When you join the Retirement System, you are assigned to a tier depending on your date of membership.

Your tier determines:

• Your eligibility for service or disability retirement benefits;
• The formula used in the calculation of your benefits;
• Death benefit coverage;
• Service crediting; and
• Whether you must contribute toward your benefits.

If you joined the Employees’ Retirement System on or after January 1, 2010, but prior to April 1, 2012, you are in Tier 5.