Social Security and Indiana TRF

Social Security Integration (Option A-4)

If you retire between ages 50 and 62 you may integrate the pension with your estimated age-62 Social Security benefit: a larger payment before 62, then a payment reduced (possibly to nothing) at 62. It doesn't change what Social Security pays. When receiving an unreduced benefit, the age-62 amount can't go below $185. Not available with disability retirement. Hybrid Handbook p. 31, Option 2 (Social Security Integration); p. 36, §7.12; p. 34 (not with disability)

Coverage

The only Social Security rules in the TRF handbook are the Social Security Integration payment option (ages 50-62; changes the TRF payment, not what Social Security pays) and the note that Social Security taxes are withheld from post-tax voluntary DC contributions. The saved INPRS sources do not state outright that TRF positions are covered by Social Security. Hybrid Handbook p. 31, Option 2; p. 36, §7.12; p. 12, Voluntary Post-Tax Contributions

From the sources

• Check with INPRSThe TRF handbook's only Social Security rule is the Social Security Integration option for retirements between 50 and 62. It also notes that Social Security tax is withheld from after-tax voluntary DC contributions.No saved INPRS source says outright that TRF positions are covered by Social Security.Hybrid Handbook p. 12; p. 31; p. 36, §7.12
• To choose Social Security Integration you must be under 62 when you retire and enter the age-62 monthly amount from your latest Social Security statement. Depending on that estimate, your TRF payments are greatly reduced or stop at 62.Hybrid Handbook p. 31, Option 2 (Social Security Integration)
• Disability retirement needs at least 5 years of service plus a Social Security disability award. You can apply while you wait for the award letter. Each year, until you turn 65 or become eligible for an unreduced normal retirement, you confirm that you still qualify for Social Security disability.Hybrid Handbook p. 34, Disability
• Disability retirees can't choose Social Security Integration. Their pension isn't cut for early retirement and is at least $185 a month under Five-Year Certain and Life.Hybrid Handbook p. 34, Disability Benefits

Questions