Short answer: TRS of Alabama members appear to pay into Social Security. RSA's own paycheck example takes FICA (the Social Security and Medicare payroll tax) out of a teacher's pay, next to the TRS of Alabama contribution. Your TRS of Alabama pension is figured separately, with the benefit formula; nothing in the RSA sources we read reduces it because you also get Social Security.
The handbook's paycheck example takes out FICA (Social Security and Medicare tax), which suggests TRS of Alabama jobs are covered, but no source we read says so outright.
Nothing in the calculator depends on it.
Handbook p. 33What the sources show
The handbook's RSA-1 payroll examples deduct FICA ($153.00 on $2,000 semimonthly pay) alongside the TRS of Alabama contribution, and the postretirement sheet tells retirees receiving Social Security to ask SSA about the effect of their work earnings. No source read states the Section 218 coverage of TRS of Alabama positions directly. Handbook p. 33, Tax Savings; Postretirement Employment Restrictions 2026 (10-2025)
Working after you retire
Work for private industry, private education or an employer outside RSA doesn't affect a TRS of Alabama service retirement benefit. RSA suggests that retirees who get Social Security ask the Social Security Administration how those earnings affect it. Postretirement Employment Restrictions 2026 (10-2025) Work for an Alabama public employer is different: it has a yearly earnings limit. See working after retirement.
Medicare at retirement
If you or a PEEHIP dependent is eligible for Medicare, RSA's retirement checklist says to make sure Medicare Part A and Part B start on your retirement date. Handbook p. 19, Retirement Preparation Timeline (3 to 6 Months Prior) How PEEHIP works with Medicare, and what it costs, is on the PEEHIP page.
What the sources don't cover
RSA's handbook and notices don't explain how your Social Security amount is figured, whether your district's jobs are covered under a Section 218 agreement, or how recent federal Social Security law changes affect you. Those answers come from the Social Security Administration. RSA's monthly newsletter, the Advisor, carries current information about Social Security and taxes. Handbook p. 37, RSA Newsletter
How to check
- Look for "FICA" or "Social Security" on your pay stub.
- Open a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your earnings record and estimate.
- Put your Social Security estimate next to your TRS of Alabama estimate from the calculator, and check how each is taxed on the taxes page.
Questions
Do Alabama teachers get Social Security?
Most likely yes. The TRS of Alabama handbook's paycheck example takes FICA out of both Tier 1 and Tier 2 pay, which suggests these jobs pay into Social Security. No source we read says so outright, so check your own pay stub and your Social Security record.
Can I get Social Security and a TRS of Alabama pension?
The TRS of Alabama sources don't limit this. Your Social Security amount is set by the Social Security Administration, not RSA, so ask SSA for your estimate.
Does working after retirement affect Social Security?
It can. Private-sector work doesn't affect your TRS of Alabama benefit, but RSA tells retirees who get Social Security to ask the Social Security Administration how their earnings affect it.
Do I need Medicare when I retire?
If you or a PEEHIP dependent is eligible for Medicare, RSA says to make sure Medicare Part A and Part B start on your retirement date.
Source: TRS Member Handbook, July 2026 edition (back cover "7-2026"), pp. 19, 33, 37. Also: Postretirement Employment Restrictions 2026. Last reviewed .