Social Security
With few exceptions, the State of Louisiana does not participate in the Social Security program. If you are enrolled in a Louisiana State retirement plan (TRSL, LASERS, ORP, Deferred Compensation), you do not pay Social Security tax; however, if you were hired after April 1, 1986, you are required to pay the Medicare portion of the FICA tax (1.45% of your salary).
According to state and federal laws, as an employee of the LSU System, you must participate in a retirement plan. If your appointment is considered temporary or part-time for retirement purposes, you will automatically be enrolled into Social Security.
- Part-time/Temporary employees are automatically defaulted into this plan
- Employee contributes 6.2% of salary
- LSU contributes 6.2% on employee’s behalf
- Employees will receive a benefit once social security age is met
Social Security Administration:
Termination of Social Security Contributions
If you leave employment with the LSU System, your Social Security Contributions may not be refunded. You are only eligible to receive benefits once you reach Normal Social Security Retirement Age and have contributed a certain amount of quarters into Social Security.
For more information, please call Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Once you have contributed to Social Security for two years with the LSU System, you will be defaulted into The Teacher’s Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) defined benefit plan and have the option to change to the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP).
However, if you are a part-time employee upon continuation, you will continue to participate in Social Security. Once your appointment becomes full-time, you will be defaulted into TRSL with the option to change to the ORP.
Additional Options for Part-time/Temporary/Special Classified Staff, Professional Staff, and Academic Employees: Deferred Compensation Plan or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) (not available to part-time or temporary classified/civil service employees)