Social Security for State and Local Government
The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) is proud to offer this website as a resource for public employers, attorneys, accountants, auditors, payroll officials, finance officials, and others who need information about Social Security requirements for state and local government employees.
Please Note: If you have questions about your individual Social Security accounts, you should direct them to your local Social Security office or call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.
2007 Social Security changes
This website is designed for:
- Governmental employers desiring to provide an opportunity to their employees to contribute to Social Security (OASDI) or Medicare Only (HI) for employees hired prior to April 1, 1986; and,
- Adherence to Section 218 of the Social Security Act.
The following links provide extensive information about the Social Security Program and should be helpful in giving you a better understanding of the program.
History
With the Social Security Amendments of 1950, Congress created Section 218 of the Social Security Act (42 USC 418). Effective January 1, 1951, federal law allowed states to enter into voluntary agreements with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Social Security coverage for their state and local governments. Upon execution of a federal-state agreement, a state then could enter into voluntary agreements with their political subdivisions to provide desired coverage. The State of Texas entered into a federal-state agreement with the Social Security Administration effective January 1, 1951.
The Texas Legislature delegated the responsibility for the administration of the Texas Social Security Program for state and local governments with the Department of Public Welfare beginning in 1951. Then administrative responsibilities were transferred to the Employees Retirement System of Texas in 1975.
The Governor designates an official State Social Security Administrator to act for the State in administering the State's Section 218 Agreement. The State Administrator has oversight for administering referendums held by political subdivisions which provide for Social Security (OASDI) or Medicare Only (HI) coverage for employees of state and local governments as required by Section 218 of the Social Security Act; preparation and execution of all state and federal documents; provides information; answers questions about Social Security and Medicare coverage under the State's agreement; and works closely with the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service and Texas political subdivisions.
