Texas Residents: Estimated Timeframe for Receiving $2,400 TRS Payment via Check

Texas retirees aged 70 and older will receive a $2,400 one-time stipend in December from the state’s Teacher Retirement System (TRS), enhancing their benefits.

The distribution process involves different timelines depending on the chosen payment method. For those who opted for a paper annuity check, benefits will be sent out via mail on December 28. 

However, Texas retirees who have direct deposit will have the $2,400 appear in their accounts by December 29. This is consistent with TRS’s monthly annuity payment schedule, which is the final business day of the month.

Expectations are that mailed checks will take approximately five business days to arrive. If recipients haven’t received their checks within this period, they are encouraged to promptly contact TRS at 1-800-223-8778 for assistance.

Should there be any issues, TRS is prepared to address concerns regarding the arrival or status of the payment. In cases where a check has been cashed, TRS will furnish a copy of the cashed check. 

Recognizing Texas Education Retirees’ Contributions

However, if the check hasn’t been cashed, TRS will initiate a stop-payment on the original and arrange for a replacement, expected to be mailed within seven to 10 days. It’s crucial for recipients not to cash the original check if it arrives via mail, as it will be rendered invalid.

Looking ahead to 2023, the Texas Legislature has approved Senate Bill 10, known as Proposition 9 in the 2023 ballot, proposing increments ranging from two percent to six percent in the monthly pension checks for retired teachers. 

This approval signifies the allocation of $3.3 billion from the general revenue fund to implement these increases, benefiting not just teachers but all retired public education sector employees in Texas.

Proposition 9’s passage is a testament to ongoing efforts to support retired educators, recognizing their devoted service to the education system and striving to ensure their financial well-being.  It stands as a significant step toward acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable contributions of retired individuals within the Texas education sector.