Chapter 3: Service Credit

Overview

How Service Credit Is Earned

Each retirement system and plan has rules on how service credit is earned. For members of PERS, PSERS, SERS, TRS Plan 2 and Plan 3, LEOFF, JRS and WSPRS, service credit is measured in months. Service credit for members of TRS Plan 1 is measured in years. It is important to report the service hours (or days for TRS Plan 1) correctly because partial service credit may be granted for less than full-time service.

On the Chapter 3 Index, select "Rules" to view service credit details for current and prior reporting periods for each system. For quick reference, select the "Table of Service Credit Rules” by system on the Chapter 3 Index.

Service Credit for Certain Types of Leaves

In some circumstances, members may also earn or purchase service credit for military leave, disability leave or unpaid leave of absence authorized by an employer. Rules vary between systems and plans. The member initiates the process of purchasing the optional service credit. Refer members to their Member Handbook.

Service Credit Reported on Member's Annual Statement

Each year, DRS provides you with an annual statement for each employee who is a member of a retirement system. The statement incorporates the member's individual account information with details about the system and plan and how a benefit is calculated at retirement. The annual statements are sent to you for distribution. Statements are sent to education employers each November and non-educational employers receive statements in March.

Information on the annual statements include service credit earned by the member for the prior year (calendar or school year, depending on the type of employer), the member's total service credit, contributions (except Plan 3 who receive contribution statements from ICMA) and interest account information. If the member suspects an error on the annual statement, the member should contact DRS Membership.