The ERS/TRS election process for vested Members has been in practice for a while, but has not been administered consistently.  In an effort to make sure we are all aware of the procedures, rules and timing, we analyzed what was in place, enhanced it where necessary and documented it.  The rest of this document is the result of that project.  Please follow this process going forward.

Member Eligibility for Election

1. 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.
2. The decision must be submitted in writing to ERS and TRS within 60 days of the employee’s hire date.
3. This decision is irrevocable.
4. 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.

Employer Responsibilities

New Hire Election

1. Include the ERS/TRS Vested Election Form as part of your new hire packet and emphasize the timeline for completion.
2. Direct the new hire to the ERS-TRS Decision Guide available on the ERSGA website. The ERS-TRS Decision Guide compares the contributions, calculations and benefits of each retirement plan.
3. Ensure the employee makes the election within 60 days of hire.
4. The employer must ensure all sections of the form are completed, and submit the completed form to both TRS and ERS.

 Note

• Only vested (at least 10 years of creditable service) members are eligible to make the ERS/TRS Vested Membership election.

• An employee vested in both ERS and TRS may only elect continuation of membership in either ERS or TRS.

• A new ERS/TRS Vested Membership Election form must be completed each time an eligible employee is hired.

• Failure to make an election in the vested Retirement System within 60 days of employment, will result in a default enrollment to the other Retirement System.

Reporting

1. If you are an Employer that currently reports members to the elected Retirement System, use your same reporting procedures.
2. If you are an Employer that does not report members to the elected Retirement System, contact the elected Retirement System immediately to create a new reporting relationship.
   
   Process for ERS New Plan/Old Plan Members
   1. Confirm vested status. Send an inquiry to ERS.FMD@ers.ga.gov or request the last membership statement.
   2. Start ERS New Plan/ERS Old Plan deductions. The Employee rate is 1.5%, the Employer Pickup rate is 5%-$7.00 (only applies to ERS Old Plan) and Employer rate varies by fiscal year. See the ERSGA website for Employer rates.
   3. Use the ERSGA Employer site to report salary and contributions. For information on how to report, review the Employer Manual and Quick Reference Guides (available on the ERSGA website). For more information contact your Pension Reporting analyst or email ERS.FMD@ers.ga.gov .

Process for ERS GSEPS

GSEPS is a hybrid tier, with defined benefit and defined contribution components. The defined benefit component is reported directly to ERSGA, and the defined contribution component (GSEPS 401(k)) is reported to the third party vendor Alight through GaBreeze.

1. Confirm vested status. Send an inquiry to ERS.FMD@ers.ga.gov or request the last membership statement.
2. Start ERS GSEPS defined benefit deductions. The Employee rate is 1.25%, and the Employer rate varies by fiscal year. The rates are on the ERS website on the Employer Forms and Information page.
3. Employers use the ERSGA Employer site to report salary and contributions. For information on how to report, review the Employer Manual and Quick Reference Guides (available on the ERSGA website). For more information contact your Pension Reporting analyst or email ERS.FMD@ers.ga.gov .
4. Start ERS GSEPS 401(k) deductions. The Employee rate is an automatic 5% deduction, with a 3% employer match. ERSGA will initiate contact with GaBreeze/Alight and an account analyst from Alight will contact you about reporting procedures. Employers will update and report manually each month to GaBreeze/Alight.

Elections for TRS

1. Confirm vested status. Send an inquiry to TRSEmployerServices@trsga.com or request the last membership statement.
2. Start TRS deductions. The Employee rate is 6%, and the Employer rate varies by fiscal year. Visit the TRSGA.com website for rates.
3. Employers use the TRSGA Employer site to report salary and contributions. For information about reporting, contact TRSGA Employer Services at 404-352-6500 or email TRSEmployerServices@trsga.com. Also, visit TRSGA.com, navigate to the Employers page, and reference the Reporting Employee and Employer Contribution page for more information.

Note

• Contact the Retirement System immediately when an enrollment or reporting error occurs. These errors will require reversal of posted contributions.

• Corrections for members who elect to retain TRS membership but are enrolled in GSEPS are time critical.  Employers must submit the TRS election form within one week of the GSEPS contribution being received, otherwise the employer forfeits the employer contributions to the GSEPS 401(k) plan.

Thank you for your partnership!