Returning to Work

Some retirees choose to go back to work after they retire. You can do this and still receive a pension benefit as long as you follow a few rules.

If you’re in PERS, TRS or SERS, you must wait at least 30 days after your effective retirement date before returning to work for any DRS employer. Also, you may not have any pre-arranged agreement, verbal or written, to return to work with your current employer before retiring. Check your plan webpage below for more details.

Return to work rules vary by plan:

Plans

Exceptions for school districts

State laws allow some retirees to return to work up to 1,040 hours without affecting pension benefits. 

School districts

Effective March 23, 2022 — Jan. 1, 2030:

Retirees who return to employment at a school district may be able to work up to 1,040 hours annually while still receiving their pension. 

Qualifying PERS, SERS and TRS retirees can work in a non-administrative* position.
Qualifying TRS retirees can work in an administrative position at a second-class school district.

Review the charts below to see if you qualify.

*The term non-administrative, for this exception, refers to returning to work at a school district in a position that: (a) Does not require an administrative certification, as defined by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, (currently positions requiring the certification include: Principal, Vice Principal, Program Administrator, Conditional Administrator, Superintendent or Program Administrator Certifications); or (b) Does not evaluate staff.

Review these charts to see if you qualify for the exception:

Second-class school districts (2025-26 school year)