Department of Retirement Systems
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PERS Plan 1: Summary of Benefits

Eligible for Retirement

You can retire from active status at:

  • Any age with 30 or more years of service credit, or
  • Age 55 with 25 or more years of service credit, or
  • Age 60 with 5 or more years of service credit.

You can retire from inactive status at:

  • Age 60 or older with 5 or more years of service credit, with a reduced benefit, or
  • Age 65 with 5 or more years of service credit, or
  • Age 60 or older, if you separated from service on or after January 1, 2002, were at least age 50 at separation, and have at least 20 years of service credit at separation.
How Service Credit is Accumulated Service credit is based on hours worked during a calendar month. 70 hours = 1 service credit month. Beginning September 1, 1991, members who work less than 70 hours in a month receive one quarter of a service credit month.
Service Credit for Military Time You may be eligible to acquire up to five years of service credit for time spent in the military.
Average Final Compensation (AFC) The monthly average of your salary for the highest consecutive 24 service credit months prior to your retirement, termination or death.
Benefit Formula 2% x Service Credit Years x AFC = Monthly Benefit.
Maximum Benefit Your retirement benefit may not exceed 60 percent of your AFC.You are required to contribute 6 percent of your monthly salary. This rate is set by law and may only be changed by legislative action.
Death in Service Survivor Benefit
  • If you have less than 10 years of service credit and are not eligible to retire, your contributions plus interest will be paid to your beneficiary(s).
  • If you have at least 10 years of service, or are eligible to retire, your beneficiary can choose between a monthly benefit or a lump sum payment of your contributions plus interest. See
Cost of Living Adjustment Optional and automatic COLAs are provided, as well as gain sharing.