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Optional Retirement Program

About

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) provides statewide coordination for the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) administered by Texas public institutions of higher education.

New ORP-Eligible Employees

You have 90 days from your first day of employment in an ORP-eligible position to make a one-time irrevocable election of ORP in lieu of TRS. Your Human Resources Office will provide specific information for your institution’s plan.

Overview of TRS and ORP (PDF)

ORP Participants

ORP is administered locally by your employing institution.

ORP Administrators

General ORP information and resources for ORP Administrators are provided on this page. If you have questions about a specific situation or need additional information, please contact the Statewide ORP Coordinator.

(Texas ORP is only available at institutions in “Public Institutions” category.)

ORP Rules: Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 25

ORP Law: Texas Government Code, Chapter 830

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) for ORP: Texas Government Code, Chapter 804

Institutional Authority to Hire Retirees, Texas Education Code, Sec. 51.964

Teacher Retirement System (TRS)

Employees Retirement System (ERS)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Social Security Administration

Comptroller of Public Accounts: Fiscal Management Division

Your Annual ORP Participation Report is due on October 1 of each year for the preceding fiscal year data.

A CBPass password is required to access the Online Reporting System.

Statewide ORP Participation Report Summary:

A breakout of the data by institution is available upon request. Please send an email to TexORP@highered.texas.gov.

Contact

Inquiries regarding the Optional Retirement Program should be sent to THECB ORP.

Email THECB ORPhyperlink to fast program page