No source states outright whether VSTRS service is covered by Social Security. The handouts say that 'at age 62, you will probably be eligible to receive a Social Security retirement benefit' and offer the Level Income Option built on your Social Security estimate, and the statute's leveling option assumes a Social Security primary insurance amount. Group C #2 handout, p. 5, Level Income Option; 16 V.S.A. § 1937(h)
No VSTRS source says outright whether your teaching job pays into Social Security. The handouts assume you'll probably have a Social Security benefit at 62.
We don't say either way. Check your Social Security statement at ssa.gov.
Group C #2 handout, p. 5The Level Income Option
Level Income Option: if you retire before 62, you can take part of your estimated Social Security benefit from VSTRS until 62, then a permanently lower VSTRS benefit after 62, so your total stays level. The share added depends on your age (the younger you are, the smaller it is). Your actual Social Security does not change it after it is set. A survivor option is based on your benefit before the Level Income adjustment. It is cost-neutral actuarially, but if you live far beyond 62 it may have been a poor choice. Group C #2 handout, pp. 5-6, Level Income Option; Group C #1 handout, pp. 5-6; 16 V.S.A. § 1937(h)
What the sources say
- Check with VSTRSNo VSTRS source says outright whether your teaching job pays into Social Security. The handouts say you will 'probably be eligible' for Social Security at 62, and offer the Level Income Option around it.Group C #2 handout, p. 5No source states Social Security coverage for Vermont teachers.
The Level Income Option is one of the VSTRS payment options, and it only matters if your pension starts before your Social Security does (see retiring early). For how the pension is taxed, see taxes on your VSTRS pension.
Questions
Do Vermont teachers get Social Security?
No VSTRS source says outright. The Treasurer's handouts assume you will probably be eligible for Social Security at 62. Check your own record at ssa.gov.
How does VSTRS work with Social Security?
If you retire before 62, the Level Income Option can pay you more from VSTRS until 62 and less after, so your total stays level. In the Treasurer's example, $1,270 a month before 62 becomes $670 from VSTRS plus $600 from Social Security.
Source: VSTRS Eligibility for Retirement: Group C #2 handout (Office of the State Treasurer), undated (PDF of Sept. 21, 2012), with 16 V.S.A. chapter 55 as of the 2026 session, pp. 5, 6; Group C #1 handout pp. 5, 6; 16 V.S.A. § 1937. Last reviewed .