Employees are automatically enrolled in the state's retirement plan, administered by the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). ERS provides a defined benefit retirement plan that protects you from market fluctuations, unlike many private employer plans. This means lifetime retirement payments after a career with the state.

• The state of Texas contributes 10 percent to your retirement fund.
• You contribute 9.5 percent of your pre-tax salary to your retirement fund.
• You can also save more for retirement with 401(k), 457 and Roth savings plans.
• New employees are automatically enrolled into a 401(k) plan at 1% of their salary, which can be increased or canceled at any time.

You receive more longevity pay, sick leave and annual vacation time the longer you work for the state. Based on your hire date, any unused sick or annual leave time balances may be used towards retirement.

Texas state retirees continue to enjoy discounts on a variety of items through the employee discount purchase program (Beneplace).