When you retire, you may purchase additional service credit to increase your monthly benefit. You may purchase from one to 60 months in whole month increments. The purchased credit may not be used to qualify for retirement, early retirement or to qualify for the three percent reduction factor instead of the actuarial reduction factor. You must submit the Request to Purchase Additional Service Credit form to DRS at the same time you submit your retirement application.
The amount your benefit would increase is determined by the number of months you purchase, your average final compensation (AFC) and an early retirement reduction factor (ERF) if you retire early. The formula used is:
Months of Service Purchased ÷ 12 x 1% x AFC x ERF (if any) = Monthly Increase
The cost to purchase additional service credit is determined by the annuity factor for your age at retirement and the monthly increase amount. The formula used is:
Monthly Increase ÷ Annuity Factor = Cost to Purchase
For more information, review the DRS publication Purchasing Additional Service Credit, available on the DRS Web site. You may also estimate the monthly increase and cost by using Online Account Access on this Web site. Once you are in your account, select the Purchasing Service link.