Welcome TFFR Members! This site will get you familiar with the benefits available to you and your beneficiary(ies) whether it be retirement, disability or death benefits. Please review the Member Handbook to get you better acquainted with the features of your retirement plan. Also, check out Fast Facts for a summary of benefits including tiers, grandfathering status, contribution rates and other retirement information.
If you are employed by a public school or state institution for teaching, supervisory, administrative or extracurricular services and have a teaching license, you are required to participate in the TFFR plan. This section covers:
Tier and Grandfathering Status
Salary, Contributions and Interest
Active TFFR members who meet certain conditions are eligible to purchase service credit to use toward retirement eligibility and benefits. If you are interested in purchasing service credit, contact TFFR for a cost estimate and a projection of retirement benefits with and without purchasing service credit. Please read the Purchasing Service Credit brochure to see the types of service credit that may be purchased and the eligibility requirements.
Service credit is not eligible for purchase if the years claimed also qualify for retirement benefits from another retirement system (except Military service). Out-of-state, non-public and government agencies must verify years requested and eligibility for retirement benefits. Please use the Verification of Teaching Service Credit form to verify years.
A member who terminates covered employment is eligible for a refund (lump-sum distribution) of the account value. Please read the Refund/Lump Sum Distribution information sheet for waiting periods, tax and membership tier considerations and how to apply for a refund. Please also read the Special Tax Notice required by the IRS to be given to a member prior to refunding the account.
This is what you have all been working so hard for! Your TFFR retirement account provides you with a monthly retirement payment for life or a refund of your account value (see the Withdrawal of Account section above).
Refer to the Fast Facts found above to review the eligibility requirements to begin drawing a monthly retirement benefit. Please also read the important Retirement Guide to see how benefits are calculated, how to apply for retirement benefits, the benefit payment options and employment after retirement. If you wish to begin retirement benefits, please submit the required Retirement Application and applicable documents to the TFFR office. The member handbook has additional retirement information.
Retirement Benefit Formula
Final average salary (FAS) x 2.0% x service = monthly Single Life Annuity
- Tier 1 members FAS - high 3 fiscal year salaries / 36
- Tier 2 members FAS - high 5 fiscal year salaries / 60
If you become disabled, you may be entitled to monthly disability retirement benefits. Please read the Disability Retirement Benefits information sheet for eligibility requirements, how the benefits are calculated and how to apply for disability benefits.
Should you die before retiring, your beneficiary will have the following options concerning your TFFR account:
- Non-vested members - Refund of account value
- Vested members - Refund of account value; or Monthly annuity for life (only if one beneficiary is named)
Should you die after retirement, benefits are paid based on the plan selected at retirement. Please see the member handbook for more information.
Reporting A Death
If a member dies, TFFR should be notified promptly at 1-800-952-2970. In all cases, a copy of the member's death certificate is required. If other forms are necessary, they will be provided to the designated beneficiary.
After you retire, you may return to TFFR covered employment under certain employment limitations. Please read the Working After Retirement brochure for details. Each year you teach after retirement, you and your employer need to complete and submit a TFFR Retired Member Employment Notification to the TFFR office.
The TFFR staff offers many services in an effort to keep you informed about your retirement program. We offer Retirement Education Workshops in the summer and Group Benefits Counseling sessions in the fall. Retirement 101 and Teachers in Transition (for those schools that are closing) presentations can be offered as requested. Please view Upcoming Events for scheduled programs.
Each year, we provide you an annual statement of your account. Your annual statement can be found on your member online account. Please review this statement to ensure accuracy and notify TFFR of any discrepancies.
How to Apply for Retirement Benefits Presentation
Insurance:
- Dental Insurance (NDPERS)
- Vision Insurance (NDPERS)
- Health Insurance - Medicare Eligible (NDPERS)
- Health Insurance - Pre-Medicare
ND State Withholding Tax Table
Social Security - Understanding the Benefits
ND Insurance Department - Senior Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC)
ND Department of Health & Human Services - Aging & Disability Resource
Upcoming EventsView All Events
Virtual Individual Retirement Sessions
Friday, July 8, 2022 - Friday, June 2, 2023
Categories: TFFR Outreach ProgramsTeacher's Fund For Retirement (TFFR) is happy to offer Virtual Individual Retirement Sessions.
Timeslots are now open to register for virtual individual 30-minute sessions with our TFFR Specialists. Please indicate in the Notes section of the registration the information you are seeking. Some topics you may want to discuss are retirement application process, purchase service/credit, benefit estimates, refund information, return to teach, general, etc.
All sessions will be conducted virtually through a Microsoft Teams meeting. Attendees will receive a link to join the meeting through email approximately 2-3 days before the scheduled session.
Please click the Book Appointment link for days and times that are available. More will be added so please check back if these will not work with your schedule.
Recent NewsView All News
Retirement Specialists Unavailable from Oct. 21st thru the 26th
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News
There will be no walk-in services, phone calls, or email access with TFFR Retirement Specialists Friday, October 21st through Wednesday, October 26th. Staff will do their best to respond promptly upon their return on Thursday, October 27th. Thank you for your patience while they are out of the office for required training in order to provide superior customer service.
RIO Press Release - Deputy Executive Director/Chief Retirement Officer Position Filled
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News, SIB News
The North Dakota State Retirement and Investment Office is pleased to announce that the position of Deputy Executive Director/Chief Retirement Officer has been filled. After an extensive candidate recruitment, the agency offered the position of Deputy Executive Director/Chief Retirement Officer to Chad Roberts. Mr. Roberts began in his new role on July 11th, 2022.
RIO Press Release - Chief Investment Officer Position Filled
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News, SIB News
The North Dakota State Investment Board is pleased to announce that the position of Chief Investment Officer has been filled. At its meeting on December 15, 2021, the State Investment Board offered the position of Chief Investment Officer at the North Dakota Retirement & Investment Office (RIO) to Scott Anderson. Mr. Anderson is scheduled to begin his new role the week of January 17, 2022.
RIO Press Release - Executive Director Position Filled
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News, SIB News
The North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office (RIO) announced today that the Executive Director position has been filled.
TFFR Board Press Release
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News
BISMARCK, ND – The Teachers' Fund for Retirement (TFFR) Board of Trustees met yesterday to review and discuss TFFR Fund policy initiatives, and recognize Mr. Hunter, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer for the North Dakota Retirement and Investment office (RIO). Mr. Hunter has served in his position since 2013 and recently announced his resignation from RIO. TFFR is a client Fund of the State Investment Board (SIB), and the TFFR Program is also administered by the RIO agency.
RIO Press Release - Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer Resignation
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News, SIB News
The North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office (RIO) announced today that Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer David Hunter is resigning his position effective June 22, 2021.
Full Notice Of Intent to Amend Administrative Rules
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News
TAKE NOTICE that the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office on behalf of the Teachers’ Fund For Retirement Board will hold a public hearing to address proposed amendments to N.D. Admin. Code 82-05-01-02, 82-05-04-02, and 82-05-04-04 at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 3442 East Century Avenue, Bismarck, ND, 58507. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to implement state statutes and federal law relating to the Teachers’ Fund For Retirement program requirements. The proposed amendments address the following:
In N.D.A.C. 82-05-01-02, the amendment expands the list of documents accepted by the program as proof of age to include REAL ID;
In N.D.A.C. 82-05-04-02, the amendment updates the actuarial factors, such as the interest rate, and member and beneficiary mortality tables used by the program to calculate optional payment forms; In N.D.A.C. 82-05-04-04, the amendment updates the actuarial factors, such as the interest rate and salary increase rate used by the program to calculate purchase of service.
The proposed amendments are not expected to have an impact on the regulated community in excess of $50,000.
The proposed rules may be reviewed at the office of the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office at 3442 East Century Avenue, P.O. Box 7100, Bismarck, ND, 58507-7100. A copy of the proposed rules and/or a regulatory analysis may be requested by writing the above address, e-mailing rio@nd.gov, or calling 701-328-9885. Written or oral comments on the proposed rules sent to the above address or telephone number and received by Wednesday, March 24, 2021, will be fully considered.
If you plan to attend the public hearing and will need special facilities or assistance relating to a disability, or would like to attend the hearing virtually, please contact the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office at the above telephone number or address at least one day prior to the public hearing.
Click here to view the Full Notice
Click here to view Proposed Rules
October 2020 TFFR Retired Newsletter
Categories: TFFR Member News
The October 2020 RETIREMENTtoday is now available. Please review the information regarding your Annual Retirement Benefit Notice, who's new to TFFR and the new TFFR Website.
October 2020 TFFR Active Newsletter
Categories: TFFR Member News
The October 2020 REPORTcard is now available. Please review the information regarding your Annual Benefit Statement, who's new to TFFR, COVID-19 update regarding TFFR services and the new TFFR Website.
Important Office Information Regarding COVID-19
Categories: TFFR Member News, TFFR Employer News, SIB News
ATTENTION: Visiting Our Office
Due to public health concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and Governor Burgum’s executive order, the ND Retirement and Investment Office (RIO) is closed to public visitors until further notice.
Teachers’ Fund for Retirement (TFFR) and State Investment Board (SIB) client services remain fully functional, but will primarily be delivered by electronic means. Our staff is transitioning to working remotely to avoid disruptions for TFFR members and SIB clients. We will continue to administer critical retirement and investment program operations, claims processing, and retiree payroll functions.
Please contact us by phone (1.800.952.2970 or 701.328.9885) or email us at rio@nd.gov. Thank you for your patience and support. Stay safe!
February 2020 TFFR Retired Newsletter
Categories: TFFR Member News
The February 2020 RETIREMENTtoday is now available. Please review the information regarding 2020 Tax Withholding, Membership Statistics, the 2019 Annual Report Summary and Board updates.
February 2020 TFFR Active Newsletter
Categories: TFFR Member News
The February 2020 REPORTcard is now available. Please review the information regarding Retirement Education Workshops, Membership Statistics, Board updates and the 2019 Annual Report Summary.
August 2019 TFFR Retired Newsletter
Categories: TFFR Member News
The August 2019 RETIREMENTtoday is now available. Please review the information regarding TFFR Member Online.
August 2019 TFFR Active Newsletter
Categories: TFFR Member News
The August 2019 REPORTcard is now available. Please review the information regarding Annual Benefit Statements & the Group Benefit Counseling schedule.