News
Retirees: Georgia Income Tax Rate Decreasing to 5.19%
You may see a slight increase in the net amount of your retirement benefit beginning with your July 31, 2025 payment, as Georgia’s flat income tax rate decreases from 5.39% to 5.19% effective July 1, 2025.
This change is part of tax reform under HB 1437. In April 2025, Governor Kemp signed HB 111, accelerating the reduction toward a 4.99% flat tax rate.
Happy Fourth of July!
The ERSGA offices will close early on Thursday, July 3, to allow our staff to observe the July 4 holiday.
Our offices will close early at 2:30 P.M. on July 3 and remain closed on Friday, July 4.
From all of us at ERSGA, have a safe, fun and festive Fourth of July!
Thank You, Eli Niepoky, for 11 Years of Exceptional Service
It is with sincere appreciation that we recognize Eli Niepoky for her distinguished service on the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Board of Trustees. After 11 years of dedicated commitment, Eli has concluded her tenure as a valued Trustee.
Exciting Update to the Peach State Reserves (PSR) Fund Line-Up!
July 2025
Effective July 1, 2025, Lifecycle Fund 2070 was added. Lifecycle Fund 2020 closed; assets transferred to the Lifecycle Income Fund.
ERS One-Time Payment Post-Retirement Benefit Adjustment
June 2025
ERS one-time payments for June 2025 have been processed. Only active payees (retirees or beneficiaries) at the time the one-time payment was processed will receive this payment.*
Those with direct deposit should see the deposit within three business days of the check date 06/18/2025.
The one-time payment will be equal to 4.5% of the annual ERS benefit in pay as of June 2025, to a maximum payment of $572.64.
Georgia Governor’s Mansion
As a State of Georgia employee, retiree, or beneficiary, we encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to explore the Governor’s Mansion and participate in its events. It’s a great way to spend quality time with friends and family while experiencing a piece of Georgia’s history!
State agencies are also welcome to take employees to tour the Governor’s Mansion for groups of 10 or more, advance registration is required. So, make sure you register your event in advance!
Office Closure: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The office is closed to visitors and phone calls (or telephone assistance) on Tuesday, May 13, as our staff participates in ERSGA 75th Anniversary activities. Business will resume as normal on Wednesday. Thanks for your support!
COLA/Post-Retirement Benefit Adjustment
June / July, 2025
Please note that all COLA increases as of July 1, 2025 will be reflected in the July monthly benefit payment payable at the end of July. The ERS One-Time Payment will be a separate payment by the end of June 2025.
ERS Integrated Statements
March 2025
The ERS Personal Statement of Retirement Benefits are now available in your online ERSGA account!
Check out your personalized, easy-to-read statement!
Your data is presented in colorful and visually appealing
charts and graphs, with valuable information to provide your
at-a-glance retirement snapshot
Tour annual statement is available online at the ERSGA and GaBreeze websites.
(2024-2025) Proposed Amendment to ERS Rule
February 20, 2025
Pursuant to the actions taken during the regular Board meeting in February 2025, please view below a notice of intent from the Board of Trustees of the Employees’ Retirement System to adopt the following proposed amendment to the ERS Rules and Regulations.
Retirees: Important 1099-R Information for Your 2024 Tax Filing
January 28, 2025
2024 Tax Documents
If you received pension payments, a lump-sum refund, or a death benefit as a beneficiary during the 2024 calendar year, these payments have been reported to the Internal Revenue Service.
Social Security Fairness Act: Repeals WEP and GPO
January 8, 2025
On January 5, 2025, President Biden signed the Social Security
Fairness Act, which repeals two federal laws: 1) the Windfall
Elimination Provision (WEP) and 2) the Government Pension Offset
(GPO). The implementation of the Act will eliminate the reduction
of Social Security benefits while entitled to public pensions
from work not covered by Social Security. The Social Security
Administration is evaluating how to implement and will provide
more information as soon as available.
Changes to your Social Security benefit will not impact your
ERSGA pension.
Celebrating 75 years!
The Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA),
established in 1950, proudly celebrates 75 years of service as a
trusted partner in retirement readiness for Georgia’s workforce.
ERSGA currently administers five distinct defined benefit pension
plans, two life insurance plans, and three defined contribution
plans, including the Peach State Reserves (PSR) 401(k) and 457
plans. Additionally, ERSGA serves as the Social Security
Administrator for political subdivisions across Georgia.
Celebrating 75 Years!
The Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA),
established in 1950, proudly celebrates 75 years of service as a
trusted partner in retirement readiness for Georgia’s workforce.
ERSGA currently administers five distinct defined benefit pension
plans, two life insurance plans, and three defined contribution
plans, including the Peach State Reserves (PSR) 401(k) and 457
plans. Additionally, ERSGA serves as the Social Security
Administrator for political subdivisions across Georgia.
Important for Retirees! SHBP: Pension Deduction Changes
Who: Retirees over age 65 (Medicare eligible)
who have a health insurance premium deducted from their December
pension payment
What: Your State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP)
deduction may be changing, or you may be receiving a new
deduction to your net pension due to the SHBP Premium change
When: This will go into effect this December
2024
How: To see more on the exact amount review your
payment history on your ERSGA secure online account
ERSGA cannot answer SHBP questions or provide assistance
on this deduction from your pension.
For SHBP Help:
Website: shbp.ga.gov
Call: 800.610.1863
- First Press 1 for 2025 Benefits Questions
- Then Press 1 again for Retiree
- Press 5 to speak to a live representative
Important Update: Box 5 on Your 1099-R Form
As tax season approaches, we want to inform you about a change to Box 5 on your 1099-R form. In the past, Box 5 showed insurance premiums. This year, it will display your non-taxable amount instead.
The non-taxable amount represents the contributions you made while working, which are not taxed when you retire.
Box 5 is for informational purposes only and is already included as the difference between the Gross Amount (Box 1) and the Taxable Amount (Box 2a).
New 2025 IRS Contribution Limits
Save More Money for Retirement
New 2025 IRS Limits: January 1, 2025
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maximum contribution limits to your Peach State Reserves (PSR) 401(k) and 457 plans for 2024 will increase for 2025.
You can contribute the maximum amount to both a PSR 401(k) and 457 account. To increase your contributions, visit: GaBreeze.ga.gov
2025 Limits
- Under Age 50: $23,500
- Age 50-59: $31,000
- Age 60-63: $34,750*
- Over Age 63: $31,000
*New for 2025! Save more money for retirement with the SECURE 2.0 Act Super Catch-Up Contributions!
Consider boosting your retirement savings and catching up on contributions with the catch-up contributions option.
2024 Limits
- Under Age 50: $23,000
- Over Age 50: $30,500
Saving for Retirement
Even if you can’t contribute to the maximum amount, this is a great reminder to save as much as you can for your retirement. Open a retirement savings account or increase your contributions today!
PSR participants, or those eligible for a PSR account, can increase contributions or open a 401(k) or 457 by visiting: GaBreeze.ga.gov.
For more information about contribution limits, including employer contribution limits, visit the IRS website: 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan Contribution Limits
1099-R Address Change Reminder
The deadline for retired members and beneficiaries to submit an address update to ERSGA for the 2024 1099-R mailing is December 20, 2024. Address updates cannot be made over the phone.
It is important to keep your address on file current. A 1099-R will not be mailed to you if your address on file is marked as invalid, and the US Postal Service does not forward 1099-Rs.
ERS One-Time Payment Post-Retirement Benefit Adjustment
June 2024
ERS one-time payments for June 2024 have been processed. Only active payees (retirees or beneficiaries) at the time the one-time payment was processed will receive this payment.*
Those with direct deposit should see the deposit within three business days of the check date 06/28/2024.
The one-time payment will be equal to 4.75% of the annual ERS benefit in pay as of June 2024, to a maximum payment of $568.92.
PSERS Benefit Multiplier Increase
Effective 7/1/2024
The benefit rate for members of the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) has been raised for PSERS members, retirees, and beneficiaries to $17.00 per month per year of service.
This increase is effective 7/1/2024 and will be reflected in the July 2024 pension payment.
To learn more about your PSERS retirement benefit, please visit the PSERS plan page.