1% supplemental contributions
An optional extra 1% that members who entered before July 1, 1982 could pay for survivor's allowances or a spouse's pension.
Handbook (2011), p. 6More on this →These are the words in DRB's handbooks and letters, and on these pages. To put them to work, try the Alaska TRS calculator, or start with which tier you're in and the formula.
Alaska COLA
An extra 10% of your base benefit for eligible retirees who live in Alaska.
Handbook (2011), p. 21More on this →AlaskaCare
The retiree health plan for Alaska TRS Tier I and II retirees.
Handbook (2011), p. 23More on this →Average base salary (ABS)
Your three highest annual base contract salaries divided by three.
Handbook (2011), p. 31, GlossaryMore on this →Base salary
Total pay under contract for a full year of membership service, including addenda (capped by the IRS limit for those first hired on or after July 1, 1996).
Handbook (2011), p. 31, GlossaryMore on this →Bona fide separation
A real end to your job with no pre-arranged return, plus the required break before working for the same employer again.
Seminar handout (Jan. 6, 2025), slide 30More on this →Credited service
Membership service plus territorial, outside, military and Alaska BIA service (outside and military generally limited to 10 years). Only service with no indebtedness owed counts for eligibility.
Handbook (2011), p. 32, GlossaryMore on this →DCR plan
The defined contribution plan (Alaska TRS Tier III) for teachers first hired on or after July 1, 2006: an investment account with employer contributions, plus retiree medical access and a health reimbursement arrangement.
DCR handbook (2025), p. 3; DCR Features and Highlights (2026), p. 1More on this →Deferred vested member
A vested member who has left Alaska TRS employment but not taken a refund.
Handbook (2011), p. 32, GlossaryMore on this →Early retirement
A reduced pension for vested members from age 50 (Tier I) or 55 (Tier II).
Handbook (2011), p. 32, GlossaryMore on this →HRA (health reimbursement arrangement)
An employer-funded DCR account you can use for qualified medical costs once eligible; it cannot be cashed out.
DCR handbook (2025), p. 25More on this →Indebtedness
What you owe Alaska TRS for claimed or refunded service, with interest. If unpaid at retirement it becomes a lifetime reduction (if that is beneficial).
Handbook (2011), pp. 10-11, Indebtedness PaymentsMore on this →Joint and survivor option
A reduced pension that continues to your spouse (50% or 75% of your amount) after your death.
Handbook (2011), pp. 18-19More on this →Last survivor option
A reduced pension that drops to 66-2/3% for whichever of you lives longer.
Handbook (2011), p. 19More on this →Membership service
Service as an Alaska TRS-covered teacher (including approved sabbatical and time on Alaska TRS disability). It counts toward vesting and eligibility.
Handbook (2011), p. 33, GlossaryMore on this →Normal retirement
An unreduced pension by age (55 Tier I, 60 Tier II, once vested) or by service (20 years of membership, or 25 credited with the last five as membership).
Handbook (2011), p. 17; p. 33, GlossaryMore on this →PRPA (Post Retirement Pension Adjustment)
A yearly July 1 increase based on Anchorage inflation.
Handbook (2011), p. 22; p. 34, GlossaryMore on this →School year
The 12 months from July 1 to the following June 30.
Handbook (2011), p. 34, GlossaryTier
Your group, set by when you first entered an Alaska TRS position (Tier I before July 1, 1990; Tier II July 1, 1990 - June 30, 2006).
Handbook (2011), p. 35, GlossaryMore on this →Vested member
An active member who has met the service needed (usually 8 years of membership service) to keep a right to a pension after leaving.
Handbook (2011), p. 35, GlossaryMore on this →Year of service
Credit for days worked in a school year (July 1 - June 30); 172 days or more is a full year, and fewer days earn tenths.
Handbook (2011), p. 35, Glossary; p. 9, Membership Service ChartMore on this →Source: Alaska Teachers' Retirement System Information Handbook (Tiers I and II), 2011 edition (current on drb.alaska.gov), checked against the TRS Retirement Application Instruction Booklet (June 2023), pp. 6, 9, 10-11, 17, 18-19, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. Also: Seminar handout (Jan. 6, 2025), slide 30; DCR handbook (2025), pp. 3, 25; DCR Features and Highlights (2026), p. 1. Last reviewed .