2026-2027 Benefits Guide

can verify your vesting status by signing in to your TCDRS online account and reviewing your Account Summary, or by contacting TCDRS Member Services. Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can request to have your qualifying military service added to your TCDRS account by logging into your online account or by contacting TCDRS Member Services at (800) 823-7782 for assistance. Survivor Benefit If you have four or more years of TCDRS service credit and pass away before retirement, your designated beneficiary may be eligible to receive a Survivor Benefit. This benefit provides financial support to your beneficiary and includes your employer's matching contributions. Your beneficiary generally has two payment options. They may elect to receive a lifetime monthly benefit, which includes your employer's matching contributions, or they may choose a lump-sum withdrawal of your account balance. A lump-sum withdrawal does not include your employer's matching contributions and may be subject to applicable taxes and penalties. Naming a Beneficiary Naming a beneficiary is an important part of your TCDRS retirement benefits. Your beneficiary is the person (or persons) who will receive any benefits payable from your TCDRS account in the event of your death. You can designate or update your beneficiary at any time by signing in to your online TCDRS account. It is recommended that you review your beneficiary designation periodically, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a previously named beneficiary. Retirement MissionSquare 457b & IRA (Traditional & Roth) The Edwards Aquifer Authority offers employees the opportunity to participate in MissionSquare 457(b) and IRA retirement savings plans. Participation is voluntary, and all contributions are made 100% by the employee. Unlike TCDRS, the EAA does not provide matching contributions to these plans. Employees may choose between Traditional and Roth contribution options. Traditional contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, which may reduce your taxable income for the year. Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, allowing qualified withdrawals in retirement to be tax-free. You determine how much to contribute, subject to annual IRS contribution limits. Contributions can be started, stopped, or adjusted throughout the year by submitting the appropriate contribution change form in NeoGov. You can also enroll at any time throughout the year. If you have retirement savings with a previous employer, you may also be eligible to roll over those funds into a MissionSquare account. A MissionSquare representative is available to discuss your options and help you determine which retirement strategy best fits your financial goals.

2026 CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

“Pre-Retirement” Catch Up Limit

Age 60-63 Catch-up Limit

Plan

Normal Limit

“Age 50” Catch Up Limit

457b

$24,500 $7,500

$8,000 $1,100

$24,500

$11,250

IRA

N/A

N/A

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