As a North Dakota educator, you’re automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement (TFFR), a defined benefit pension plan designed to provide guaranteed monthly income for life when you retire.
The information on this page applies specifically to Tier 2 members—TFFR members enrolled on or after July 1, 2008.
Own Your Financial Future
Retirement may feel a long way off, but the decisions you make throughout your career can have an impact on your financial future. That’s why it’s important to understand your TFFR benefit from the start.
Additional Resources
To learn more about your retirement benefit, visit TFFR Member and RIO's YouTube Channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Once you are vested and choose to retire, you will receive a guaranteed monthly payment for as long as you live.
Vesting is earning the right to a guaranteed monthly retirement benefit from TFFR. To become vested in TFFR, Tier 2 members (members enrolled after July 1, 2008) must earn 5 service credits in North Dakota.
Your TFFR benefit is designed to grow with you over the course of your career. It is based on a formula set in state law (NDCC § 15-39.1-10):
Final Average Salary x Service Credit x 2% Multiplier = Retirement Benefit
As a Tier 2 Member (a member enrolled after July 1, 2008):
- Final Average Salary is the average of your 5 highest annual salaries. Eligible salaries include teaching, supervisory, administrative, and extra-curricular.
- Service Credit is earned each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
- 700+ paid hours = 1 Service Credit
- Fewer than 700 hours will be prorated (ex. 650/700 = .929 years)
- 2% Multiplier is a fixed rate.
- Your Retirement Benefit is an annuity, a guaranteed monthly payment for as long as you live.
Example illustrates a Single Life Annuity. Other benefit payment options are available (see Member Handbook for annuity options.)
Primary Beneficiary – If married, you must name your spouse as your primary beneficiary, unless consent is provided. If single or have consent, you can name any person, organization, church, charity, or estate.
Contingent beneficiaries (optional) – Contingent beneficiaries can be named and are entitled to a benefit if your primary beneficiary is deceased.
No. TFFR is professionally managed. Your benefit is not tied to an individual investment account.
Your MyTFFR Account
Make the most of your membership with MyTFFR Member Self Service, your secure, online member portal. With your account information at your fingertips, you can stay informed and plan with confidence throughout your career. Make checking your MyTFFR account part of your annual routine.
Through MyTFFR, you can:
- Keep your account profile current ensuring RIO can reach you when needed.
- Review your annual statement to confirm reported salary and service credit are accurate.
- Manage your beneficiaries and review your beneficiary designations, especially after major life events.
- Run a benefit estimate to see how your benefit may grow over time.
We are here to help
Your retirement benefit is an important part of your financial future, and RIO is here to help you understand and manage your TFFR account throughout your career.
If you have questions, we encourage you to contact Retirement Services through MyTFFR Member Self Service. Once you’re signed in, select the Contact Us tile on your Dashboard to send a secure message that's accessible by our whole team.
You can also find other ways to contact us by visiting Contact RIO.