ACO (Annual COLA Option)
You take a smaller starting benefit in exchange for a guaranteed 2.5% raise each year after you're 55 and retired a year.
ACO brochure p. 1More on this →These are the words you'll meet in TRSL letters, on myTRSL and on these pages. To put them to work, try the TRSL calculator, or start with which group you're in and the benefit formula.
Act 344 of 2026
The Louisiana law that replaced all earlier TRSL return-to-work rules from July 1, 2026.
Returning to Work booklet p. 1More on this →Actuarially reduced
Cut to make up for paying you for more years. TRSL uses it for retiring at any age with 20 years.
Member Handbook p. 14More on this →Benefit factor
The 2.0% or 2.5% multiplied by service and FAC.
Member Handbook p. 9More on this →DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan)
You keep working for up to 36 months while your frozen benefit is paid into a separate DROP account instead of to you.
DROP Handbook p. 3More on this →FAC (final average compensation)
The average of your highest 3 or 5 consecutive years of salary, used in the benefit formula.
Member Handbook p. 8More on this →ILSB (Initial Lump-Sum Benefit)
An alternative to DROP that pays up to 36 months of benefits as a lump sum in exchange for a smaller lifetime benefit.
ILSB brochure PDF pp. 1, 3More on this →Maximum Option
The largest monthly benefit, paid for your life only, with nothing for a beneficiary.
Member Handbook p. 11More on this →PBI (permanent benefit increase)
TRSL's name for a cost-of-living adjustment granted by the Legislature.
Guide for Retirees p. 6More on this →Plan B
TRSL's plan for school food service employees in 20 parishes. It uses a 2.0% factor and its members also pay into Social Security.
Member Handbook pp. 4, 23More on this →Pop-up option
Options 2A, 3A and 4A, where your check goes back up to the Maximum if your beneficiary dies before you.
Member Handbook p. 12More on this →Regular Plan
TRSL's plan for teachers, administrators and most other members. Members pay 8% of salary.
Member Handbook pp. 3-4, 22More on this →Service credit
The time you work and contribute to TRSL. It decides when you can retire and how big your benefit is.
Member Handbook p. 7More on this →Unsheltered contributions
Contributions taken from pay that has already been taxed (paid by working retirees).
Returning to Work booklet p. 14More on this →Vested
Having at least five years of TRSL service credit, so you can get a benefit later even if you leave.
Member Handbook p. 5More on this →Source: TRSL Member Handbook: Regular Plan & Plan B, Last revised April 2026, pp. 3-4, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 22, 23. Also: ACO brochure p. 1; Returning to Work booklet pp. 1, 14; DROP Handbook p. 3; ILSB brochure PDF pp. 1, 3; Guide for Retirees p. 6. Last reviewed .