Vested Members

If you have 10 or more years of service, you are a vested member.

As a vested member of the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), if you accept employment in a Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) eligible position, you have the choice of continuing your ERS membership or becoming a TRS member. The election to continue ERS membership must be made in writing within 60 days of hire.

• ERS members who have at least 10 years of creditable service and accept a position covered by the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) may elect to remain active members of ERS or become a TRS member.
• The decision must be submitted in writing to ERS and TRS within 60 days of the employee’s hire date.
• This decision is irrevocable.
• Likewise, active members who have 10 years of creditable service under TRS may elect to remain under TRS if they accept a position covered by ERS.

For comparison of plans and more information on transferring service between plans, see the ERS-TRS Decision Guide.

To make your election, use the ERS-TRS Vested Membership Election Form.
This form must be completed and returned to both ERS and TRS within 60 days of hire.

Non-Vested Members

If you have less than 10 years of service, you are a non-vested member.

As a non-vested member of ERS, if you accept employment in a TRS eligible position, standard new hire plan enrollment applies. Options are available to transfer your current or prior ERS service to TRS. 

As a non-vested member of TRS, if you accept employment in an ERS eligible position, standard new hire plan enrollment applies. Options are available to transfer your current or prior TRS service to ERS.

Transferring Service between ERS and TRS

As an active ERS member, you can transfer your prior TRS service to ERS.  Contact ERS for more information.

As an active TRS member, you can transfer your prior ERS service to TRS. Contact TRS for more information