The TESRS pension system is a cost-effective way for a volunteer or paid emergency services department to recruit, retain, and reward firefighters and emergency services personnel.

What type of department can join TESRS?
Any fire department or emergency services department in Texas that is not a for-profit entity and has at least seven active members can join TESRS as a Participating Department.

Active Member Benefits

• On-duty death benefits: TESRS will pay beneficiaries a lump-sum benefit of $100,000.00 if the Member's death is the result of the performance of emergency services duties. The Member’s spouse and minor children will also share a monthly annuity benefit equal to the Member’s full service retirement benefit.

• Off-duty death benefits: Beneficiaries are eligible to receive a lump-sum benefit if the TESRS Member’s death is not related to the performance of emergency services duties. If the Member’s surviving spouse is also the beneficiary and the Member had attained a minimum of 10-years of Qualified Service Credit, the spouse has the option to receive either a lump-sum payment or a lifetime monthly annuity.

• On-duty disability benefit: A TESRS Member is eligible to receive a temporary disability benefit if injured in the performance of emergency service duties and unable to work or attend school. The minimum disability benefit is $400 per month.

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Retirement Benefits

• The amount of a TESRS Member’s monthly benefit is based upon their number of years of Qualified Service Credit and the average contribution rate paid by the local governing body on their behalf.

• A TESRS Member is eligible to apply for a monthly retirement benefit at age 55 after accruing at least10 years of Qualified Service Credit (50% vested).

• A fully vested TESRS Member (100% vested) will have earned at least 15-years of Qualified Service Credit.

• A fully vested retirement benefit is equal to six times the average contribution rate for all of the Qualified Service Credit earned by a Member.

• A TESRS Member’s monthly retirement payment will compound by 6.2% for each year of Qualified Service Credit they earn after 15 years.

• Upon a TESRS retiree’s death, the surviving spouse may apply and receive two-thirds of the Member’s retirement payment for life.

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Qualified Service Credit
A TESRS Member earns Qualified Service Credit in TESRS through service in TESRS Participating Departments. To earn a year of retirement system credit, an active TESRS Member must attend at least 20 hours of training and participate in a minimum of 25% of the Participating Department’s emergencies during the calendar year.

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