With 5 or more years: a pension later
With five years of TRSL service credit a member is vested: survivor benefits, deferred retirement (leave contributions in and retire at the eligible age), and disability retirement (10 years for those who joined a public system after Jan. 1, 2011). Member Handbook p. 5, Benefits of TRSL membership; R.S. 11:726(B); R.S. 11:765(A); Refund brochure PDF p. 3
A deferred benefit can start at 60 if you first joined a state system before July 1, 2015, or 62 if you joined on or after that date.
A refund
After permanently leaving all TRSL-covered jobs, a member may take a refund of employee contributions only (no employer money, no interest; no interest credited after Aug. 30, 1986). The whole balance must be taken; no partial withdrawals or loans. The employer cannot certify the request until 90 days after termination. Members with 5+ years also file Form 7E (refund rather than retirement benefit). A refund cancels membership and service credit. Refunds can be rolled over; 20% federal withholding if paid directly; 10% penalty may apply before 59 1/2. Refund brochure PDF pp. 1-3, 5; R.S. 11:781(A)
Moving to another Louisiana system
A member with 5+ years who takes a job normally covered by another Louisiana public system (other than Parochial Employees' or Clerks' of Court) may irrevocably elect, within 60 days (Form 2R), to stay in TRSL. Member Handbook p. 21, Retaining TRSL Membership
From the sources
- With 5 years of service you are vested. If you leave, you can leave your money in and draw a benefit at 60 (joined before July 1, 2015) or 62 (joined later).Member Handbook p. 5; R.S. 11:726(B); R.S. 11:765(A)
- A refund returns only your own contributions, with no employer money or interest, and cancels all your service credit. You must take the whole amount, and your employer can't certify the request until 90 days after you leave.Refund brochure PDF pp. 1-2; R.S. 11:781(A)
Questions
What happens to my TRSL money if I leave before 5 years?
You can't get a monthly benefit. You can take a refund of your own contributions after you've been gone 90 days, or leave the money in TRSL in case you come back.
Do I get interest or employer money in a TRSL refund?
No. A refund is only what you paid in, with no interest and no employer contributions, and it cancels your service credit.
Can I leave my money in and retire later?
Yes, with 5 years of service. You can draw a benefit at 60 (first joined a state system before July 1, 2015) or 62 (on or after).
Source: TRSL Member Handbook: Regular Plan & Plan B, Last revised April 2026, pp. 5, 21. Also: Refund brochure PDF pp. 1-2, 1-3, 3, 5; La. R.S. 11:726, 11:765, 11:781. Last reviewed .