Electing to leave the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

Eligible ORP participants can make an irrevocable election to leave the ORP in order to join TRSL’s defined benefit plan. With this election, the participant will join the pension system as a brand-new member in the 2015 Plan. For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ webpage.

For more information about the 2015 Plan, see our “What Are My Benefits?” and “When Can I Retire?” webpages.

NOTE: The election form is available on TRSL's Forms page.

Are you eligible to leave the ORP and join TRSL?

There is a limited window of opportunity for leaving the ORP and joining TRSL’s defined benefit plan. Your window depends on when your ORP eligibility began. You also must meet other eligibility requirements:​​​

One-year window Seven-year window 60-day window
Who is eligible?
  • ORP participant whose first ORP-eligible employment occurred before August 1, 2020; and
  • Who was active and contributing as of June 2024
NOTE: Must be eligible for TRSL participation at the time of the election.
  • ORP participant whose first ORP-eligible employment began on/after August 1, 2020; and
  • Who is active and contributing at the time of the election.

NOTE: Must be eligible for TRSL participation at the time of the election
  • Individual whose first ORP-eligible employment was before August 1, 2020; and was not active and  contributing as of June 2024; but became employed in a position eligible for TRSL on/after July 1, 2024.
NOTE: Must be eligible for TRSL participation at the time of the election.
Option deadline DEADLINE APPROACHING: Have until JUNE 30, 2025 to make a one-time, irrevocable election to join the TRSL defined benefit plan as a new member in the 2015 Plan. Can make a one-time, irrevocable election to join the TRSL defined benefit plan as a new member in the 2015 Plan at any time within seven years of their first ORP-eligible employment.  This window can close as early as July 1, 2027. Deadline for TRSL to receive election request is based on date of first employment occurring on/after July 1, 2024 in a position eligible for TRSL membership:
  • If first eligible employment occurred between July 1, 2024 and July 3, 2025: Deadline is September 2, 2025.
  • If first eligible employment occurred on/after July 4, 2025: Deadline is 60 calendar days from the date that eligible employment occurred.
When will my election be effective? Your ORP participation will end on the last day of the month following the month in which TRSL receives your completed election form. Your enrollment in the TRSL defined benefit plan will begin prospectively on the first day of the month following the end of your ORP participation. Your ORP participation will end on the last day of the month following the month in which TRSL receives your completed election form. Your enrollment in the TRSL defined benefit plan will begin prospectively on the first day of the month following the end of your ORP participation.
 		 Your ORP participation will end on the last day of the month following the month in which TRSL receives your completed election form. Your enrollment in the TRSL defined benefit plan will begin prospectively on the first day of the month following the end of your ORP participation.
 

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