It is important for members to be aware of significant reference points in their membership timeline with Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS). Reaching each milestone provides or improves a significant benefit that affects your future retirement. Understanding the impact of each milestone should be part of any professional, financial, or personal decision making process.
Active Status
Members currently employed by an ATRS covered employer and eligible for Service Credit. ACTIVE status is necessary for a member to be eligible to Purchase Service Credit. ACTIVE status is also required for eligibility for Disability benefits and Survivor benefits.
Five (5) Years
Vested: Five (5) years of credited service with ATRS (Reciprocal Service can be used in this service requirement). A VESTED member (active or inactive) is eligible to receive retirement benefits at age sixty (60).
Disability Retirement: An active ATRS member must have a minimum of five (5) years of actual and reciprocal credited Service with ATRS to be eligible to apply for disability retirement.
Survivor Benefits: An active ATRS member must have a minimum of five (5) years of actual and reciprocal credited Service with ATRS for eligible for survivor benefits.
Ten (10) Years
Lump Sum Death Benefit: An active or retired member with a total of ten (10) or more years of actual credited service (contributory, noncontributory, or combination of both) with ATRS is eligible for a Lump Sum Death Benefit up to $10,000. For more details regarding this benefit, read about Lump Sum Death Benefit Payments.
Stipend: A member retiring with ten (10) or more years of actual service with ATRS shall receive a monthly stipend up to $50 along with their monthly retirement benefit.
Five to Twenty-Four (5 - 24) Years
ATRS Member is eligible for Age and Service (voluntary) Retirement at age sixty (60).
Twenty-Five to Twenty-Seven (25 - 27) Years
ATRS Member is eligible for Early Retirement at any age with a reduction in benefits.
Twenty-Eight to Twenty-Nine (28 - 29) Years
Eligible for Age and Service (voluntary) Retirement at any age with full benefits.
Eligible for Early T-DROP participation with reduction.
Thirty (30) Years
Eligible for T-DROP participation.