Retired Teachers to Receive Raise in Form of a 13th Paycheck

AUSTIN–Retired educators will receive a one-time increase in retirement benefits this month in the form of a 13th check, announced State Representative Dwayne Bohac.

“Our retired teachers have been unable to receive a raise in benefits since the stock market collapsed after 9/11 and left their fund in bad shape,” Bohac said. “Last session the legislature prudently used $650 million from general revenue to make the teachers’ fund financially solvent and give them a much-needed raise.”

Senate Bill 1846, sponsored by Pensions and Investments Committee Chairman Vicki Truitt (R-Fort Worth), increased the state’s contribution to the fund from 6 percent to 6.58 percent and authorized the 13th check. Bohac co-authored House Bill 1105, a similar bill.

“I would like to thank Rep. Bohac for his strong support and commitment to Texas teachers for voting to make the Teacher Retirement System actuarially sound and giving retired teachers a 13th check,” Rep. Truitt said.

The distribution of the check was approved by the Teacher Retirement System Board of Trustees on Nov. 9 and retired educators in the system should have received notice on Dec. 12 advising them of the amount they will receive in mid-January. This is the first benefit increase for retired teachers since 2001.

“I have heard from many of the retired teachers in my district that help was needed considering the rising cost of fuel, electricity and insurance. Because of the hard work of the legislature we were able to deliver,” Bohac said. “We will work diligently during the next session to provide for a permanent cost of living adjustment for our retired teachers.”