The rule
You may go back to work after retiring and keep your pension. Returning to a TRF/PERF Hybrid position needs a separation of at least 30 days. Going back before 30 days, or agreeing before retirement to be reemployed in a covered position, voids the retirement: the pension stops and you repay what you received. After the 30 days there is no limit on what you can earn; no more money goes into your DC, you earn no more service credit and the new job doesn't raise your pension. Hybrid Handbook p. 33, §7.9 (reemployment within 30 days); p. 39, §7.19 Re-employment of Retired Members; p. 39, §7.20
Second retirement
Only reemployed service earned before July 1, 2007 qualifies for a TRF second retirement. TRF retirees reemployed in PERF on or after July 1, 2013 aren't eligible for a second PERF retirement. Hybrid Handbook p. 33, §7.9 (reemployment within 30 days); p. 39, §7.19 Re-employment of Retired Members; p. 39, §7.20
Drawing your pension while you work
- Millie Morgan Retirement: at least 65 with at least 20 years may start the pension while still working in the TRF-covered position (irrevocable; no further service credit; not eligible for a second retirement). The handbook words it as age 65 'as of June 30, 2023', effective July 1, 2023; the ACFR and valuations state it generally as age 65 with 20 years while active. Hybrid Handbook p. 32, §7.7; INPRS ACFR FY2025 p. 31; '96 Account actuarial valuation (June 30, 2025), p. 57
- A person in an elected TRF-covered position aged at least 55 with 20 years may start the pension while serving; reduced for early retirement if under 60 and not meeting the Rule of 85. Hybrid Handbook p. 32, §7.8
- A member now in a non-covered position with the same employer may retire if otherwise eligible and at normal retirement age. Hybrid Handbook p. 31, §7.6
From the sources
- You can work again after you retire. For a TRF or PERF-covered job, you need at least 30 days off first. Going back sooner, or agreeing before you retire to come back, voids your retirement, and you repay what you got.Hybrid Handbook p. 33, §7.9; p. 39, §7.19
- After the 30 days there's no limit on what you earn and your pension keeps coming. The new job adds no service and nothing to your DC account.Hybrid Handbook p. 39, §7.19
Questions
How long must I wait to go back to a TRF job?
At least 30 days. Going back sooner, or agreeing before you retire to come back, voids your retirement.
Is there an earnings limit?
No. After the 30 days there's no limit on what you can earn, and your pension keeps coming.
Can I draw my pension while still teaching?
Only through a Millie Morgan retirement (65 with 20 years) or as an elected official (55 with 20 years).
Source: Teachers' Retirement Fund Hybrid Plan Member Handbook, Effective 07/01/2025, pp. 31, 32, 33, 39. Also: INPRS ACFR FY2025 p. 31; '96 Account actuarial valuation (June 30, 2025) p. 57. Last reviewed .