Teachers' Fund for Retirement Members

You are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement (TFFR) when you begin working in a covered teaching position in North Dakota, including roles as a licensed teacher, administrator, supervisor, or in certain extracurricular activities. For complete details about program eligibility, membership tiers, contributions, and benefits, refer to the TFFR Member Handbook.

TFFR members can manage their account information using MyTFFR.

• Active and inactive members can update their contact information and designate beneficiaries.
• Retired members can update their contact information, modify direct deposit details, and adjust federal or state tax withholding.

To access MyTFFR, use the Member Login button in the upper-right hand corner of RIO's website. If you don’t have a MyTFFR account login, you may need to create one using your personal information.

For user guidance, after logging into MyTFFR, select the "Help" button to access the Member Help Center. Alternatively, "How to" videos are available on RIO's YouTube channel. 

Benefit Formula

The TFFR benefit is determined by a formula defined in state law. This formula multiplies a member's years of service credit by a percentage of their Final Average Salary (FAS). The current formula is FAS × 2.0% × Service Credit = Single Life Annuity.

• Tier 1 members FAS - high 3 fiscal year salaries / 36
• Tier 2 members FAS - high 5 fiscal year salaries / 60

Running an Estimate

Members can estimate their benefit using MyTFFR. For assistance, once logged in, select MyTFFR's "Help" button to access the Member Help Center. A "How to" video is also available on RIO's YouTube Channel. 

Eligibility 

Active TFFR members who meet certain conditions are eligible to purchase service credit to use toward retirement eligibility and benefits. Review the Purchasing Service Credit brochure or the Member Handbook to learn about the types of service credit that may be purchased and the eligibility requirements. 

Create a Purchase Estimate

Members can create a Service Credit Purchase Estimate using MyTFFR. For assistance, once logged in, select MyTFFR's "Help" button to access the Member Help Center. A "How to" video is also available on RIO's YouTube Channel. 

Retirement is an exciting milestone and taking it step-by-step can help you navigate the process smoothly.

Get Ready to Apply

Gather the necessary information before starting your application. 

• Complete the Retirement Application Checklist - download the checklist.
• Attend a Group Benefit Presentation - watch a recording.
• Review the TFFR Member Handbook - download the handbook.

Apply for Retirement

If you pause during the application process, MyTFFR may time out requiring you to restart.

• Login to MyTFFR and select the "Apply for Retirement" tile.
• Track your application's progress by selecting the "Apply for Retirement" tile.
• After reviewing your application, RIO will send you an enrollment form. Notarize and return it to receive your first payment date. 

For assistance, once logged in, select MyTFFR's "Help" button to access the Member Help Center. A "How to" video is also available on RIO's YouTube Channel.

A member who leaves TFFR-covered employment may withdraw their account value as a refund (lump-sum distribution) paid directly to the member, or as a direct rollover to an IRA or another eligible retirement plan. The account value consists of employee contributions plus 6% interest. Employer contributions and investment earnings are not included. Withdrawing the account closes it and forfeits all service credit earned to that point.

Apply for a Withdrawal
Withdrawal applications are submitted through the MyTFFR Member Self-Service Portal. Refunds and rollovers are paid on the first working day of each month. Applications and any waiver documentation must be received by RIO at least 10 working days before the end of the prior month. A 120-day waiting period from the last month of covered employment typically applies.

To learn more about rollovers, the waiting period, and membership and tax considerations, review the Member Handbook and the Special Tax Notice. 

TFFR members who become disabled may be entitled to monthly disability benefit if the following conditions are met.

• Five or more years of TFFR service credit.
• Employed by a TFFR-covered employer at the time of disability.
• Application filed within 36 months from the last day of employment.
• Disability must be “total” and result in your inability to perform the duties of a teacher for 12 months or more due to a medical condition.
• Certified eligible by the TFFR Board of Trustees.

Review the Member Handbook to learn how the payment is calculated, payments and taxation, and returning to teach.

Apply for Disability 

Members can create and maintain a Disability Application using MyTFFR. For assistance, once logged in, select MyTFFR's "Help" button to access the Member Help Center.

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. Review the Working After Retirement factsheet or the Member Handbook to learn about the limits. 

RIO offers a variety of outreach services to keep you informed about the TFFR pension program including Retirement Education Workshops in the summer and Group Benefit sessions in the fall. Please view Upcoming Events to learn more about scheduled presentations.

Group Benefit Presentations, Fall 2026

• TFFR Program Overview, Retirement Process and Return to Teach - slides

Retirement Education Workshop, July 2026

• TFFR Program Overview, Retirement & Investment Office - video
• Estate Planning, Jackson, Welder & Arthurs, Inc. - video
• Financial Planning, Horace Mann - video
• Health Insurance Options - video

Teachers from Overseas, Winter 2025/2026

• TFFR Retirement 101 Teachers from Overseas - video and slides

Group Benefit Presentations, Fall 2025

• TFFR Program Overview, Retirement Process and Return to Teach - video and slides

Insurance - if you are receiving a TFFR benefit, within 31 days of becoming Medicare eligible, you may be eligible to enroll in non-NDPERS retiree insurance plans. 

• Non-NDPERS Retiree Insurance Guide
• What is Medicare and who can get it?

ND Navigators - help finding affordable health insurance

ND State Health Insurance Assistance Program - help with Medicare

Social Security - understanding the benefits

ND Aging & Disability Resource Link - aging services and supports