Retirement Benefits
Retirement Benefits
Tarrant County is committed to helping employees prepare for a secure and confident retirement. We offer both a mandatory retirement plan through the Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS) and a voluntary retirement savings plan to help you build additional retirement income for the future.
Mandatory Retirement Plan – Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS)
Participation is mandatory for all full-time, benefits-eligible employees. TCDRS provides a reliable source of income at retirement, with Tarrant County matching employee contributions 2-to-1.
- Employee Contribution: seven percent of pay, deducted each pay period
- County Match: $2 for every $1 contributed, applied at retirement
- Vesting: Achieved after eight years of service
- Retirement Eligibility:
- Rule of 75 – Age + years of service = 75
- Age 60 with at least eight years of service
- 30 years of service at any age
Not Eligible: Temporary or project-based employees do not participate in TCDRS.
Getting Started and Managing Your Account
MyTCDRS Account: Log in to view your account, beneficiaries, and retirement estimates
Benefit Calculator: Estimate your monthly retirement income based on current contributions.
Counseling Sessions: Schedule one-on-one consultations with a TCDRS representative.
Voluntary Retirement Savings – 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
The 457(b) plan is a great way to save extra for retirement, in addition to your pension.
Minimum Contribution: $10 per pay period
Flexible Contributions: Start, stop, or change amounts at any time
Contribution Types:
Traditional (Pre-tax): Lowers your taxable income today
Roth (After-tax): Contributions taxed now; withdrawals tax-free in retirement
Vendors: Choose from the approved vendors to manage your account
Enrollment: Available year-round
Tip: If you are not TCDRS-eligible (e.g., temporary project employees), the 457(b) plan is a great way to begin saving for retirement.
Educational Videos and Resources
Retirement Planning Checklist
When you’re ready to retire:
- Choose a Retirement Month
- Submit Retirement Application: Complete online at TCDRS.org
- Meet with HR-Benefits: Discuss retiree health benefit options
- Notify Your Department: Provide at least two weeks’ written notice
- Apply for Medicare: If age 65+, apply for Medicare Parts A and B three months prior to retirement.
- Plan for Leave Payouts: Unused vacation/sick leave is paid out and taxed at 22 percent.
- You may defer some or all of your payout into your 457(b) account (IRS limits apply).
- Update Your Contact Info: Ensure payroll has your correct mailing address.
Important Notes
- Processing Times:
- Allow 30 days for TCDRS processing
- Allow 90 days for Medicare Part A and B processing (if applicable)
- Confirmation Letter: TCDRS will send you a letter confirming retirement date, option selected, and first payment
- First Payment: Paid on the last business day of the month following retirement month
- Retiree Premiums: If enrolling in retiree medical, dental, or vision coverage, payment is due by the first of each month. Consider setting up automatic bank draft to prevent coverage lapses.