Independent, source-linked pension research

Rules reviewed August 2026

PPublic PensionGUIDEFind your plan →

Public retirement, clearly explained

Your pension rules,
translated.

Official handbooks are written for compliance. We turn them into detailed, source-linked guides, decision tables and calculators for teachers and public employees.

Find your pension system →Start with Texas TRS
16detailed decision guides
3state systems covered
100%official-source linked

Illustrative calculator

Texas TRS standard annuity

Formula checked

Estimated gross standard annuity

$3,588/month
$43,056 per year55.2% of average salary
$78,000×2.3%×24 years
i

This is an educational estimate, not a TRS benefit quote. It excludes payment-option reductions, account-specific salary rules, deductions and taxes.

Start with your system

Rules vary. Your guide shouldn’t.

Every system hub connects eligibility, formulas, service credit and exit decisions through a consistent topic architecture.

3 researched retirement-system hubs
TXGuide live

Texas

TRS Texas

Teacher Retirement System of Texas

Five years generally establishes vestingStandard multiplier: 2.3%Eligibility varies by membership history
Explore system →
CAGuide live

California

CalSTRS

California State Teachers’ Retirement System

Two main benefit structuresFormula uses service × age factor × payUnused sick leave may add service credit
Explore system →
ILGuide live

Illinois

TRS Illinois

Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Tier depends on first contribution dateFormula generally uses 2.2%Maximum formula benefit is 75%
Explore system →

Original comparison

See Texas, California and Illinois side by side.

Compare plan design →

Texas TRS cluster

Answer the decision before filing the form.

Eight connected Texas guides cover eligibility, formulas, service credit, refunds, survivor options, reemployment and Social Security.

Browse Texas TRS →
01

Eligibility

Texas TRS Retirement Eligibility and the Rule of 80

How normal-age and early-age retirement eligibility works in TRS Texas, including why membership dates matter.

6 min read
02

Benefit formula

Texas TRS Benefit Formula: A Step-by-Step Guide

Calculate an illustrative Texas teacher pension using service credit, average highest salaries and the 2.3% multiplier.

4 min read
03

Early retirement

Texas TRS Early Retirement Reductions Explained

Understand when an early-age reduction may apply and why two teachers with the same service can receive different results.

4 min read

Our standard

Built for traceability.

  1. 01
    Start with primary sources

    Official handbooks, agency notices, statutes and calculators.

  2. 02
    Show the math

    Visible formulas, assumptions, examples and reviewed dates.

  3. 03
    Connect related decisions

    Contextual links keep each state cluster complete.