The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Accumulated contributions--The contributions, other member deposits, and interest credited to a member's individual account in the employees saving fund. Accumulated contributions do not include employer matching or any employer-provided credits.
2. (2) Actuarial present value--The value of a benefit that, as computed by TCDRS in its sole discretion, is consistent with Section 841.001(1) of the Government Code.
3. (3) Alternate payee--A spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a member or retiree who is recognized by a domestic relations order as having a right to receive all or a portion of the benefits payable by TCDRS with respect to such member or retiree. The alternate payee's information is subject to the confidentiality provisions in Section 845.115 of the Government Code.
4. (4) Benefits--Any of the payments or benefits described in Section 109.12.

5. (5) Domestic relations order--Any judgment, decree, or order (including one which approves a property settlement agreement) which:

   1. (A) relates to the provision of child support, temporary support, or marital property rights to a spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a member or former member of TCDRS; and
   2. (B) is made pursuant to the Texas Family Code or any other applicable domestic relations or community property law.
6. (6) Participant--A member, former member of TCDRS who has sums of money on deposit with TCDRS or who is or may become entitled to receive any benefit from TCDRS based on membership in TCDRS, or a former member TCDRS who has commenced receiving a monthly benefit from TCDRS.
7. (7) Parties--The participant and all alternate payees named in a domestic relations order.
8. (8) Vested--A participant is vested when he or she has earned the right to receive a lifetime monthly benefit in the future under the terms of the Plan.

Source Note:The provisions of this §109.1 adopted to be effective January 8, 2026, 51 TexReg 160.