City of Austin Benefits

(512) 974-3284
505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 600
Austin TX 78704
austintexas.gov/department/benefits-division

City of Austin Human Resources currently provides basic medical, dental and vision coverage to City of Austin retirees and dependents. If you sign up for these benefits at retirement, premiums will be deducted from your monthly benefit payment.

The HELPS Retiree Act

The Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety (HELPS) Retiree Act allows retired public safety officers to reduce their taxable earnings by up to $3,000 for medical insurance premiums paid during a calendar year, including qualified health, accident, or long-term care insurance. The medical premiums no longer need to be paid directly from your pension to a health or long-term care insurance company. The reduction does not appear on the annual 1099R form sent by the Fund. For more information about claiming the reduction, please see page 6 of IRS Publication 575 or consult a personal tax advisor.