. Designate Beneficiaries

    TRS provides active member death benefits beginning on your first day of employment. Use MyTRS to name a beneficiary to receive these benefits.

  3. Review Health Care Benefits

    ​Review your available benefits and coverage if you're in TRS-ActiveCare.

  4. Review the TRS Benefits Handbook

    Learn all about your pension plan benefits.

  5. Watch TRS' Member Education Video Series

    Watch these videos to find answers to your common pension benefits questions.

  6. Life and Job Changes

    This resource explains decisions and steps you may need to take for various personal and professional milestones – including a New Hire section.

  7. Attend an Introduction to TRS Presentation

    Learn the ropes of your new pension plan, including valuable benefits to look forward to.

  8. Subscribe to TRS Email Notifications

    Sign up to receive email updates on information of interest to you.

Introduction to TRS Video

Introduction to TRS

4 months ago

Member Testimonials: Insights for the Journey Ahead

  • What information would you share with early-career members?

    "If I were a young teacher today, I would actively seek out educational resources that clearly explain the long-term value of a lifetime pension. Your future benefits can be a real ‘golden egg’ compared to many other professions. You may not realize their value early on, but over time they become a significant professional advantage."

  • Is there anything you wish you had started earlier in your career?

    "Retirement may feel far away. However, delaying planning your future only limits your financial opportunities. Educators are investors in both their careers and their futures."

  • What helped you stay on track throughout your career?

    "Having a strong support system was very helpful, both professionally and personally. These relationships provided encouragement, stability and a shared sense of purpose."

  • What TRS tools, resources or habits helped you the most?

    "The TRS website offers a lot of valuable information. Much of the information you want is already available. You just have to know where and how to find it."

  • Why would you recommend a counseling or retirement planning session?

    "Anyone who is within reach of retirement, absolutely go ahead and make an appointment with TRS. Everyone’s situation is different. Talking with a counselor in person is very beneficial to understand your specific retirement options and benefits."

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