The County participates in the Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS), which is a retirement and disability pension system for county employees in the State of Texas. Participation in TCDRS is mandatory for all regular full-time and part-time employees regardless of age. Employee contributions to TCDRS begin immediately. Employees contribute 7% of gross pay and become vested after eight years of service. The County matches employee contributions at a ratio of 2 to 1. The plan is designed to provide retirement income for life, as well as disability and death benefits to employees and their beneficiaries. Employees receive the County's contributions only at retirement in a monthly annuity check. There are many provisions of TCDRS, which may affect individual employees such as credit for prior service, military service, and service with other retirement systems. To be eligible for retirement, employees must: (1) have at least eight years of credited service and be age 60; OR (2) have any combination of age plus years of service which equals 75; OR (3) have at least 30 years of service at any age. This plan coordinates with other statewide systems.