Teachers Retirement System of Georgia Review

Every interaction I have had with counselors has been pleasant and any problems were handled immediately.

The Rep was very polite and courteous. She was very informative in answering my questions. I was very impressed with TRS phone service.

Whether digitally or on the phone, prepare for unprofessional. I got kicked off literally while typing in beneficiary information with a warning message that said I was kicked off for security purposes. Before that, I spoke with a representative who literally refused to answer my questions, asked me about things I was NOT asking about, and then the kicker stopped talking, waiting for me to solve my own problem I guess. Maybe she was trying to pass her time, but I d prefer not to have mine wasted, please. Please stop overworking these employees, or hire some who know how to help people mandatorily giving your organization 6-12%(or+) of every paycheck. I wish I had something positive to say; I m fairly shocked at the good reviews. That was not my experience. I hope it changes in the future.

Delayed rollover! The rest of the financial and investment world can move funds instantly after the authorization, but TRS says it takes them 30 days. I asked why, and I was told it's their policy. So then I asked what steps are occurring to consume 30 days of time? Again, it's their policy. So, I asked if TRS just arbitrarily decided that it was going to take them 30 days, and I was offered an opportunity to speak with the "director." To the point, TRS is deliberately slow, and I have missed 2 months of market movement that would have been beneficial to me. It's obvious that they are deferring the release of other people's money to capture another 30, 60, or 90 days of earnings. Since they receive public funds through the legislature, I'll be contacting my state representative.

Somewhat easy to get to, and so far easy to work with.

On the phone for last 35 minutes nobody attend the call only music on hold

I don t understand why it is taking over 6 MONTHS for me to get my contributions back! I called in MARCH when I transferred employment from the school to the health department I originally wanted my funds rolled over into my ERS account but every time I called they were still processing the application. Finally I told them the middle of this month, SEPTEMBER, I just want a refund and was told you better send in a request to cancel the roll over and a refund application ASAP because the roll over may process soon. WHAT?! It has taken 6 months and once I mention a refund it will magically process soon? I sent all the information in and called back the next day to make sure they received it and then they decide to tell me oh your last employer has to send in your last date of employment and you have to contact them and request it. Why haven t I been informed of this before now?! So I called my previous employer who stated she was never contacted requesting that information but she sent it in. So I called back to TRS who states it will take at least 30 days to process the application and then 10 business days to receive a check. So it ll probably be 7-8 months in total before this situation is solved! I m so ANNOYED that they have taken this long and I have wasted so much time on the phone with them. It takes at least 10 minutes to get someone on the phone!!!!

I retired two years ago and prior to that I attended several meetings with reps to ensure that everything was in order. I ve had nothing but fast, efficient, and excellent service with GA TRS! Surprised at so many negative reviews.

Was just told, "You have to understand" when discussing why we can't get my wife's retirement check properly sent to another financial institution (why are we still mailing checks in 2020?). So thousands of dollars of our retirement are missing and it's my fault for not understanding? Also, when we keep sending correspondence/calling, why has nobody called to let us know that you no longer have our finances? We're following YOUR process! Horrible customer service...can't believe this institution is still used by USG.

You'd think I was asking them to jump through a ring of fire, it's been almost 3 months since I filled out and submitted paperwork to rollover my TRS. Paper forms needing to get mailed/faxed to past school and then sent back to TRS. Have they ever heard of email? It's 2017! Just faxed another form, same information, their quoted timeframe to send a check is THIRTY BUSINESS DAYS. THIS IS NOT HOW NORMAL BUSINESSES OPERATE!!

The Representative has the personality of a wet paper towel. My father in law passed away and we were trying to figure out if there was any remaining benefits due to my mother in law.

I have been happy with TRS. Been a member for over 10 years. Their visting on- campus representatives are top notch.

I have called numerous times and never received proper explanation of why I am still without refund since June2019. My previous school system paid me my final check with no problem with TRS deductions. They are lying saying they haven t received payment from employer. I am going to contact my State Representatives regarding this matter. This is out of control!!!

This post is not about the facility nor is it about the employees at TRS. This post is to bring attention to retirement verse resigning. I remind the Citizens or employees who are forced to give up a percentage of their pay to TRS for retirement that we have the power to rid TRS as a whole. What makes this matter sort of a legal issue is that I know individuals that have retired and started receiving payments in less than 3 weeks. I also know individuals that have resigned and haven t received anything in months. Clear lines need to be drawn on when a person will receive a payback once they leave their position. Up to 30, 60, & 90 days does not cut it anymore. TRS faithfully takes a percentage out either weekly or biweekly (mainly from government workers) but when it s time to pay back they drag their feet in doing so. This situation needs news attention! Also Government employees need to push for a revised contract stating that TRS will have to pay interest on paybacks if payments are not made on that designated date. If by any chance you have the choice to choose a company to handle your retirement do not choose TRS.

Signed ,
still awaiting my pay after 3months since resigning!

Most antiquated system and process to withdraw your own $$$. Snail mail and fax machines. Welcome to 1989.

Get ready for fax machines, paper checks, and an enormous amount of unnecessary processing time. They show little interest in the well-being of their clients.

I just wanted to see how much money was in my TRS account. They made me jump through a bunch of hoops to log in and no one ever answers the phone. You just listen to elevator music until you are driven insane.

These guys are awesome! Very professional and up to date on who you are and your concerns.

I have had to call TRSGA numerous times for questions before and after my retirement. They have always been courteous and helpful. Yes, they are always busy, so if you are calling in, you may have to wait. (Try calling in the morning when most teachers are at work, it seems to be a better time.) I am thankful everyday for my retirement money. Many people around us don't have the security that we have. It's not a huge retirement amount, but it is sufficient. Let's face it, teachers don't go into the profession for the big bucks!

Terrible to work with. Take forever to give you your money. Everything takes a month so be prepared for waiting, nonsense, and fax.

Be extremely cautious when you hear this is part of your retirement plan. I'm not a teacher but work in education. I was excited to hear of the 14% matching funds along with my 6% contribution, based on gross. That is entirely misleading. That 20% total contribution does not go to you or even your own account, apart from your 6%, like any "retirement plan" you've ever heard of. It all goes to current TRSGA operation. In fact, that money you have sitting in there does not even gain interest, so you actually lose money from inflation. If you plan to stay long term, over 10 years and retire from the system, you might get some sort of pension benefit - assuming they can force a new generation of workers to shovel money into it. But don't think matching funds go into any sort of account like TIAA or a 401(K). And though not a teacher, I must contribute to this (for me) extremely bad and frankly sketchy plan.