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. 
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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:
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	One-year window	Five-year window
Who is eligible?	Current ORP participant whose first ORP-eligible employment occurred before August 1, 2020; and Who is 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 or 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
Option deadline	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 five years of their first ORP-eligible employment.  This window can close as early as July 31, 2025.
When will my election be effective?	If TRSL receives your completed Form 2TR on or before Dec. 31, 2024: Your ORP participation will end on January 31, 2025 and your enrollment in the TRSL defined benefit plan will begin prospectively on February 1, 2025. If TRSL receives your completed Form 2TR after Dec. 31, 2024: 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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