Saving for the future is important. The SSP can help you Bring More to your retirement savings strategy.
The TRS Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP) is an optional 457(b) retirement savings plan that allows you to contribute a portion of every paycheck to your future retirement goals. The SSP is designed to supplement your TRS pension; it does not replace it. When you retire, you will be able to receive your monthly TRS pension from the defined benefit program and may also draw on your SSP account balance, however you see fit!
Eligibility
Active TRS members who are full-time or part-time contractual employees are eligible for the SSP. However, eligible TRS members can participate in the SSP only after their employer formally agrees to participate in the SSP. All retired and inactive TRS members are not eligible for the SSP.
Automatic enrollment
Automatic enrollment is an easy and convenient way to begin contributing to the SSP. Active TRS members who are full-time or part-time contractual employees first employed in a TRS-covered position on or after January 1, 2023 and employed by an SSP participating employer will be automatically enrolled in the SSP at 3% of their pre-tax compensation unless they choose to opt out prior to their automatic enrollment effective date. Members who are automatically enrolled in the SSP will have their contributions invested in the Target Date Retirement Fund closest to their expected retirement date at age 65. Members receive instructions by mail on their enrollment options in advance of their automatic enrollment effective date.
Member contributions
You can elect the amount you want to contribute per paycheck to your SSP account (in whole dollar increments or in whole percentage increments of your pre-tax compensation). You must contribute a minimum of $30 per pay period on a pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax basis if you choose to contribute in whole dollar increments.
SSP contributions applicable to all participating employers
Your pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contribution elections will apply to all eligible compensation across all participating employers. This means that SSP participants working for multiple employers will have their contribution election deducted by each eligible employer. For example, a participant working for two employers that have adopted the SSP, who elects to contribute $30 per pay period will see that amount deducted by both employers for a total of $60 per pay period. Further, if you are automatically enrolled in the SSP and contributing the 3% automatic pre-tax contribution and are then hired as a TRS-covered full-time or part-time contractual employee by a second employer that has adopted the SSP, the 3% automatic contribution election will automatically be applied with respect to employment at the second employer. If you work for multiple employers, please consider carefully the amount you want to contribute in total across all employers.
Catch-up contributions
- Age 50+ Catch-up – available starting the calendar year you turn 50 years of age.
- Special Catch-up – available in the three years prior to the year you reach Normal Retirement Age.
Both catch-up provisions cannot be used during the same calendar year. You must use the catch-up provision that yields the higher contribution limit. For current IRS limits on catch-up contributions, go to www.voya.com/IRSlimits.
Rollovers
The Plan does accept pre-tax and Roth after-tax rollover balances from eligible retirement savings plans. You may want to seek the help of a financial or tax advisor prior to requesting a rollover.
Beneficiary designation
Designate and change your beneficiary information online anytime at trsilssp.voya.com.
Vesting
Vesting means ownership of the money in your account. You’re always 100% vested in your own contributions, employer matching* and non-elective contributions, any rollover contributions and any investment earnings on those contributions.
* Members who elect to withdraw their automatic contributions through a permissible withdrawal will forfeit any associated employer matching contributions.
Plan fees
To cover plan-related expenses such as record keeping, member education and administrative professional services, an annual, flat-dollar fee of $100, referred to as the Plan Administrative Fee, will be assessed to each SSP account, in addition to investment option fees and expenses. The Plan Administrative Fee will be assessed on a quarterly basis ($25/quarter) and will be visible to you through the SSP participant website as part of your transaction history as well as on your account statements.
Withdrawal options
The following types of withdrawals are available through the SSP:
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Rollover Source
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Unforeseeable Emergency
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Termination/Installment
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Required Minimum Distribution
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Age 59½
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Military Leave
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Partial Termination
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Permissible Withdrawal**
** Only available to automatic enrollment participants within 90 days of their first contribution. Withdrawals may be subject to ordinary income tax.
Investment options
Choose an investment strategy that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon to meet your future needs. You can invest in any mix of the SSP options available and you can change your investment elections or the investment of your balance at any time.
You should consider the investment objectives, risks, performance, charges and expenses of the investment options offered through the SSP carefully before investing. The fund prospectuses and information booklet containing this and other information can be found at trsilssp.voya.com, by contacting your local TRS SSP representatives, or through the TRS SSP Service Center at 844-877-4572 (844-TRS-457B). Please read the information carefully before investing.
Learn more or enroll
For more details on all of the Plan’s benefits, investment education resources, and features including videos, articles, newsletters and savings calculators, visit the participant website at trsilssp.voya.com.
Local TRS SSP representatives
Eligible members have ongoing access and support from local TRS SSP representatives. They are available to assist you with a variety of services to help you meet your retirement needs.
To schedule a virtual appointment, go to: https://trsssp457b.timetap.com and follow the prompts.
Information from registered Plan Service Representatives is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Local Plan Service Representatives are registered representatives of Voya Financial Advisors, Inc., member SIPC.