TESRS

The Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), gives the public the right to access government records. An officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why a requestor wants them.

If you receive a request for information under the Public Information Act you should act promptly to comply with the law; however, we encourage you to seek legal advice regarding your responsibilities because the receipt of a public information request triggers important deadlines for governmental bodies.

 

All government information is presumed to be available to the public. Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of some information. Governmental bodies shall promptly release requested information that is not confidential by law— either constitutional, statutory, or by judicial decision— or information for which an exception to disclosure has not been sought.

You should also be aware that Government Code § 552.0038 deems confidential the records of individual members, annuitants, retirees, alternate payees, program participants, or persons eligible for benefits from a retirement system from public disclosure. If you believe this provision may apply to requested records, you are encouraged to confer with an attorney to determine whether you must withhold confidential information.

The Attorney General’s Open Records Division has an Open Government Hotline (877) 673-6839 to answer questions about PIA requests although they do not provide legal advice. The Open Records Division has also created a PIA handbook that is available to the public:

Online Users News

Online Users are encouraged to print and provide benefit statements to their membership for review. To assist in this task, TESRS has released new training material for online users that provides a How-To guide on creating benefits statements and calculating future benefits for members.

Be sure to check out these additional sections in the TESRS Online Training Manual that can be found under the Forms & Publications tab, or by clicking on the link here.

We've also provided a how-to training video that can assist you in the steps needed to print and provide benefit statements and estimates to your members.

Please contact our office by email at benefitsteam@tesrs.texas.gov if your members encounter any incorrect information or would like to know more about their service history.

The Texas Emergency Services Retirement System has sent letters to many of those who are vested and over age 55 to encourage them to file for retirement. 

 

We need your help! If you know any former members who are eligible to retire, please encourage them to file an application with our office.

If you are a vested member age 55 or older who is eligible to retire, complete a Retirement Application and TESRS Withholding Form to start receiving a lifetime annuity from TESRS. 

If you have any questions about your service history or need assistance completing the Retirement Application, please submit a "Contact Us" request and we will reach out to you.