If you are a retired teacher but are considering picking up some hours teaching online to make a few extra dollars, you’ll need to be mindful of how many hours you work.
The last thing you’ll want to do is impact your retirement benefits, so it’s important to fully understand how many hours you can teach online and the type of teaching you do, such as overseeing classes that give college credit.
Here is what you need to know about teaching online after you retire and how it may affect your Texas teacher retirement benefits.
If you're considering teaching online through platforms not affiliated with Teacher Retirement System-covered employers, such as private educational
These roles are generally outside the scope of TRS restrictions, allowing you to earn additional income without affecting your retirement benefits.
However, if you're contemplating online teaching positions with TRS-covered employers such as Texas public schools or charter schools, specific rules apply:
If you retired after Jan. 1, 2021, and return to work for a TRS-covered employer, you may work:
Exceeding these limits can result in the forfeiture of your monthly annuity for each month the limits are surpassed.
The newest restrictions put into place affect those who retired after Jan. 1, 2021.
For example, if you decide to return as a substitute, you can do so up to full-time, with no limit on the number of days. However, if the position is considered vacant rather than simply needing a temporary substitute, your limit is 20 days in a year.
You can also return:
It’s very important that you check with TRS for further details since different laws can interact together. You may go back to teaching in several of the ways above, so it’s critical that you check first to see what is required of you so that you don’t impact your retirement benefits.
To further understand how post-retirement employment may affect your TRS benefits, consider the following resources:
Good news, there are options so that you can work and receive your TRS pension. If you don’t want to worry about meeting the rules outlined above, however, you can consider teaching on alternative platforms.
Platforms like Outschool, Teachable or VIPKid, or working independently or out of state, are options that likely will not affect your TRS benefits. You could also start your own business where you provide similar services.
The key factor is that you are not returning to full-time employment with a TRS-covered employer, such as a Texas public school or charter school. As long as you remain a part-time or independent contractor outside the TRS system, your benefits should remain unaffected.
Teaching online after retirement can be a fulfilling and flexible way to stay engaged and earn extra income, but it’s essential to understand the rules that govern post-retirement work, especially if you’re receiving TRS benefits. The safest route is to avoid full-time employment with TRS-covered employers unless you’ve met all break-in-service and hourly restrictions.
If you’re leaning toward teaching through independent platforms or out-of-state employers, you likely won’t jeopardize your annuity. Still, retirement rules can be complex, and your personal situation may involve unique factors.
Before you commit to any teaching role, contact TRS directly or review their latest guidelines to ensure you’re fully in compliance. A quick check today can prevent an unexpected disruption in your benefits tomorrow.
Retirement should be a time of freedom, not frustration. With the right information, you can enjoy both your pension and the opportunity to keep sharing your skills online.