If you leave public employment with at least five, but less than ten, years of credited service, you may choose to:

• End your membership and withdraw your accumulated contributions (including interest compounded at 5 percent per year); or
• Leave your contributions in your account and qualify for a retirement benefit when you are 55.

To help you decide which would be more beneficial, most members can use our benefit calculator to estimate your pension using the “vested retirement” choice. You can also contact our Call Center to request a benefit projection.

To withdraw your membership, you should apply no earlier than 15 days after you leave public employment. Sign in to your Retirement Online account, go to the ‘My Account Summary’ area of your Account Homepage and click “Withdraw My Membership.” You can also apply by mail by submitting a Withdrawal Application (RS5014).

Once you have ten or more years of service credit, you cannot withdraw from PFRS. Any mandatory contributions you made must stay in your account. When you reach age 55 (age 63 for vested Tier 6 members who are off payroll), it is up to you to apply for your retirement benefit.

Members in non-contributory plans who are eligible to make voluntary contributions (also known as excess contributions) may withdraw them, plus interest, at any time before retirement, regardless of whether they are working. Withdrawing voluntary contributions does not terminate PFRS membership. To withdraw voluntary contributions, submit an Application for Refund of Excess Contributions (RS5195).

For all members, withdrawing contributions may have tax consequences. Please review the application carefully before submitting, and speak to a tax advisor if you have questions.