Retirement Programs

Teachers Retirement

The Teacher's Retirement plan is mandatory for certain employment categories. Please review the Benefit Eligibility Table for a complete listing of eligible employment categories.

The Teacher’s Retirement plan is a defined benefit plan. Eligible employees must contribute 5% monthly tax sheltered contributions up to $225,000 annual earnable compensation maximum. The salary cap only applies to employees hired on or after July 1, 1996. Teacher's Retirement provides for retirement income at age 60 with 10 years or more of participating Teacher's Retirement service, or at any age with 25 years of participating Teacher's Retirement service. Should you terminate your service before qualifying for retirement benefits, contact the Benefits Office for counseling and/or to apply for a refund of your accumulated contributions.

You may also review the TRS Member Handbook published by Teacher's Retirement for complete details of the plan.


TIAA/CREF 403(b)

The TIAA/CREF plan is a voluntary program available for certain employment categories. Please review the Benefit Eligibility Table for a complete listing of eligible employment categories.

The University matches the individual's contributions up to 5% of gross monthly pay not to exceed $225,000 annual UAB salary. The salary cap only applies to employees hired on or after July 1, 1996. The program offers the individual a choice as to the distribution of the total deposit to be placed in TIAA (fixed annuity) or CREF (variable annuity). Eligibility for matching is limited to full-time regular monthly paid employees only. Vesting in TIAA/CREF is immediate.

For more online information related to the distribution choices outlined above, please visit the Performance & Investment Choices section on the TIAA/CREF Web site. Eligible employees who wish to enroll in TIAA/CREF or adjust payroll deductions must schedule an appointment with a HR Benefits Counselor. Please contact our office by e-mail at benefits@uab.edu or by phone at 934-3458 to schedule an appointment with a HR Benefits Counselor.

TIAA representatives are on the UAB campus for individual counseling appointments. To schedule an appointment with the TIAA representative, please visit their Web site to view their current schedule and request an appointment.