Longevity Pay
Return-to-Work Retirees

Special provisions apply to longevity pay for return-to work retirees. Retirement from state employment includes retirement for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, the Employees Retirement System of Texas and retirement under an optional retirement program.

Individuals who retired on or before May 31, 2005, and who returned to state employment before Sept. 1, 2005, are eligible to receive longevity pay equal to the amount they were entitled to immediately preceding Sept. 1, 2005. That longevity pay amount does not change over time, regardless of the amount of lifetime service credit that is accrued following reemployment.

Important note: If the return-to-work retiree leaves state employment for one day or more, longevity pay is discontinued on return to state employment.

Individuals who retired from state employment on or after June 1, 2005, are ineligible for longevity pay on reemployment with the state.

Hazardous Duty Pay’s Effect on Longevity Pay for Return-to-Work Retirees

If a return-to-work retiree received only hazardous duty pay immediately before Sept. 1, 2005, the return-to-work retiree would be considered ineligible for longevity pay after Sept. 1, 2005, even though he or she might move to a position that is ineligible for hazardous duty pay.

If a return-to-work retiree received both hazardous duty pay and longevity pay (for a period of employment not subject to hazardous duty pay), the return-to-work retiree is only eligible for the amount of longevity that he or she was receiving immediately before Sept. 1, 2005, regardless of whether the return-to-work retiree moves to a position that is not subject to hazardous duty pay.

Source

Texas Government Code, Chapter 74 (Section 74.041), Chapter 659 and Subchapter D (Sections 659.041 through 659.047) and Chapter 837 (Section 837.103).