Retirement Plans

Today retirement can signal the beginning of a new life. But how you spend your retirement years and how well you prepare for them is up to you. According to state and federal laws, employees of the LSU System must participate in a retirement plan. To assist you in reviewing your plan options, below is a list of retirement plans available to the different employee classifications:

Classified Civil Service Employee Options
Membership in the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS) is MANDATORY for all classified, civil service employees appointed for greater than 50% of full-time effort (more than 20 hours per week) and for a duration of more than two years (except those excluded by law).

Unclassified Professional / Academic Employee Options
If you are a faculty member* with an appointment of less than 50% of full-time effort OR an unclassified staff member** with an appointment of less than 51% of full-time effort (20 hours or less per week) OR you are appointed for a duration of two years or less.

* Faculty member: instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and librarian.

** Staff member: administrative officers, professional staff, teaching associates, research associates, library associates, and coordinators.

Participation in Social Security
With few exceptions, the State of Louisiana does not participate in the Social Security program. Information on this site will help you determine whether or not your appointment allows you to contribute to Social Security while employed for an LSU System campus or medical center.

Employees on Visas
According to state and federal laws, as an employee of the LSU System, you must participate in a retirement plan. However, LSU System employees on a J or F visa are not eligible to participate in a retirement plan unless “substantial presence” has been met. Under the Internal Revenue Service Code, the Substantial Presence Test (SPT) is used to determine “tax residency” of an international person. The test is a mathematical test based on the individual’s visa status and number of days present in the United States. Once an international person meets the Substantial Presence Test, he/she is subject to the same tax laws as a United States citizen. For more information on the SPT refer to IRS publication 519 “US Tax Guide for Aliens”.

If substantial presence is met, an employee may choose between Social Security and Louisiana Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan. Your Benefits Representative will notify you when you have reached substantial presence and when your retirement election is due.