Alabama Employees’ Retirement System
As of 1/1/13 |
State and local police and firefighter members |
56/10
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
1.65% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest years of the last 10 |
7% |
Alabama Employees’ Retirement System
As of 1/1/13 |
State police (includes investigators) |
56/10
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
2.3 75% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 5 highest years of the last 10
|
10% |
| Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System: Defined Benefit Plan |
Peace officers and firefighters statewide who entered service before July 1, 2006 |
20 years of contributory service in the plan
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 55 for employees entering the plan on or after July 1, 1986 |
2% times first 10 years times FAS; plus 2.5% times all years after 10 times FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest consecutive years |
7.5% |
| Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System: Defined Contribution Plan |
Peace officers and firefighters statewide who entered service on or after July 1, 2006 |
Any/25
Vesting: 100% at5 years; 75% at 4 years; 50% at 3 years; 25% at 2 years |
N/A |
Not applicable. Benefit is based on the value of the member’s account.
Social Security Coverage: No |
N/A |
8% |
| Arizona Correction Officers’ Retirement Plan as of 1/1/12 |
Designated employees in the state departments of corrections and juvenile justice and certain dispatchers and probation and detention officers |
62/10;
52.5/25
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
62.5% of member’s FAS plus 2.5% of FAS for each year of credited service over 25, including fractional years;
Members who are 52.5 with 25 years of service but not 25 years of credited service: 2.5% times FAS times years of credited service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months in the last 10 years |
Non-dispatchers: 8.41%;
Dispatchers: 7.96%, or 50% of the member’s total contribution from the previous fiscal year and the combined employer contribution rate, whichever is lower. The employee contribution rate shall not be less than 7.65% of the member’s salary. |
Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System as of
1/1/2012 |
Certified state and local police officers and firefighters |
52.5/25;
Any/25
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 52.5
Benefit reduction of 4% for each year the member is short 25 years of service. |
62.5% of the average monthly benefit compensation for the first 25 years of credited service plus 2.5% of the average monthly benefit compensation for each year over 25 years of credited service to a maximum of 80% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months in the last 20 years of credited service |
8.65% after June 30, 2011 |
| Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System |
Employees of political subdivisions of the state
|
Any/28;
55/20;
60/5
Vesting: 5 years |
Any/25 years of earned credit;
50/20
Benefit reduction of ½ of 1% of benefit for each month applicant is below age 55 |
Service not covered by Social Security: 2.94% times FAS times years of service;
Service covered by Social Security: Until reaching the age of unreduced Social Security benefits—2.94% times FAS times years of service, thereafter— 1.94% times FAS times years of service;
Local employers may provide enhanced benefits.
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
Average of 36 highest consecutive months in the last 10 years |
Covered by Social Security: 2.5%
Not covered by Social Security: 8.5% |
Arkansas State Police Retirement System:
Tier 2
|
State police |
65/5;
30 years of service
Vesting: 5 years |
With 20 years of service if within 5 years of normal retirement age (65) |
1.55% times FAS times years of service, plus a temporary benefit of 0.513% times FAS time years of service for those who retire before the age of 62 until they reach that age.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 4 highest years, including partial years
|
Noncontributory |
California Public Employee Retirement System
|
Local Safety Members: law enforcement, fire suppression, other public safety |
50/5
Vesting: 5 years (10 years for Tier II members) |
N/A |
Various formulas apply depending on category of employee and on employer’s choice of plan. Ranges in broad summary are 2% or 2.5% at age 50 to 3% at 50 or 3% at 55. Benefits are capped, variously, at 80% or 90% of final salary.
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
Average of 12 highest months or 36 highest months, depending upon employer choice of plan |
For FY 2011, 8% to 11% depending on type of plan and whether employees are covered by Social Security |
| California Public Employee Retirement System |
State Highway Patrol, Safety Members from Department of Forestry, Highway Patrol, Youth Authority, and Department of Corrections |
50/5
Vesting: 5 years (10 years for Tier II members) |
N/A |
Various formulas apply to various categories of employees, generally in the range of 2% or 2.5% at age 50 to 3% at 50 or 3% at 55. Benefits are capped, variously, at 80% or 90% of final salary.
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
Depending on classification of employee, average of 12 highest months or 36 highest months |
For FY 2011, 9% to 11% depending on plan type and whether employees are covered by Social Security. Highway Patrol, 10% |
Colorado Fire and Police Pension Association:
Standard Defined Benefit Plan |
Statewide plan for police and firefighters whose employers choose to affiliate |
55/25
Vesting: 5 years |
30 years of service credit;
Age 50
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2% times FAS for first 10 years of service credit plus 2.5% times FAS for ensuing years of service credit
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
Average of 3 highest years |
Standard Defined Benefit Plan: 8% |
| Colorado Public Employee Retirement Association: |
State trooper and Bureau of Investigation provisions |
Any/30;
50/25;
55/20;
65/5
Vesting: 5 years |
50/20;
60/5
Benefit reduction will apply. |
For normal retirement for those becoming eligible to retire after January 1, 2011, 2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest 12-month periods of service – not necessarily consecutive nor necessarily the last 36 months of employment |
12.5% through June 30, 2012;
10.0% thereafter |
| Connecticut Hazardous Duty Plan Tier IIA |
Hazardous Duty:
various state and local police, fire, other public safety, protective services and institutional personnel |
Any/20
Vesting: 5 years |
55/10 years of vested service |
50% of final average salary for first 20 years, plus 2% of FAS for each additional year
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 3 highest years |
5% |
| Delaware County and Municipal Police and Firefighters Pension Plan |
Various local government fire and public safety members |
62/10;
20 years of credited service ;
Rule of 75
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of service for the first 20 years of service, plus
3.5% times FAS multiplied for any additional years of service
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
Average of 36 highest months |
7% |
| Delaware New State Police Plan |
State police officers |
62/10;
20 years of credited service ;
Rule of 75
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
Sum of 2.5% times FAS multiplied by up to 20 years of credited service under the New State Police Plan, plus 3.5% of FAS multiplied by all years of service exceeding 20 under the New State Police Plan
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 36 highest months |
7% |
| Florida Retirement System Special Risk Class as of July 1, 2011 |
Various state and local police, fire, other public safety, protective services and institutional personnel
|
Age 60 and vested (8 years);
25 years of creditable service;
Age 57 with 30 years of creditable and military service;
33 years of creditable service
Vesting: 8 years |
At any age: benefit is reduced by 5% for each year the applicant is short of normal retirement age (60). |
3% times FAS times years of service. Benefit factor for certain purchased service is 2%
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 8 highest fiscal years |
3% |
Georgia Employees’ Retirement System
State Employees’ Pension and Savings Plan, a hybrid plan; the DB component is described here
|
State Corrections Probation officers; Natural Resources Conservation Officers; Bureau of Investigation Officers; State Parole; State Revenue Agents and Investigators; State Patrol and Public Safety
|
55/10;
30 years of service
Vesting: 10 years |
25 years of creditable service
Benefit reduction will apply. |
1% times FAS times years of service
Employees may also contribute to the 401(k) component of the hybrid, earning a partial employer match for contributions up to 5% of salary. Employees may opt out of the 401(k) component if they choose.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 24 highest months |
FY 2012: 1.25% |
Hawaii Employees' Retirement System:
New members as of 7/1/12 |
State and local police officers, firefighters, and a wide range of other public safety personnel |
55/25;
60/10
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
Multiplier reduced to 2.25% and vesting extended from 5 years to 10
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 5 highest 12-month periods |
14.2% |
| Idaho Public Employees’ Retirement System |
Police officers and firefighters
|
60/5;
Rule of 80
between ages 60 and 65 for members with mixed fire/police and general service credit
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 50;
Ages 50-55 for those with mixed service
Benefit reduction factors apply.
|
2.3% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 42 highest consecutive months |
7.69% |
| Illinois State Employees’ Retirement System: Alternative Formula, Tier 2 |
State police, firefighters and corrections officers |
60/20
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
Not covered by Social Security:
3% times FAS times years of service
Covered by Social Security:
2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
Average of highest 96 months of last 108, with FAS capped at $106,800, which is annually adjusted for inflation |
Covered by Social Security: 8.5%;
Not covered by Social Security: 12.5%;
Contribution base capped at $106,800 for FY2012, cap annually adjusted |
Indiana State Police Benefit System:
1987 Plan |
State police officers |
25 years of service, no later than age 55
Vesting: 5 years |
50 with benefit reduction for less than 25 years of service |
For 25 years of service: 50% of FAS, plus accrual rates of 5% to 8% for additional years to a total of 32 years or a maximum of 70% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of highest 36 consecutive months |
6% of salary |
Indiana 1977 Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension and Disability Fund
|
Local governments’ police and firefighters, park rangers and certain other law enforcement personnel |
52/20
Vesting: 20 years |
50
Benefit reduction will apply. |
Benefit is 50% of the salary of a first-class officer (as determined by the city in which the applicant was employed) at the time of retirement, plus an additional benefit of 1% for each 6 months of service over 20 years, to a maximum benefit of 74%.
Social Security Coverage: No in most cases—varies by local government. |
N/A |
6% of the salary of a first-class officer (as determined by the city employing the member)
Members with more than 32 years of service are not required to contribute. |
Iowa Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System
|
Local governments’ police and firefighters |
55/22
Vesting: 4 years if termination before age 55 or at least 4 years but less than 22 years after age 55 |
N/A |
66% of FAS, plus 2% additional benefit for each year of service in excess of 22, with the benefit capped at 82% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 36 highest months |
9.4% |
| Iowa Peace Officers’ Retirement System |
State Patrol, Capitol Police, state investigative force and State Fire Marshal
|
55/22
Vesting: 4 years |
50
Benefit reduction will apply. |
60.5% of FAS, plus 2.75% for each years in excess of 22 years, to a maximum benefit of 88% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 36 highest months |
9.35%
May be increased by administrative action to a maximum of 11.3% if certain conditions apply. |
Iowa Public
Employee Retirement System |
Protection occupations: correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, conservation officers, fire and police in smaller cities |
55
Vesting: 4 years or age 55 |
N/A |
Approximately 2.73% of FAS for each year of service through 22 years plus
1.5% of FAS for each subsequent year of service through 30;
Benefits are capped at 72% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 3 highest calendar years, with anti-spiking controls |
For FY 2012: 6.65%
For FY 2013: 6.84% |
Iowa Public
Employees’ Retirement System |
Sheriffs and deputies |
55;
50/22 if member is a sheriff or deputy at time of retirement.
Vesting: 4 years or age 55 |
N/A |
2.73% of FAS for each year of service through 22 years plus
1.5% of FAS for each subsequent year of service through 30;
Benefits are capped at 72% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 3 highest calendar years, with anti-spiking controls |
For FY 2012: 9.83%
For FY 2013: 9.90% |
Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System
Tier II members |
Highway patrol, Bureau of Investigation, regents, county and municipal public safety personnel and EMT |
50/25;
55/20;
60/15
Vesting: 15 years (Tier II members) |
Age 50 with 20 years of service
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.5% times FAS times years of service, capped at 32
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest of last 5 years |
7%; 5% after 32 years of membership |
| Kentucky Retirement Systems |
State police and state or county employees with hazardous duty |
20 years of service;
55 with 5 years hazardous duty service
Vesting: 5 years if under age 65; 4 years if over 65 |
Age 55 with less than 5 years hazardous duty service;
50 with 15 years of hazardous duty service
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.5% times FAS times years of service for state police and county hazardous employees;
2.49% for state employees with hazardous duties
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 3 highest fiscal year’ salaries; must include at least 24 months of service; need not be consecutive |
8% |
Louisiana Firefighters’ Retirement System
as of 1/1/12
|
Municipal firefighters |
62/12;
60/20;
55/30
Vesting: 12 years |
60/10
Benefit reduction will apply. |
3.5% times FAS times years of service; total benefit cannot exceed 100% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of highest 60 months |
8% |
Louisiana State Police Retirement System
|
Police employed after 9/8/78 |
50/10;
25 years of service
Vesting: 25 years |
N/A |
3.33% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of highest 36 months
|
8.5% |
Louisiana Sheriffs’ Pension and Relief Fund, as of 1/1/12
|
Sheriffs, deputies, and sheriffs’ non-deputized employees with salaries above $800 per month
|
62/12;
60/20;
55/30
Vesting: 12 years |
Reduced retirement available at 60/10 with actuarial and early retirement (ages 50-55) available only to members of earlier tiers |
3% times FAS times years of service;
Benefit cannot exceed 100% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 60 highest months |
9.8% to 10.25% as determined by the Board of Trustees |
| Maine Public Employees’ Retirement System: Participating Local Districts Plans |
Local government employees other than teachers |
There are numerous plans with substantial variations, available to local governments’ public safety employees at the discretion of the local government. See note.
Social security coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years |
3% to 8%;
8.65% for the first 25 years of service in the plan, 7.65% thereafter |
| Maine Public Employees’ Retirement System |
State police and investigators hired on or after 9/18/84
|
25 years of service
Vesting: 5 years or 1 year if at retirement age |
N/A |
50% of AFC for 25 years under the plan and 2% of AFC for each additional year
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years |
8.65% for the first 25 years of service in the plan; 7.65% thereafter |
| Maine Public Employees’ Retirement System |
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Wardens and Marine Resources Wardens |
25 years of service
Vesting: 5 years or 1 year if at retirement age |
N/A |
50% of AFC for 25 years under the plan and 2% of AFC for each additional year
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years |
8.65% for the first 25 years of service in the plan; 7.65% thereafter |
Maryland State Retirement and Pension System:
Correctional Employees as of 7/1/11
|
Correctional officers, other security officers, specified other corrections employees
|
55/5 for most members;
60/5 for certain institutional employees
20 years of service, five of which must be in covered employment
Vesting: 10 years |
Available for those entering the Plan on or after June 30, 2006:
At least 10 but less than 20 years of service;
Same benefit formula applies |
1/55 of the product of FAS and years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest years |
5% |
Maryland State Retirement and Pension System:
Law Enforcement Officers as of 7/1/11 |
Wide variety of law enforcement and protective occupations, mainly state government |
25 years of service; or
age 50
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
2% times FAS times years of service, capped at 60% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest years;
Salary increases of more than 20% are not automatically included in the calculation of FAS, unless due to promotion. |
7% |
Maryland State Retirement and Pension System:
State Police Plan as of 7/1/11 |
Sworn officers and cadets only |
25 years of service; or
age 50;
Mandatory retirement at 60
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
2.55% times FAS times years of service, with a maximum of 28 years of service credit
Social Security Coverage: No
|
Average of 5 highest years |
8% |
Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System:
Group 3 as of 4/2/12 |
State Police |
55/10;
20 years;
Mandatory retirement at 65 unless a member needs to serve longer to meet 20-year requirement
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
At 20 years of service, 50% of final year’s compensation, plus 2.5% for each additional year of service to a maximum of 75% of final salary
Social Security Coverage: No |
Final 12 months in classification |
12% plus 2% of salary in excess of $30,000 per year |
Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System:
Group 4 as of 4/2/12 |
State and local public safety officers, officials, and certain correction officers |
50
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
Benefit factors depend upon age at retirement. 2011 legislation provides a benefit factor of 1.45% of FAS at age 50 for each year of service, up to a benefit factor of 2.5% of FAS at 57 or older.
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 5 highest years |
9% plus 2% of salary in excess of $30,000 per year |
| Michigan State Police Retirement System |
Enlisted officers but not other employees |
Any age, 25 years of service credit;
Age 50 with 10 years of service credit
Vesting: 10 years |
Deferred benefits available for those who leave service with between 10 and 25 years of service
|
Regular retirement (after 25 years of service): 60% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of last 2 years' compensation
|
Noncontributory |
| Michigan local governments: See notes |
See notes |
| Minnesota Public Employee Retirement Association, Police and Fire Fund |
Local government police and firefighters and Hennepin County paramedics and EMTs |
55/10;
65/1
Vesting: Gradual, ranging from 50% at five years of service to 100% at 10 years of service |
50/10;
Any/30 |
3% times FAS times years of police & fire service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest years |
6.25% |
| Minnesota State Patrol Plan |
State patrol and other state officers who have the power of arrest |
55/5
Vesting: 5 years |
50/5
Benefit reduction will apply. |
3% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 5 highest years |
12.4% |
Minnesota State Retirement System Correctional Plan
as of 7/1/10 |
Correctional and other employees responsible for inmate care |
Age 55
Vesting: Gradual, ranging from 50% at five years of service to 100% at 10 years of service |
Age 50
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.4% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest years |
8.6% |
| Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Retirement System |
Sworn officers |
55/5;
Any/25
Vesting: 5 years |
45/20, with an actuarial reduction for each year below 25 or age 55, whichever is less |
2.5% times FAS times years of service, capped at 100% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 4 highest consecutive years |
7.25% |
| Mississippi Public Employee Retirement System Tier 4 |
All other public safety members |
65/8;
Any/30
Vesting: 8 years |
60/8, with an actuarial reduction for each year below 30 or age 65, whichever is less
|
2% times FAS times years of service, plus 2.5% times FAS times years of service in excess of 30
Social Security Coverage: Most—varies by local government |
Average of 4 highest years |
9% |
| Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees' Retirement System |
Uniformed patrol employees |
60/5;
Rule of 80 with a minimum age of 48
Vesting: 5 years |
57/5
Benefit reduction will apply. |
1.7% times FAS times years of service;
Supplement of 0.8% of FAS for members who retire under the 80-and-out option until they reach age 62.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 3 highest years |
Noncontributory |
Missouri Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
|
Police and firefighters |
55;
Rule of 80 if employer chooses to offer it.
Vesting: 5 years |
50
Benefit reduction will apply. |
The system provides a number of benefit factors among which the employing government may choose. These include programs that provide a temporarily higher benefit until the recipient reaches 65.
Social Security Coverage: Optional with employing agency |
Average of 3 or 5 highest years, as determined by employing government |
Member employers choose whether plans will be contributory or noncontributory. Contributory plan member employees pay 4%.
|
| Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration |
Firefighters’ Unified Retirement System |
20 years of service; 50/5
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest consecutive years |
10.7% |
| Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration |
Game Wardens and Peace Officers’ Retirement System |
50/20;
55/5
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest consecutive years |
9% |
| Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration |
Highway Patrol Officers' Retirement System |
20 years of service
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest consecutive years |
9.05% |
| Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration |
Municipal Police Officers’ Retirement System |
20 years of service;
50/5
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Last consecutive 36 months |
9% |
| Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration |
Sheriffs’ Retirement System |
20 years of service
Vesting: 5 years |
50/5
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest consecutive years |
10.115% |
Nebraska Public Employees’ Retirement Systems
Nebraska State Patrol Retirement Plan |
State Patrol: sworn officers only |
50/25;
Any/30
Vesting: Gradual ranging from 10% at 6 years to 100% at 10 years
Mandatory retirement at 60 |
50/10
Benefit reduction will apply. |
3.0% times FAS times years of service;
Capped at 75% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years |
19% through June 30, 2013; 16% thereafter |
Nevada Public Employees’ Retirement System Plan for Police and Fire Members
as of 1/1/10 |
Highway Patrol; local governments’ police and firefighters; some game wardens, park rangers and corrections officers, depending on responsibilities |
50/20;
60/10;
65/5;
Any/30
Vesting: 5 years |
Any age with 5 years of service
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.5% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 36 highest consecutive months; anti-spiking provisions apply |
Employer-paid plan (local government employees and optional for state employees: employer makes entire contribution. 39.75%
Employee/employer paid: Contribution is split 50/50 and employee account is refundable on termination of employment. 20.25% employee share. |
| New Hampshire Retirement System: Group II as of 7/1/11 |
State and local police and firefighters, correctional officers, other public safety
|
Age 60;
Latter of age 52.5 or 25 years of service
Vesting: 10 years |
50/25
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2 % times FAS times years of creditable service for those who are not vested on 1/1/12
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years
|
Police: 11.55%
Firefighters: 11.8%
Member contributions cease for members vested before January 1, 2012 with creditable service in excess of 40 years. Member contributions cease for all other fire and police members with creditable service in excess of 42.5 years.
|
New Jersey Police and Firemen’s Retirement System:
Tier III as of 6/28/11 |
State, county and municipal police and firefighters |
Age 55;
Mandatory at age 65
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
Less than 20 years of service, 2% of FAS for each year of service;
20 to 25 years, 50% of FAS;
At least 25 years of service, 60% of FAS plus 1% per year for additional years, not to exceed 65% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Most: Varies by local government |
Average salary upon which pension contributions were based for any three fiscal years that provide the highest average |
10%. The contribution rate for Tier II members is applied to the pensionable salary up to a limit based on the annual maximum wage for Social Security deductions $110,100 in 2012). Tier II members who earn in excess of the annual compensation limit will be enrolled in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program in addition to the SPRS. A contribution of 5.5% of the salary in excess of the limit (plus 3% from the employer) will be deposited in a DCRP account. |
New Jersey State Police Retirement System:
Tier II (members as of May 21, 2010) |
Troopers and officers of the Division of State Police |
20 years of service
Mandatory at 55
Vesting: 10 years |
Deferred retirement is available before 55/10 |
At 20 to 25 years, 50% of FAS;
With 25 years or more of service credit, 65% of FAS plus 1% for each year of creditable service over 25 years but not to exceed 30 years. The maximum benefit is 70% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average salary upon which pension contributions were based for any three fiscal years that provide the highest average
|
9%. The provisions described above for NJ Police and Firefighters also apply to state police. |
New Mexico Public Employees’ Retirement Association
|
Local governments’ police and fire members |
Generally, 20 years
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
A variety of plans with retirement multipliers ranging from 2% to 3.5%
Social Security Coverage: No in most cases—varies by local government |
Average of 36 highest months |
A variety of plans provide for employee contribution rates that range from 7% to 16.3% for police and fire members |
New Mexico Public Employees’ Retirement Association:
State Police and Adult Correctional Officers Plan I as of 7/1/11 |
State Police and adult correctional officers |
25 years of service credit
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
3% times FAS times years of service times 1.2, capped at 80% of FAS
The 1.2 is a “service enhancement factor.”
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 36 highest months |
10.35% |
New York State and Local Retirement System:
State Police Tier 5 effective 1/9/10: |
State Police |
20 years of service
Vesting: 10 years
|
Before 20 years of service, a lower benefit calculation applies. See the cell to the right.
Vesting is at 10 years and members may receive vested benefits at 55/10 |
With 20 years of State Police service credit, 50% of FAS plus 1.66% of FAS for each year of creditable service in excess of 20 years. For Tier 5, the benefit is capped at 70% of FAS.
For those with less than 20 years of service, the benefit equals 2.5% of FAS for each year of creditable service and 1/60th (1.66%) of FAS for each year of non-State Police service, capped at 50% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 36 highest consecutive months. Includes overtime earned in the period, holiday pay, longevity bonuses earned in the 36-month period, and payment for sick leave in excess of 165 days.
|
3% |
New York State and Local Retirement System:
State and Local Police and Firefighters Tier 6:
20-year plan and 25 years plan, effective for members who joined after 4/1/12
|
Local governments’ police and fire employees |
20 years of service in plan or other specified police or military service (depending on local government’s choice of plan).
25 year-plan has similar provisions based on 25 years of service
Vesting: 10 years |
63 with less than 20 or 25 years of service, depending on local government’s choice of plan |
Unchanged from above, except for substitution of age 63 for age 62 in the paragraph above
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months with a 10% anti-spiking provision and overtime limited to $15,000 in 2012. FAS is capped at the governor’s salary ($179,000 in 2012).
|
Employee contributions would be required for entire career based upon the member’s gross salary (not including excludable overtime), as follows:
3% for those earning $45,000 or less;
3.5% for those earning $45,001 up to $55,000;
4.5% for those earning $55,001 up to $75,000;
5.75% for those earning $75,001 up to $100,000; and
6% for those earning over $100,000 |
| North Carolina Retirement Systems |
Firemen’s and Rescue Squad Workers’ Pension Fund |
55/20; Members must contribute to plan for 20 years to receive a benefit. |
|
$170 per month after 20 years
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
N/A |
$10 per month |
| North Carolina Retirement Systems |
Local law enforcement officers |
55/5;
Any/30
Vesting: 5 years |
50/15
Reduced benefit will apply. Vested benefit at 55/5 |
1.85% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 4 consecutive highest years of salary plus accrued annual leave |
6% |
| North Carolina Retirement Systems |
State Law Enforcement Officers—state employees with the power of arrest
|
55/5;
Any/30
Vesting: 10 years (member on or after 8/1/11); 5 years (member before 8/1/11) |
50/15
Reduced benefit will apply. Vested benefit at 55/5 |
1.85% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes
|
Average of 4 consecutive highest years of salary plus accrued annual leave |
6% |
| North Dakota Public Employees’ Retirement System |
Highway Patrol Retirement System
|
55;
Rule of 80
Vesting: 10 years |
50/10
|
3.6% times FAS times service for first 25 years worked plus 1.75% times FAS for additional years worked
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 36 highest of last 180 months worked
|
11.3% |
| North Dakota Public Employees’ Retirement System: Law Enforcement Retirement Plan |
State and local law enforcement and correctional employees
|
55/3 continuous years of service;
Rule of 85
Vesting: 3 years |
50/3 continuous years of service;
|
2% times FAS times years of credited service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 36 highest of last 180 months worked
|
4.5% |
Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund
|
Local governments’ police and fire employees |
48/25;
62 with between 15 and 25 years of service
Vesting: 15 years |
N/A
|
2.5% times FAS for first 20 years, plus
2.% times FAS for years 21 through 25, plus 1.5% times FAS years 26 through 33;
Capped at 72% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years |
10% |
Ohio Public Employees’ Retirement System:
Law Enforcement Division |
Law Enforcement Officers: state and local employees whose primary duties are to preserve the peace, to protect life and property and to enforce the laws of Ohio, including state Highway Patrol |
48/25;
62/15
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of service for the first 25 years, plus 2.1% times FAS for each year of service thereafter;
The benefit cannot exceed 90% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years |
11.6% |
Ohio Public Employees’ Retirement System:
Law Enforcement Division |
Public Safety Officers: state and local employees whose primary duties other than the law enforcement responsibilities described above, including various court and other institutional employees |
Age 52;
62/15
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 48 with 25 years of service
Benefit reduction will apply for each year age is below 52.
|
2.5% times FAS times years of service for the first 25 years, plus 2.1% times FAS for each year of service thereafter;
The benefit cannot exceed 90% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest years |
11.0% |
| Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System |
Paid and volunteer firefighters of participating districts |
20 years of service
Vesting: 10 years |
N/A |
Paid: 2.5% times FAS times years of service to a maximum of 30 years
Volunteers: $7.53 per month for each year
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 30 highest consecutive months of last 60 months |
Paid Members: 8%
Volunteer Firefighters: no contribution |
| Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System |
Highway Patrol, Capitol Patrol, other state and university law enforcement officers |
62/10;
20 years of service
Vesting: 10 years
|
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of creditable service
Social Security Coverage: Highway Patrol—No; Other Members—Yes |
Average of 30 highest consecutive months |
8% |
| Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System |
Municipal police officers |
20 years of service
Vesting: 10 years |
50/10 |
2.5% times FAS times years of creditable service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 30 highest consecutive months of last 60 months |
8% |
Oklahoma Public Employees’ Retirement System:
Plan for Hazardous Duty Employees
|
Corrections Security Officers and Pardon & Parole Officers; specified others |
62/6;
20 years of service in plan;
Rule of 90
Vesting: 6 years |
55/10
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.5% times FAS times years of service in plan plus 2% times FAS times years of other creditable service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of highest 3 years of the last 10 years in service |
8% |
Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan
Hybrid plan. Details refer to DB component benefits
|
State and local government police, other law enforcement, and firefighters |
Age 60;
Age 53 with 25 or more years of service, including 5 years of service immediately preceding retirement
Vesting: 5 years
|
Age 50, but must have 5 years of service immediately preceding retirement.
|
1.8% time FAS times years of creditable service;
In addition, members have DC accounts to which 6% of salary is contributed by employees or picked up by employers
Social Security Coverage: Yes
|
Higher of (1) Average of last 36 months, or
(2) the 3 years in which an employee was paid the highest total salary, even if one year was an incomplete calendar year. |
Hybrid plan. No member contribution to DB component. Employee contribution of 6% to DC component, which employers may pick up. |
Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System:
Classes of Service A-3 and A-4, effective 1/1/11. See note. |
Enforcement officers, corrections officers, psychiatric security aides, Delaware River Port Authority and Capitol police and park rangers
|
55/20 years of credited service in the classification;
Rule of 92 with a minimum of 35 years of credited service
Vesting: 10 years |
10 years of credited service (vesting requirement)
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2% or 2.5% times FAS times years of creditable service.
The multiplier is determined by the member’s choice of Plan A-3 or A-4. Plan A-4 has a higher contribution requirement.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Highest average compensation received during any three non-overlapping periods of four consecutive calendar quarters |
A-3: 6.25% to earn a benefit multiplier of 2%
A-4: 9.3% to earn a benefit multiplier of 2.5%
Employees choose between the plans at beginning of employment; A-3 is the default.
Within limits, required employee contributions can be adjusted according to actuarial requirements for funding the plan. |
| Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System: Classes of Service A-3 and A-4 |
State Police Officers
See note. |
20 years of credited service
Vesting: 10 years |
10 years of credited service
Benefit reduction will apply. |
For 20 to 25 years of credited service, 50% of highest year’s earnings
For 25 years of service or longer, 75% of highest year’s earnings
Social Security Coverage: No
|
Highest year of service (excludes the last calendar year of service). |
A-3: 6.25% to earn a benefit multiplier of 2%
A-4: 9.3% to earn a benefit multiplier of 2.5%
Employees choose between the plans at beginning of employment; A-3 is the default.
Within limits, required employee contributions can be adjusted according to actuarial requirements for funding the plan. |
Rhode Island Retirement Security Act of 2011
Hybrid plan
|
Provisions for municipal fire and police members of the state retirement plan |
DB component:
55/25
Current employees aged at least 45 with 10 years of service may retire at 52.
Vesting in DB plan: 5 years. For members without Social Security and in DC plan: 3 years for employer contributions to DC; immediately for employee contributions to DC |
N/A |
2% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 5 highest consecutive years |
DB Component:
With COLA option: 8%
With no COLA option:7%
DC Component: 3% |
Rhode Island State Police Retirement Benefits Trust
|
State police |
When benefit reaches 50% of FAS; mandatory when benefit reaches 65% of FAS
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
2% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 5 highest years |
8.75% |
South Carolina Retirement Systems:
Police Officers Retirement System
As of 7/1/12 |
State and local police, firefighters, coroners, magistrates and probate judges |
27 years, 5 years of which must be earned service credit;
Age 55 with 8 years of earned service credit
Vesting: 8 years |
N/A |
2.14% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 20 highest consecutive quarters of earned compensation
|
Beginning 7/1/2012: 7.3%
Beginning 7/1/2104: 13% |
| South Dakota Retirement System |
Class B Public Safety Membership: state law enforcement officers, municipal police and firefighters, county sheriffs, correctional staff, parole agents, campus security conservation officers, and park rangers. |
55/ 3 years of earned service credit;
Rule of 75 with minimum age of 45
Vesting: 3 years |
45/ 3 years of earned service credit
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.4% times FAS times years of service before 7/1/02, plus 2.0 % times FAS times years of service after 7/1/02
Social Security Coverage: Yes
|
Average of highest 12 consecutive calendar quarters in the last 40 quarters of covered employment |
8% |
Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
|
Highway Patrol, wildlife officers, specified other state law enforcement personnel
|
Age 60 with 5 years of service;
Any age with 30 years of service;
Mandatory retirement at age 60
Vesting:: 5 years |
55/25
Benefit reduction will apply. |
1.575% times FAS times years of service plus (if FAS is above the Social Security integration level, $46,200 in FY 2006) 1.8375 times the excess times years plus bridge payment until recipient reaches Social Security eligibility at age 62 of 0.75% times FAS times years of service;
Benefits are capped at 94.5% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest years |
Noncontributory |
Texas County and District Retirement System
Cash-balance Plan |
Local government employees |
60 or older. Employers choose among plans that include 5-, 8- or 10-year vesting, and may choose various eligibility options including Rules of 75 and 80, and 20- or 30-year eligibility.
Vesting: 5, 8 or 10 years depending upon local government’s choice of plan provisions |
N/A |
Cash-balance plan that provides lifetime annuities based upon the employee’s account balance, which includes employee and employer contributions and investment earnings. Benefits will at least equal the retiree’s account balance at the time of retirement.
Social Security Coverage: Some |
N/A |
Contribution rate is set by employer and may range from 4% to 7%. Matched by employer at least dollar for dollar, up to $2.50 per employee dollar. Account interest is guaranteed at 7% annually and may be higher. Employers make contributions necessary to fund the plan on an actuarial basis. |
Texas Employee Retirement System:
Law Enforcement and Custodial Officers’ Supplemental Retirement Fund |
State law enforcement officers, custodial employees of the corrections system and parole officers or caseworkers |
50/20;
Rule of 80 with 20 years of service;
Service must be in plan.
Vesting: 5 years |
20 years of service before age 50
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.8% times years of service times FAS
Capped at 100% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 36 highest months |
7% |
Texas Municipal Retirement System
Cash-balance Plan
|
Local government employees |
Employers choose among plans that include 5- or 10-year vesting, and may choose various eligibility options including 60/5 and 6/10, and 20- or 25-year eligibility.
Vesting: 5 years or, in fewer municipal plans, 10 years |
N/A |
Cash-balance plan that provides lifetime annuities based upon the employee’s account balance, which includes employee and employer contributions and investment earnings. Benefits will at least equal the retiree’s account balance at the time of retirement.
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government |
N/A |
Contribution rate is set by employer and may range from 5% to 7%, and is matched by employer at least dollar for dollar, up to $2.00 per employee dollar. Account interest is guaranteed at 5% annually and may be higher. Employers make additional contributions necessary to fund the plan on an actuarial basis. |
Utah Retirement System Tier 2 Hybrid Plan
As of July 1, 2011, new employees choose between this plan and the one described below. The hybrid is the default. |
State and local government public safety and firefighter members
|
65/4;
62/10;
60/20;
Any age/25
Vesting: 4 years |
60 with fewer than 25 years of service
Benefit reduction will apply to DB plan. |
Defined Benefit component:
1.5 times FAS times years of service plus distributions from the defined contribution component of the plan
Social Security Coverage: State employees—yes; Local employees—varies by local government |
Average of 5 highest years |
Noncontributory plan, except that if the employer’s annual contribution of 12% of employee compensation is inadequate to amortize the liabilities of the DB component of the plan, employees will contribute to make up the shortfall. When the 12% contribution exceeds the actuarial requirements of the DB plan, the excess is deposited in the employee’s defined contribution account. |
| Utah Retirement System Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan (a 401(k) plan) |
State and local government public safety and firefighter members
|
401(k) plan regulations apply;
Employer contributions are vested after 4 years. |
401(k) plan regulations apply |
401(k) plan regulations apply
Social Security Coverage: State employees—yes; Local employees—varies by local government |
N/A |
Noncontributory;
12% employer contribution |
Vermont Municipal Employees Retirement System
|
Four plans among which employers may choose for groups of employees;
See note. |
Varies, depending on employer’s plan selection: 55/5 to 65/5
Vesting: 5 years |
Varies, depending on employer’s plan selection, available in most plans |
Varies, depending on employer’s plan selection, from 1.4% times years of service times FAS to 2.5% times years of service times FAS
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Varies, depending on employer’s plan selection, from average of 2 highest consecutive years of earnings to 5 highest consecutive years of earnings |
6.98% |
| Vermont State Retirement System Group C Plan |
State police officer or public safety employee assigned to law enforcement duties |
Age 55; or
Age 50 with 20 years of service
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 50 with 20 years of service
No reduction for early retirement |
2.5% times years of service times FAS;
Benefit is capped at 50% of final average salary.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 2 highest consecutive years of earnings |
5% |
Virginia Retirement System Enhanced Benefits for Eligible Political Subdivision Hazardous Duty Employees
Plan 2 as of 7/1/10
|
Local government employees: sheriffs, deputies, police, firefighters, EMT’s |
60/5;
50/25;
Mandatory retirement at 70, except for sheriffs, regional jail superintendents and jail farm superintendents
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 50 with 5 years of credited service;
Benefit reduction will apply. |
Sheriffs and Jail Superintendants:
1.85% times FAS times years of service;
Others: 1.7% times FAS times years of service;
Employers may select a higher multiplier.
Some employees are eligible for a hazardous duty supplement to bridge years between retirement and early Social Security eligibility.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months |
5% |
Virginia Retirement System Law Officers’ Retirement System:
Plan 2 as of 7/1/10 |
Various state law enforcement officers, correctional and parole officers; campus police |
60/5;
50/25
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 50 with 5 years of credited service;
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months |
5% |
Virginia Retirement System State Police Officers’ Retirement System
Plan 2 as of 7/1/10
|
State Police officers
|
60/5;
50/25
Mandatory retirement at 70
Vesting: 5 years |
Age 50 with 5 years of credited service
Benefit reduction will apply. |
1.85% times FAS times years of service plus
Hazardous duty supplement paid to those who retire with at least 20 years of hazardous duty service until they are eligible for Social Security. It is not available to those who retire at or after their normal Social Security retirement age.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months |
5% |
Washington Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System
Plan 2 |
State, county and municipal sheriffs, police, firefighters, marshals and public safety officers |
53/5
Vesting: 5 years |
50/20
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Varies by local government. Yes for about 6% of fire and 58% of police |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months |
Effective 7/1/11: 8.46% |
Washington State Patrol Retirement System
Plan 2
|
Full-time officers only |
Any/25;
55/any;
Mandatory retirement at age 65
Vesting: 5 years |
55 with 5 years of service credit
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2% times FAS times years of service;
Maximum of 75% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months |
Effective 7/1/11: 6.59% |
Washington Public Safety Employees’ Retirement System Plan 2
|
State and local employees whose jobs contain a high degree of physical risk, but who are not eligible for the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System (LEOFF) |
65/5
60/10
Vesting: 5 years |
53/20
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months |
Effective 7/1/11: 6.36% |
| West Virginia Consolidated State Retirement Board |
Deputy Sheriff’s Retirement System; some sheriffs are included |
In service at retirement:
Rule of 70 with minimum age of 50 or 60/5;
Out of service at retirement:
50/20;
62/5
Vesting: 5 years |
At age 40, if covered service has ended;
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.25% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest consecutive years within the last 10 |
8.5% |
West Virginia Consolidated State Retirement Board
|
Emergency Medical Services Retirement System |
In service at retirement:
Rule of 70 with minimum age of 50 or 60/10;
Out of service at retirement:
52/20;
62/5
Vesting: 5 years |
45/20
Benefit reduction will apply. |
For years 1-20: 2.75% times FAS times years of service;
For years 21-25: 2.0% times FAS times years of service;
For years 26-30: 1% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 5 highest consecutive years within the last 10 |
8.5% |
West Virginia Consolidated State Retirement Board
|
Municipal Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System
See note. |
In service at retirement:
Rule of 70 with minimum age of 50 or 60/10;
Out of service at retirement:
50/20;
62/5
Vesting: 5 years |
N/A |
For years: 2.6% times FAS times years of service;
For years 21-25: 2.0% times FAS times years of service;
For years 26-30: 1% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No, see note. |
Average of 5 highest consecutive years within the last 10 |
8.5% |
| West Virginia Consolidated State Retirement Board |
State Police Retirement System Plan B |
50/25;
52/20
Excluding military service credit
Vesting: 5 years |
Less than age 52 with 20 years of credited service excluding military service
Benefit reduction will apply. |
2.75% times FAS times years of service
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 5 highest years within the last 10; need not be consecutive. Includes overtime payments |
13% |
| Wisconsin Retirement System |
Protective Employees covered by Social Security: state police, other state and local public safety employees |
53/25;
54 with less than 25 years of service
Vesting: 5 years |
50
Benefit reduction will apply.
|
2% times years of service times FAS
An alternative “money purchase” formula is also applied in each case, and the higher benefit of the two results is paid. See note.
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 3 highest 3 years; need not be consecutive |
5.9% |
| Wisconsin Retirement System |
Protective Employees not covered by Social Security: some local government firefighters
|
53/25;
54 with less than 25 years of service
Vesting: 5 years |
50
Benefit reduction will apply.
Vesting: 5 years |
2.5% times years of service times FAS
An alternative “money purchase” formula is also applied in each case, and the higher benefit of the two results is paid. See note.
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 3 highest 3 years; need not be consecutive |
5.9% |
Wyoming Retirement System
|
Game Warden, Highway Patrol and Criminal Investigation Pension Plan |
50/6
Vesting : 6 years |
N/A |
2.5% times FAS times years of service, not to exceed 75% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Yes |
Average of 36 highest consecutive months |
12.64 |
| Wyoming Retirement System |
Law Enforcement Pension Plan: sheriffs, municipal police, corrections system officers and parole agents, and various other state and local law enforcement personnel |
60/4
Any/20
Vesting: 4 years |
50/4 |
2.5% times FAS times years of service, not to exceed 75% of FAS
Social Security Coverage: Some, most police positions are not covered |
Average of 60 highest consecutive months |
8.6% |
| Wyoming Retirement System |
Paid Fire Plan B: local government professional firefighters
|
50/4
Vesting: 4 years |
N/A |
2.8% times FAS times years of service for up to 25 years of service; Benefit is capped at 70% of FAS.
Social Security Coverage: No |
Average of 36 highest consecutive months |
8.5% |