FAQs
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FAQs
Here are answers to the questions most often received in the Gwinnett Retirement Services Department. This site also contains more detailed information about all these subjects.

What does vesting mean?

Vesting means that an employee has earned enough creditable service to have a right to a benefit at a certain age as stated by their retirement plan.

When are you vested with GRS?

Gwinnett Retirement System (GRS) vesting is five years of creditable service or age sixty-five.

How long do you have to work to be vested with TRS?

One must have ten years of creditable service to be vested with Teachers Retirement System (TRS).

When will I be eligible to retire?

Retirement with TRS may begin with the completion of thirty years creditable service, regardless of age; completion of at least ten years of creditable service and attainment of age sixty; or completion of at least twenty-five years of creditable service with a penalty. Retirement with GRS may begin with completion of at least five years creditable service and attainment of age sixty-five, or completion of at least five years of creditable service and retirement with TRS regardless of age.

What happens to my sick leave when I retire?

Sick leave can be used for service credit with TRS or a payment at the rate of ¾ of substitute pay. Members must have a minimum of sixty sick leave days accumulated. Sick leave cannot be used for vesting purposes. PSERS employees are not eligible for sick leave credit, but may be paid out at ¾ of substitute pay rate.

May I keep all my benefits when I retire?

Health insurance is the only benefit provided through the State. This benefit can be continued for life at retirement. Other benefits (life insurance, dental insurance, cancer insurance, etc.) are provided through Gwinnett County Public Schools. These benefits can be continued at retirement. Term life insurance terminates at age seventy. All benefits must be in place at the time of retirement.

Can I change my health insurance once I retire?

Retirees have an opportunity each year to change their health insurance plan during the optional change period. Retirees are not allowed to change plan status without a life altering approved occurrence.
Example: Changing from single coverage to family coverage.

Can dental and other GRS benefits be changed once I retire?

Benefits may be dropped, but cannot be picked up again. Single and/or family coverage may be changed for reasons such as marriage or divorce.

Are retirees allowed to work?

Work after retirement is unlimited in non-TRS-covered positions. If a retiree wishes to work part-time after retirement in a TRS-covered position, there must be a one-month break-in-service between retirement and the beginning of the part-time position. Please refer to the Working After Retirement link for more specific details.

May I draw my retirement and Social Security?

Yes, but your Social Security benefits may be offset based on your employment with GCPS. Only Social Security can determine eligibility for benefits and amount of offset. The telephone number of the Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213.