TRS pensions don't rise with inflation on their own. Every increase has to be passed by the Legislature: 7 permanent ones since 1993, the last (2%, 4% or 6%) in January 2024, which also needed voters.
Retired after Aug. 31, 2020? You didn't get the 2024 increase. Beneficiaries and alternate payees qualified on the same dates; you had to be living in January 2024.
One-time permanent increase under SB 10, approved by voters as Proposition 9 in Nov. 2023. 6% if you retired on or before Aug. 31, 2001; 4% if you retired Sept. 1, 2001 through Aug. 31, 2013; 2% if you retired Sept. 1, 2013 through Aug. 31, 2020. You had to be living on the effective date.
Source: TRS: SB 10 COLA Amounts, p. 1
A one-time payment to eligible retirees, with the amount based on age, issued mid to late September 2023 under SB 10. It did not raise the monthly annuity.
Source: TRS: 2023 Retiree Benefit Enhancements, web
3% increase, capped at $100 a month, for those who retired before Sept. 1, 2004.
Source: TRS Pension Benefit Design Study, PDF p. 42
One-time supplemental payment equal to the August 2007 monthly annuity, capped at $2,400, paid in January 2008.
Source: TRS Pension Benefit Design Study, PDF p. 51
4.5% for those who retired Sept. 1, 2000 through Aug. 31, 2001 (matching that year's multiplier increase); 6% plus the 4.5% for those who retired before Sept. 1, 2000.
Source: TRS Pension Benefit Design Study, PDF p. 51
10% for those who retired Sept. 1, 1998 through Aug. 31, 1999 (matching the multiplier increase); earlier retirees got a 2-7% inflation adjustment, depending on retirement date, plus the 10%.
Source: TRS Pension Benefit Design Study, PDF p. 51
Inflation adjustment of 2-14%, depending on retirement date, for those who retired before Sept. 1, 1996.
Source: TRS Pension Benefit Design Study, PDF p. 51
For those who retired before Sept. 1, 1993: the greater of a 2-17% inflation adjustment, depending on retirement date, or a recalculation using the then-minimum teacher salary of $18,500.
Source: TRS Pension Benefit Design Study, PDF p. 51
Inflation adjustment of 5-15%, depending on retirement date, for those who retired before Sept. 1, 1991. The first of a series of catch-ups for retirees whose annuities lagged the Consumer Price Index.
Source: TRS Pension Benefit Design Study, PDF p. 51
If you took a Partial Lump Sum Option at retirement, a COLA is usually figured on your reduced annuity (handbook p. 37).
Is another increase coming? We track bills on the TRS COLA 2027 page. Because increases are a percentage of your annuity, your payment option and any PLSO also change what a COLA adds. To see your own starting check, use the calculator.
Source: TRS Benefits Handbook, September 2025, p. 37. COLA amounts: TRS SB 10 COLA Amounts chart; TRS Pension Benefit Design Study (Dec. 2018), Figure 4.19. Last reviewed .