Minnesota TRA Retirement Calculator: How to Use It
The calculator follows Minnesota Statutes chapter 354 and TRA's member pages. It models the level formula for everyone and the Tier I step formula for members who joined before July 1, 1989.
The inputs
Membership
Coordinated members are covered by Social Security; Basic members aren't. Almost all current teachers are Coordinated.
First TRA membership
Before July 1, 1989 turns on the step formula and the Rule of 90. The calculator pays the higher of step and level, as the statute does.
Service before July 1, 2006
Coordinated service before that date earns 1.7% under the level formula; later service earns 1.9%. Your myTRA statement shows the split.
High-five average salary
Your highest average fiscal-year salary over five successive years of service.
May 23, 2025
The 60-and-30 provision applies only if you were active in a Minnesota public pension plan on that date.
How the result is built
The level formula is reduced 4% a year for ages 55-58 and 7% a year from 59 to 65. Under 60-and-30 it's 5% a year, then augmented at 3% or 2.5% compounded. The step formula is reduced 1/4 of 1% a month under 65 (or under 62 with 30 years), with no reduction under the Rule of 90. Years are prorated by month.
TRA applies its own factor tables, so the 60-and-30 figure can differ slightly from this estimate. Check it in the myTRA estimator before you file.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Rule of 90 apply to me?
Only if you first joined TRA, or a listed Minnesota teacher fund, before July 1, 1989. It applies to the Tier I step formula.
What is the normal retirement age?
65 for every TRA member since July 1, 2024 (Minn. Stat. 354.05, subd. 38).
How early can I retire?
Age 55 with 3 years of service. Members with 30 years can apply at any age, but the level formula can't start before 55.
When do postretirement increases start?
For retirements on or after June 30, 2025, on the January 1 after the year you turn 65. Before then, after 12 months of payments as of June 30.