How it works
Cost-of-living adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index and are not automatic. If the current average CPI is at least the average CPI when you retired, you get a 1.5% COLA; if it is lower, no COLA. COLAs are granted each January 1 and July 1 to eligible retirees. Member's Guide pp. 21-22, Cost-of-Living Adjustments
The valuation describes adjustments each January 1 and July 1 based on the change in average CPI over the previous six months, at most 1-1/2% per six-month period. If CPI falls, there is no reduction for the first 2-1/2% of the drop, and allowances never fall below the amount first paid at retirement. Valuation 6/30/2025, p. 38, Cost-of-Living Adjustment
COLAs depend on the Consumer Price Index and aren't automatic. Future increases could be smaller or skipped.
What we use: a projection that assumes every 1.5% increase is granted.
Your first COLA
Retire between July 1 and December 1: first COLA may be the following July 1 (retire October 1 -> following July 1). Retire between January 1 and June 1: first COLA may be the following January 1 (retire March 1 -> following January 1). Member's Guide p. 22, Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Early retirees wait. If you retire on service retirement with less than 30 years and under age 60, you may get your first COLA only after you reach age 60 or would have reached 30 years of service, whichever comes first. Member's Guide p. 22, Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Early retirees get COLAs only after they reach 60 or the date they'd have had 30 years. The sources don't say if the first COLA is the first Jan. 1 or July 1 on or after that date, or the one after.
What we use: the first Jan. 1 or July 1 on or after that date.
What it adds up to
A $3,000 check, retiring July 1, 2026, if every COLA is granted:
| From | Monthly |
|---|---|
| July 2026 (start) | $3,000.00 |
| July 1, 2027 | $3,045.00 |
| January 1, 2028 | $3,090.68 |
| July 1, 2028 | $3,137.04 |
| January 1, 2029 | $3,184.10 |
| July 1, 2029 | $3,231.86 |
| January 1, 2030 | $3,280.34 |
| July 1, 2030 | $3,329.55 |
| January 1, 2031 | $3,379.49 |
| July 1, 2031 | $3,430.18 |
| January 1, 2032 | $3,481.63 |
| July 1, 2032 | $3,533.85 |
Each increase is 1.5% of the check before it, rounded to the cent. Our projection, not a promise.
History
TRS of Georgia announced its 96th consecutive COLA since July 1, 1977, effective January 1, 2025. The COLA program was established July 1, 1969. trsga.com news, TRS of Georgia Board Approves Cost of Living Adjustment for Retirees (Feb. 13, 2025; retrieved 2026-11-11)
Members who retired before January 1, 2013 received a one-time 3% increase on the first $37,500 of the allowance at retirement; members retiring on or after January 1, 2013 do not. Valuation 6/30/2025, p. 38, Cost-of-Living Adjustment
Beneficiaries of deceased retirees keep the COLAs the retiree had received and continue to get COLAs each January and July if eligible. Member's Guide p. 22, Cost-of-Living Adjustments
What the guide says
- TRS of Georgia may give a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment each January 1 and July 1. It's not automatic: you get it if the current average Consumer Price Index is at least the average when you retired.Member's Guide pp. 21-22, Cost-of-Living Adjustments
- Retire between July 1 and December 1 and your first COLA can come the following July 1. Retire between January 1 and June 1 and it can come the following January 1.Member's Guide p. 22, Cost-of-Living Adjustments
- If CPI falls, TRS of Georgia's actuary says benefits aren't cut for the first 2.5% of the drop and never fall below what you got at retirement.Valuation 6/30/2025, p. 38, Cost-of-Living Adjustment
- TRS of Georgia announced its 96th consecutive COLA since July 1, 1977, effective January 1, 2025.trsga.com news, Feb. 13, 2025
- Beneficiaries keep the COLAs the retiree had and keep getting new ones if eligible.Member's Guide p. 22, Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Questions
How much is the TRS of Georgia COLA?
1.5% each January 1 and July 1, if prices haven't fallen since you retired. It isn't automatic.
When do I get my first COLA?
Retire between July 1 and December 1 and the first can come the next July 1. Retire between January 1 and June 1 and it can come the next January 1.
Do early retirees get COLAs?
Yes, but only after they reach 60 or the date they would have had 30 years, whichever comes first.
Source: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia Member's Guide, 06/26, pp. 21, 22; Pre-Retirement Handout p. 3; Valuation 6/30/2025 p. 38; trsga.com pages. Last reviewed .