The separation period
Most retirees have a 4-month termination separation period, starting on the effective retirement date, during which they may not work for (or be paid for any work or training by) any ATRS covered employer. Retirees who meet Normal Retirement Age can work for an ATRS employer immediately and need not terminate. Member Handbook p. 27, Can I work for an ATRS covered employer immediately after retiring from ATRS?; p. 54, Glossary, Termination Separation Period; 2026 Retirement Planner p. 3, Four Month Separation Period
Work outside ATRS covered employment is allowed during the separation period. 2026 Retirement Planner p. 3
Normal Retirement Age
Normal Retirement Age (for working after retirement): vested and at least 65 before retiring, or at least 60 before retiring with age + combined service (ATRS, T-DROP and reciprocal) of at least 98. Example: 61 + 37 = 98. Member Handbook p. 27, How do I know if I have met Normal Retirement Age requirements?; p. 53, Glossary; General Info pamphlet p. 2 (60 + 38); T-DROP pamphlet p. 1 (62 + 36); Actuarial valuation 2025 p. C-10, item 36 (A.C.A. §§ 24-7-202, 24-7-502)
No earnings limit
No earnings limit: after the separation period (or at Normal Retirement Age) a retiree may work for a covered employer and 'continue to receive a monthly retirement annuity without a limitation'. The retiree pays no contributions and earns no service credit; the employer pays employer contributions on the retiree's salary. 24 CAR § 10-702(a), (b)
Disability retirees
Disability retirees may work up to 79 days a fiscal year. Member Handbook p. 24, Can I work as a disability retiree?
From the sources
- Most retirees must stay away from all ATRS employers (including substitute work and paid training) for 4 months from the retirement date. A July 1 retiree can return November 1. Work for non-ATRS employers is allowed.Member Handbook p. 27; 2026 Retirement Planner p. 3
- You skip the 4-month wait if you reach Normal Retirement Age: 65 (vested), or 60+ with age plus service of at least 98 (for example 61 + 37).Member Handbook p. 27; p. 53
- After that, there's no earnings limit. You keep your full benefit, pay no contributions and earn no service. Your employer pays employer contributions on your pay.24 CAR § 10-702
Questions
Can I go back to work after retiring from ATRS?
Yes. Most retirees must first stay away from every ATRS employer for 4 months from the retirement date. After that there's no earnings limit.
Who can skip the 4-month wait?
Retirees at Normal Retirement Age: 65 with 5 years, or at least 60 with age plus service of 98 or more.
Do I pay into ATRS again if I go back?
No. You pay no contributions and earn no new service. Your employer pays employer contributions on your salary.
Can I work somewhere else during the 4 months?
Yes. The separation period applies only to ATRS-covered employers.
Source: ATRS Member Handbook, 2026-2027 school year (current as of July 2026), pp. 24, 27, 53, 54. Also: 2026 Retirement Planner p. 3; General Info pamphlet p. 2; T-DROP pamphlet p. 1; Actuarial valuation 2025 p. C-10; ATRS rules, 24 CAR § 10-702. Last reviewed .