Eligible TRS members may purchase service credit as provided by law. TRS offers several methods for completing the purchase. One of these methods is an installment payment plan via payroll deduction. However, not all Reporting Employers (REs) choose to offer this method.
If a TRS member requests to purchase TRS service credit on an installment basis through payroll deduction, TRS notifies the RE by email to inform the employer of the agreement but allows the RE to advise TRS if payroll deduction for purchase of service credit is not offered. Employers who do allow the service credit purchase deduction should anticipate receiving a copy of the agreement letter from the employee. If not received within a timely manner, TRS recommends the RE contact the employee for a copy.
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View Purchase Payments
Service credit purchase information is located within the RE Portal. You can find it under the Employees tab > View Purchase Payments section. While this information is available in the RE Portal, the employer’s policy dictates if the RE requires a copy of the TRS installment agreement from the employee before beginning the payroll deduction.
Reporting Employers can view participants with current purchase payments employed by the RE. Future agreements are visible as well. The details of the payment plan can be viewed if the participant has chosen payroll deduction as the payment method.
All service credit purchase deductions collected will be included with the monthly TEXNET payment under Member Service Credit Purchase Payroll Deduction Amount. When reconciling monthly reports, compare information to the RE Ledger account code SP, the contribution type code for Member Service Credit Purchase Payroll Deduction. If you have any questions or report errors related to this deduction, please reach out to your RE Coach for guidance.