August 2024
Resources for ORP and RTW changes
Welcome to a new school year! As promised, we have a package of resources for you on the latest changes to the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and return-to-work (RTW) provisions. From updated forms to informational webinars, you’ll find everything you need.
Eligible ORP participants now have a limited window of opportunity to move from the ORP to TRSL’s defined benefit plan. Depending on when they were first eligible to participate in the ORP, the participant could have a one-year window or up to a five-year window.
A new EMIS report (the ORP to TRSL Election Eligibility report) will help you identify ORP participants who are eligible to join the TRSL defined benefit plan. We’ve included directions on how to access the report in this issue of The Key. 
It’s also important to correctly identify which window applies to ORP participants since their time to make a decision is limited.
  • To move from the ORP to the defined benefit plan, participants must begin by completing Section 1 of the Election to Join TRSL after ORP Participation (Form 2TR) and giving it to their employers.

  • Employers will then be responsible for completing Sections 2 and 3, and submitting the form to TRSL for processing. Form 2TR is available on the TRSL website, www.trsl.org. 

Mark your calendar!

This fall, TRSL will host virtual town halls to answer ORP participants’ questions about the new election windows. They can choose from two dates: 

    We have resources designed to help you – and ORP participants – understand the new election option. Click each icon below to access files. 

    And...a totally new ORP brochure!

    The ORP pamphlet is now a 16-page booklet with the latest ORP updates. The old brochure should be removed from circulation. 
    Stay tuned for updates to the ORP sections of the Employer Manual. We're still working on these changes. 

    ORP to TRSL Election Eligibility Report 


    A new report in EMIS will help you identify ORP participants who are eligible to join the TRSL defined benefit plan.  The path for finding the report is: EMIS > Reports > ORP to TRSL Election Eligibility. View here.  The report will identify the eligibility status of ORP participants with earnings in the current fiscal year (FY 2025) or last fiscal year (FY 2024). It will also show which eligibility window, including window start and end dates, is applicable to each eligible ORP participant.
    With the expansion of K-12 critical shortage provisions through Act 394, there are more opportunities for TRSL retirees to return to work without the suspension or reduction of their retirement benefit.
    Here's a brief recap of what's changed: 
    • 2010 RTW Law (for those who retired before July 1, 2020): Retirees now can return to work part-time in certain critical shortage "assessment" positions without a suspension or reduction in retirement benefits. Previously, retirees reemployed in critical shortage "assessment" positions had to work full-time to avoid impacting their benefits.

    • 2020 RTW Law (for those who retired on or after July 1, 2020): After a 12-month waiting period, these retirees now can utilize the same critical shortage provisions in the 2010 RTW Law, if directly reemployed by a TRSL-reporting agency. Previously, critical shortage was not available to the 2020 RTW Group. IMPORTANT: Individuals reemployed by contract or corporate contract, such as a staffing agency, will continue to have their benefits suspended for the duration of their reemployment.
    Check out our NEW resources below.

    Employer Manual

    Indexes 15.1 and 15.2 have been revised to reflect the changes. You’ll also find a new flowchart and an updated step-by-step guide to declaring a critical shortage and certifying positions.
    Quick tip: You may need to refresh your browser to see the latest forms and publications. Tap the F5 button on your keyboard.

    Updated Forms

    • Retiree Return-to-Work Critical Shortage Certification (Form 15CS)
    • Return-to-Work (RTW) of TRSL Retiree-La. R.S. 11:710.1 RTW 2020 Group (Form 15ELEC)
    Important: Please discard old copies of the forms and brochures. The current files should have revision date of 07/24.
    Webinar
    A 30-minute, on-demand primer detailing the changes


    TRSL Annual Member Statements – now available


    Member statements are now available for active members in Member Access. These statements provide a wealth of information, including designated beneficiaries, years of service and monthly average compensation. Members with at least five years of service credit have additional information on their member statement. They’ll see a projected benefit estimate and an estimated timeframe for when they’ll first become eligible for early retirement and regular retirement or DROP. 
    With Member Access, TRSL members are in the driver’s seat for every mile of their retirement journey. They can update their mailing address, change their name and see where they are on the road to retirement. 
    We need your help!
    Please share this flyer with your employees to let them know member statements are available in Member Access — their one-stop shop for everything related to TRSL.

    Cybercriminals can spoof or impersonate legitimate phone numbers.
    If you receive an unsolicited phone call from someone purporting to be from TRSL, and asking for your personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details, please hang up and contact us directly:

    • Call 225-925-6446 or toll free (outside Baton Rouge) at 1-877-275-8775
    • Contact us online at www.askTRSL.org  
    • Contact your TRSL liaison

    Active and retired members are also sometimes contacted about their retirement by companies or organizations that are not affiliated with TRSL. While these companies may be legitimate, it’s important to remind your employees that TRSL does not authorize or endorse any outside, third-party vendors to contact TRSL members. The only exceptions are the three Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) vendors, VOYA, TIAA, and Corebridge, who provide investment services to ORP participants.

    Employee Spotlight


    As part of our ongoing series introducing you to our talented Employer Services Department (ESD) staff, we’re shining the spotlight on the newest member of the team!
    Meet Cherish Wilson, TRSL’s return-to-work (RTW) liaison for members and employers.
    A biology degree isn’t the usual prerequisite for a job at TRSL, but education is in Cherish’s DNA. Her family tree is filled with teachers. After a few years working in the science field, she’s settling into her new role.
    Tenure at TRSL: My first day at TRSL was May 20, 2024.
    What drew you to TRSL: In college, I thrived in student government. I knew that a career in state government would suit me well and be a great platform to help others. It is a plus that most of my family are educators, and this gives me another way to connect with them!
    Job duties: Processing and educating members and employers on return-to-work laws and procedures.
    Favorite part of job so far: Learning the return-to-work laws and seeing how newly passed legislation can impact established procedures.
    A fun fact about Cherish: I was vice president of the student body two years in a row at Northwestern State University #ForkEmDemons!!

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    Baton Rouge, LA | 70804 US
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