Preparing for Retirement

Retirement planning requires an understanding of the retirement system and the benefit options available to you. It's never too early to start!

We encourage you to:

• Review our Saving for Retirement page
• Begin planning for TRS retirement three to five years in advance, and
• Use our Retirement Timeline handout for a list of tasks you should complete during your final two years.

Annual Statement of Account

Each fall, TRS will mail you an Annual Statement of Account showing your accumulated member contributions account balance (i.e., member contributions plus interest) and the amount of creditable service you had earned as of the fiscal year ending on June 30.

You may also view your annual statement (and much more!) in My TRS, the secure online member portal. Click the "Member Login" link (under Popular Links, at right) to log into My TRS or to create your user account.

Estimate of Benefits

TRS can provide an Estimate of Benefits (EOB) showing your estimated monthly amount under the retirement allowances and termination pay options available to you. Vested members also can run their own estimates of benefits using My TRS, the secure online member portal. Click the "Member Login" link (under Popular Links, at right) to log into My TRS or to create your user account.

If you prefer to have TRS staff mail you an estimate of benefits, call our office at (406) 444-3134 or print TRS Form 112 Request for an Estimate of Benefits from our website's Forms page ("Active Member Forms" category). Return the completed Form 112 to:

• Montana Teachers' Retirement
• P.O. Box 200139
• Helena, MT, 59620-0139

Purchase of Service

If you are eligible to purchase service with TRS (e.g., for out-of-state or private school teaching, military service, leave of absence or previously withdrawn service), we strongly recommend you contact our office as early in your career as possible. Service purchases must be completed before TRS processes your application for retirement. For information about the various service purchase types, eligibility requirements and potential costs, call a TRS Benefit Officer at (406) 444-3134.

TRS Ready, Set, Retire Presentations

You can learn a lot more about the retirement process at a TRS Ready, Set, Retire session. These events typically are offered in the fall and winter as either in-person presentations or webinars. Click here for a schedule of upcoming Ready, Set, Retire events or to watch a previously recorded session.

TRS Fact Sheets

Several fact sheets on retirement-related topics can be found on the Fact Sheets page of our website. These include Service Purchase, Terminating Employment and Retiring with TRS, Termination Pay, Working After Retirement, and more.