- TRS of Oklahoma has no automatic cost-of-living adjustment. An increase happens only when the Legislature passes a bill for one.2020 COLA FAQ, Q1
- The 2026 COLA (Senate Bill 1144) gives 3% to members retired 8 to under 20 years as of June 30, 2026 (retired July 1, 2006 through June 1, 2018) and 6% to those retired 20 years or more (on or before June 1, 2006). Members retired July 1, 2018 or later get nothing.2026 COLA FAQ, p. 1; SB 1144 (2026), § 6, p. 34
- The 2026 COLA takes effect November 1, 2026 and first shows up in the payment issued December 1, 2026. It's a permanent increase to your base benefit.2026 COLA FAQ, pp. 2-3 (Q4, Q11)
- Months spent back at work with your retirement suspended don't count as time retired, which can drop you to a lower COLA tier. Working after retirement while still drawing your benefit doesn't reduce your time retired.2026 COLA FAQ, pp. 2-3 (Q6-Q7)
- Before 2026, the last COLA was in 2020: 2% for members retired 2 to under 5 years and 4% for 5 years or more.2020 COLA FAQ, Q2-Q3; The Advisor (Fall 2026), p. 1
The 2026 COLA (SB 1144)
Counted in whole months of retirement through June 30, 2026. Receiving TRS of Oklahoma benefits on June 30, 2026 and still receiving them on or after Nov. 1, 2026. SB 1144 (2026), § 6, p. 34 (new 70 O.S. § 17-116.23); § 8; 2026 COLA FAQ, p. 1 (COLA Eligibility Summary), p. 2 (Q3-Q4)
| Months retiredby June 30, 2026 | Retirement date | COLA |
|---|---|---|
| 240+ months | on or before June 1, 2006 | 6% |
| 96–239 months | July 1, 2006 through June 1, 2018 | 3% |
| 0–95 months | July 1, 2018 or later | 0% |
Checked with our engine at the edges: retired June 1, 2006: 240 months, 6%; retired July 1, 2006: 239 months, 3%; retired June 1, 2018: 96 months, 3%; retired July 1, 2018: 95 months, 0%.
The FAQ's examples: suspended months
'Has been retired' excludes months the retirement was suspended to return to work as an active contributing member; working post-retirement without suspending does not reduce time retired. 2026 COLA FAQ, pp. 2-3 (Q6-Q7); 2020 COLA FAQ, Q6-Q7
| Example | Months retiredminus suspended | COLA |
|---|---|---|
| Example 1, eligibility lost2026 COLA FAQ, p. 3 (Q7, Example 1) | 96 − 3= 93 counted | 0% |
| Example 2, tier maintained2026 COLA FAQ, p. 3 (Q7, Example 2) | 100 − 4= 96 counted | 3% |
Our engine gives the same answers as the FAQ: 0% and 3%.
What it's worth
On a $2,000 monthly benefit, a member retired June 1, 2006 would get $2,204.80 after both the 2020 and 2026 COLAs; a member retired June 1, 2015, $2,142.40. Each increase becomes part of your base benefit. 2026 COLA FAQ, p. 3 (Q11), p. 4 (Q12)
Joint annuitants and beneficiaries qualify by the original member's retirement date; disability retirees qualify too. 2026 COLA FAQ, p. 3 (Q9-Q10) The PLSO reduction percentage applies to all future cost of living adjustments. Member Handbook (2025), p. 23
On a pop-up, the member returns to the Maximum including any post-retirement increases the member would have received. OAC 715:10-15-10.1 (rules eff. 9/1/25, p. 74); 70 O.S. § 17-105(J)(2)
The 2020 COLA (HB 3350)
Counted through July 1, 2020: 2% for 24–59 months (retired August 1, 2015 through July 1, 2018); 4% for 60+ months (retired on or before July 1, 2015). 2020 COLA FAQ, Q1-Q4
The 2020 COLA counted time retired through July 1, 2020 (a July 1, 2018 retiree had 24 months and got 2%; a July 1, 2015 retiree had 60 and got 4%). The 2026 COLA counts through June 30, 2026 (a July 1, 2018 retiree has fewer than 96 months and gets 0%).
Future COLAs
No law sets another COLA. Any future increase, its size and who qualifies would be in a new bill. Our calculator doesn't add any. A COLA changes the tax withheld from your payment; see taxes. Months you spend back at work with your retirement suspended don't count toward a COLA; see working after retirement. The partial lump sum lowers the base a COLA is figured on; see payment options.
Questions
Does TRS of Oklahoma give an automatic COLA?
No. COLAs under Oklahoma law can only be given by passing a bill that provides for one.
Who gets the 2026 TRS of Oklahoma COLA?
Members retired July 1, 2006 through June 1, 2018 get 3%; members retired on or before June 1, 2006 get 6%. Members retired July 1, 2018 or later get none. It takes effect November 1, 2026 and first shows up in the payment issued December 1, 2026.
Source: Member Handbook, Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma, Plan provisions as of July 1, 2025, p. 23. Also: 2020 COLA FAQ; SB 1144 (2026); 2026 COLA FAQ; The Advisor (Fall 2026); TRS of Oklahoma rules, OAC 715:10-15-10.1; 70 O.S. §§ 17-105, 17-116.23. Last reviewed .