There are two things you need to know as a retiree interested in returning to work at UAB post-retirement.
TRS Retirees Working for UAB:
Alabama law provides that TRS retirees employed with a TRS employer may continue to receive full retirement benefits provided the retired member meets both of the following conditions:
- The retiree must not be employed or under contract for permanent, full-time employment.
- The retiree’s salary cannot exceed the limitation on earnings. The limits are subject to change each year based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
If a retiree’s earnings or remunerations exceed the annual limitation on earnings, the retirement benefits will be suspended for the remainder of the calendar year. Recently, in response to an Attorney General advisory opinion, TRS is requesting all TRS employers to report to TRS the names of all retirees who perform services for the TRS entity even if that retiree has been hired through a personal services contract, a contract with a third party, or as an independent contractor.
Revolving Door Provision of Alabama Ethics Law
Individuals who retire from positions which may be subject to the revolving door provision as defined by the Alabama Ethics Commission should discuss their retirement/re-employment plans with the Benefits area of Human Resources. In general, the revolving door provision applies to individuals who retire from positions of authority. These are positions in which the incumbents have authority to hire, fire, make purchases, approve or grant contracts, etc. Ultimately, the individual employee will need to consult the Alabama Ethics Commission for a final decision on whether or not their position is/was a position of authority. If the individual is/was in a position of authority, that individual cannot be re-employed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for a period of two (2) years unless they choose to suspend retirement benefits from the Retirement Systems of Alabama.
Policy Concerning Re-employment of UAB Retirees