PERS Table of Service Credit Rules – Active Members

Washington State Department of Retirement Systems

This chart explains how service credit is earned in an eligible position. For additional information, refer to Chapter 3 of the DRS Employer Handbook. This chart does not apply to Elected Officials.


PERS Plan 1 PERS Plan 2 and Plan 3
On or after September 1, 1991
A member employed in an eligible position earns service credit as follows:

70 hours or more of compensation in a month = one month of service credit

Some compensation, but less than 70 hours in a month = 1/4 month of service credit
On or after September 1, 1991
A member employed in an eligible position earns service credit as follows:

90 hours or more of compensation in a month = one month of service credit

At least 70 hours but less than 90 hours of compensation in a month = 1/2 month of service credit

Some compensation, but less than 70 hours in a month = 1/4 month of service credit
Prior to September 1, 1991
A member employed in an eligible position earned service credit as follows:

70 hours or more of compensation in a month = one month of service credit

Some compensation but less than 70 hours in a month = 0 service credit
Prior to September 1, 1991
A member employed in an eligible position earned service credit as follows:

90 hours or more of compensation in a month = one month of service credit

Some compensation, but less than 90 hours in a month = 0 service credit

Contact Employer Support Services for additional information.