Planning for the future starts today, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. As an employee of Atlanta Public Schools, you have access to a comprehensive range of retirement benefits designed to help you achieve financial security and peace of mind. From pension plans to savings options and other valuable resources, we offer tools to help you build a strong foundation for your retirement years. Whether you're just starting your career or nearing retirement, we’re committed to helping you navigate your benefits and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS)

Visit: www.trsga.com

Eligibility:
Full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week in roles such as teacher, administrator, supervisor, clerk, teacher aide, secretary, paraprofessional, or public school nurse are required to participate in the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS).

Key Plan Features:

• Employee Contribution: 6% of gross income (pre-tax for both federal and state taxes)
• Employer Contribution: Provided by APS in addition to the employee contribution
• Vesting: After 10 years of creditable service
• Retirement Eligibility: Typically, after 30 years of creditable service
• Sick Leave: May be converted to additional service time

General Employees’ Pension Plan (GEPP)

For Full-Time Employees Not Eligible for TRS

Full-Time employees not eligible for TRS must participate in the Atlanta City General Employees’ Pension Plan.

Key Plan Features:

Employee Contribution: 

• 7% of gross salary (if single with no minor children)
• 8% of gross salary (if married and/or have minor children)

Vesting: After 5 years of service

Retirement Eligibility:

• At age 65 with any service
• At age 60 with at least 15 years of service (for those under the 1978 Amendment)

Sick Leave: May be used for additional creditable service

Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA)

www.ers.ga.gov

Eligibility:
Full-time employees vested in ERS prior to employment with APS may continue participation.

Key Features:

• Employee Contribution: 1.5% of gross income under the “New Plan” (pre-tax)
• Vesting and Benefits: Determined by ERSGA plan provisions
• Additional Information: Available directly through ERSGA

BENCOR FICA Alternative Plan

Visit: www.bencorplans.com

For Part-Time, Seasonal, and Temporary Employees

Atlanta Public Schools offers the BENCOR FICA Alternative Plan as a retirement benefit in place of Social Security for eligible part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees.

Key Plan Features:

• Automatic Enrollment: No action required for eligible employees
• Employer Contribution: 7.5% of wages contributed to a retirement account in your name
• Tax Benefits: 
• Contributions are made pre-tax. 
  ◦ Income taxes are deferred until funds are withdrawn. 
  • Vesting: 100% immediate vesting—your account is entirely yours. 
  • No Social Security Deduction: This saves employees from paying Social Security tax.

Supplemental Retirement

Atlanta Public Schools does not contribute to Social Security. Participation in a pension plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. To help employees further prepare for retirement, APS offers voluntary supplemental retirement savings plans.

403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans

These plans allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for retirement:

• Contributions are made voluntarily by the employee
• No employer contributions
• Earnings grow tax-deferred
• Contributions are excluded from taxable income up to annual IRS limits

457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

In addition to 403(b) plans, APS also offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan:

• Contributions are employee-funded and voluntary
• Earnings grow tax-deferred
• Contributions are excluded from taxable income up to annual IRS limits
• Employees can contribute to both 403(b) and 457(b) plans in the same year, potentially doubling tax-deferred savings