Short answer: the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System's handbook and planner don't say whether ATRS jobs are also covered by Social Security, so check your own pay stub and your record at ssa.gov. What the ATRS sources do say is about disability retirement, buying service, and where to look. Your ATRS pension is figured with its own formula; nothing in the ATRS sources lowers it because you also get Social Security. 2026 Retirement Planner p. 8 (links to medicare.gov and ssa.gov/retirement); Member Handbook p. 23
No ATRS source states whether ATRS members are also covered by Social Security.
What would settle it: An ATRS or Arkansas Section 218 agreement publication.Disability retirement
ATRS doesn't need a Social Security disability approval before you apply for ATRS disability retirement. But if you're under 57 when the ATRS disability benefit starts, you must apply for and get a Social Security disability determination within 3 years. If Social Security denies your claim, ATRS has a disability review: send the denial letter, a Disability Review application and current medical reports. Member Handbook p. 23 The ATRS disability benefit itself is unreduced and figured like an age and service benefit. Member Handbook pp. 22-24, Disability Retirement; Actuarial valuation 2025 p. C-1, item 4
Buying service from other jobs
Out-of-state and private school service can be bought only if no other system (other than Social Security) would pay a benefit for it. Member Handbook pp. 43-44, Appendix B See buying service credit.
Watch for scams
ATRS says it will never contact you unsolicited to ask for your Social Security number, service credit or Member Portal login. Member Handbook p. 51
What the sources don't cover
The ATRS publications we read don't explain how Social Security is figured, whether your district's positions are covered, or how recent federal Social Security law changes affect you. Those answers come from the Social Security Administration. How each benefit is taxed by Arkansas is on the taxes page.
From the sources
- Check with ATRSThe ATRS handbook and planner don't say whether ATRS jobs are also covered by Social Security. They point retirees to ssa.gov for Social Security and Medicare information.2026 Retirement Planner p. 8
- Disability retirees who are under 57 when ATRS disability benefits begin must get a Social Security disability determination within 3 years.Member Handbook p. 23
Questions
Do ATRS members also pay into Social Security?
The ATRS handbook and planner don't say. Ask your employer or ATRS. ATRS points members to ssa.gov for Social Security.
Where do I check my Social Security benefit?
ATRS points retirees to ssa.gov for Social Security and to medicare.gov for Medicare.
Do I need Social Security disability approval to get ATRS disability?
Not to apply. But if you're under 57 when ATRS disability benefits start, you must get a Social Security disability determination within 3 years.
Can I buy service credit for a job that paid into Social Security?
Out-of-state and private school service can be bought only if no other system pays a benefit for it. Social Security doesn't count as such a system.
Source: ATRS Member Handbook, 2026-2027 school year (current as of July 2026), pp. 23, 43-44, 51. Also: 2026 Retirement Planner p. 8. Last reviewed .