TRS Texas Pay Dates 2025-2026: The Complete Calendar And Crucial COLA Updates You Need To Know

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Annuity Payment Schedule is one of the most critical pieces of information for over 400,000 Texas educators and their beneficiaries. As of December 22, 2025, the core rule remains consistent: your monthly retirement annuity is paid on the last business day of the month. However, recent legislative changes, including the implemented Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and future proposals, make understanding the *current* payment landscape more important than ever, especially as the system manages over $225 billion in assets. This comprehensive guide provides the definitive TRS Texas payment calendar for 2025 and 2026, breaking down the exact direct deposit dates and offering a deep dive into the recent and proposed financial enhancements, such as the January 2024 COLA, to ensure you are fully up-to-date on your retirement benefits.

Your Official TRS Texas Payment Calendar for 2025-2026 (Direct Deposit)

TRS annuity payments are consistently issued on the last business day of each month. This means your direct deposit will typically be available on this date, barring any unforeseen bank processing delays. The schedule below reflects the confirmed and projected dates for the current and upcoming fiscal years.

Note: *TRS business days are Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. If the last day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment date is moved to the preceding business day.*

Payment Month	Direct Deposit Date (Last Business Day)	Paper Check Mail Date (Approx.)
January 2025	January 31, 2025	January 29, 2025
February 2025	February 28, 2025	February 26, 2025
March 2025	March 31, 2025	March 27, 2025
April 2025	April 30, 2025	April 28, 2025
May 2025	May 30, 2025	May 28, 2025
June 2025	June 30, 2025	June 26, 2025
July 2025	July 31, 2025	July 29, 2025
August 2025	August 29, 2025	August 27, 2025
September 2025 (FY 2026 Start)	September 30, 2025	September 29, 2025
October 2025	October 31, 2025	October 29, 2025
November 2025	November 28, 2025	November 26, 2025
December 2025	December 31, 2025	December 29, 2025
January 2026	January 30, 2026	January 28, 2026
February 2026	February 27, 2026	February 25, 2026

The Latest on TRS Texas COLAs and Supplemental Payments (2024 & 2025)

One of the most significant recent financial developments for retired Texas educators is the implementation of a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Historically, the Texas Legislature has preferred one-time supplemental payments, often called a "13th check," but the recent move toward a permanent COLA is a major shift in retirement security for annuitants.

The Implemented January 2024 COLA

As of January 2024, TRS implemented a COLA for over 400,000 eligible annuitants across the state. This adjustment significantly increased the total monthly annuity payroll, providing a crucial boost to the retirement income of long-term retirees. The COLA was a direct result of legislative approval and was based on a tier system determined by the retiree's retirement date. This permanent increase is now integrated into the monthly annuity payment schedule.

Proposed September 2025 COLA and Future Legislation

The conversation around increasing retirement security for Texas educators is ongoing. A key piece of recent legislation, TX SB174, addresses a potential future COLA for certain annuitants. This bill proposes an additional adjustment to be implemented in September 2025. While the January 2024 COLA is secured, the September 2025 adjustment depends on the legislative session and the continued financial health of the TRS Trust. The Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board receives regular updates on the pension fund's health, which directly influences the Legislature's ability to consider such increases for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

Understanding Your TRS Payment: Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check

The method you choose to receive your payment impacts the exact date and time you receive your funds. Understanding the difference between direct deposit and paper checks is essential for financial planning.

Direct Deposit (The Recommended Method)

The vast majority of TRS annuitants choose direct deposit for its security and speed. * Payday: The funds are available on the last working day of the month. * Time of Day: While the TRS deposits the funds on the last business day, the exact *time* the money appears in your account depends entirely on your specific bank or financial institution. Most banks process ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers overnight, meaning the funds are usually available at the start of the business day. * Security: Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen paper checks and ensures the fastest possible access to your retirement money.

Paper Checks

For those who still receive a paper check, the process involves a slight delay: * Mailing Date: Paper checks are typically mailed out a few days *before* the direct deposit date to ensure they arrive around the end of the month. * Delivery Time: Mail delivery times can vary significantly, which is why TRS strongly encourages annuitants to enroll in direct deposit. If a check is lost, the replacement process can take time.

Key Entities and Topical Authority for TRS Texas Annuitants

Staying informed about your TRS benefits requires familiarity with the key entities and systems that govern your retirement.

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS): The state agency that administers the retirement system for public education employees in Texas. It serves over 2 million people.
• TRS Trust: The investment fund responsible for generating returns to pay for the retirement annuities. Its investment value was over $225.3 billion as of August 31, 2025.
• COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment): A permanent increase in the monthly annuity benefit, as implemented in January 2024.
• Supplemental Payment (13th Check): A one-time, non-recurring payment to annuitants, which the Legislature has historically used instead of a permanent COLA. The focus is now shifting to recurring COLAs.
• Texas Legislature: The body that must approve any changes to TRS benefits, including COLAs, contribution rates, and supplemental payments.
• TRTA (Texas Retired Teachers Association): A major advocacy group that lobbies the Legislature for improved retirement benefits, including COLAs and supplemental payments.
• Annuity Payment: The monthly benefit paid to a retired member or beneficiary, which is the core of the TRS retirement plan.
• Fiscal Year (FY): The TRS fiscal year runs from September 1st through August 31st. The FY 2026 schedule begins with the September 2025 payment.

For new retirees, your first annuity payment date depends on the processing time after all required documents are received and processed by the TRS. This typically occurs within 31 days of the final deposit being posted to your account. Always monitor the official TRS website for any last-minute schedule changes or legislative updates regarding your retirement security.

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