Eligibility

If you leave public employment before retirement age, but have at least five years of service credit, you will be eligible for a vested retirement benefit when you do reach retirement age. Your benefit will be based on your service and your earnings as an active member.¹

The date you are eligible to collect a vested retirement benefit depends on your tier:

• Tier 2 — the first of the month following your 55th birthday.
• Tier 5 — your 55th birthday.
• Tier 6 — your 63rd birthday.

The Benefit

Your vested retirement benefit is 1.66 percent of your FAE for each year of service credit. The benefit is payable for life, and you may elect one of several pension payment options to provide for a continuing payment to a bene­ficiary of your choosing after you die.

Filing

To receive your vested retirement benefit as soon as possible, file a retirement application as early as 90 days before you become eligible. If we receive your application after you become eligible, your vested retirement will be effective on the date we receive your application.

Remember, it is up to you to file a retirement application when you become eligible and wish to receive your benefit.

¹Updated 5/22