The Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS) is a state agency responsible for providing retirement and other benefits to employees of the state of Texas. The ERS administers various retirement and insurance plans for state employees, including those working in public education, higher education, state agencies, and participating local governments. One of the primary retirement programs offered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas is the Employees Retirement System (ERS) Retirement Plan, which is a defined benefit pension plan. Under this plan, employees contribute a portion of their salary throughout their working years, which is then combined with employer contributions to create a pool of funds for retirement benefits. Upon retirement, employees receive a monthly pension based on a formula that takes into account factors such as years of service and salary history. In addition to the ERS Retirement Plan, the Employee Retirement System of Texas also offers the Optional Retirement Program (ORP). The ORP is a defined contribution retirement plan that allows eligible employees to choose from a variety of investment options to save for retirement. Unlike the ERS Retirement Plan, the ORP does not provide a guaranteed monthly pension payment, but allows employees to build a retirement nest egg through their contributions and investment earnings. Furthermore, the Employee Retirement System of Texas provides retirement and other benefits to employees who are members of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), Judicial Retirement System (JR), and the Texas Municipal Retirement System (MRS). These systems offer specialized retirement plans to employees in specific sectors of government, such as teachers, judges, and municipal employees. The Employee Retirement System of Texas also offers a range of insurance programs to eligible state employees and retirees. These include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance, among others. These insurance programs are designed to help employees and their families maintain financial security and access essential healthcare services. In conclusion, the Employee Retirement System of Texas is a vital organization that administers retirement and insurance programs for employees of the state. With various retirement plans and insurance options available, the ERS aims to ensure financial well-being and security for Texas state employees as they transition into retirement.