Applying for Retirement from Deferred Status

When you’re ready to retire, you can apply for your SCERS retirement benefit even if you’re no longer working. As a deferred member, your benefit is calculated the same way as active members—based on your service credit, final compensation, age at retirement, and membership tier.

This section outlines how to prepare and apply for retirement from deferred status.

When You Can Retire

You can apply for retirement once you meet the minimum age and service requirement for your SCERS tier. 

Miscellaneous Members

Members in Tiers 1-4 are eligible to retire at any age with 30 or more years of service, and with any years of service after the age of 70.

  • Age 50 or older with 5 years of eligible service and 10 years of contributions on deposit
  • Any age with 30 or more years of eligible service
  • Age 70 with any years of service

Members in Tier 5 (PEPRA) are eligible to retire at:

  • Age 52 or older with 5 or more years of eligible service
  • Age 70 with any years of service

Safety Members

Members in Tiers 1-3 are eligible to retire at:

  • Age 50 or older with 5 years of eligible service and 10 years of contributions on deposit
  • Any age with 20 or more years of eligible service in a safety capacity
  • Age 70 with any years of service

Members in Tier 4 (PEPRA) are eligible to retire at:

  • Age 50 or older with 5 or more years of eligible service
  • Age 70 with any years of service

Your age factor, which is used to calculate your retirement benefit, will increase every quarter year, until it reaches the maximum percentage for your designated tier.

How to Apply

1

Online Retirement Application (Preferred)

  • Log in to your MySCERS portal account
  • Click the Apply for Retirement tile to begin the Online Retirement Application (ORA)
  • The system will guide you through each step, including confirming personal information, selecting your retirement date, choosing beneficiaries, uploading documents, and selecting your retirement benefit option (e.g., Unmodified, Option 1, Option 2, etc.)
2

Paper Application

If you prefer not to use the Online Retirement Application, you may still apply by completing the following forms:

Application for Service Retirement (Form 6105)

You can return your completed forms:

  • By mail to the SCERS office
  • In person during business hours
  • Or request a secure DocuSign version by contacting SCERS
3

After You Apply

Once processed, SCERS will confirm your effective retirement date.

Planning Ahead

  • Timing: You can apply for retirement up to 60 days in advance of your intended retirement date.
  • Benefit Estimates: You can find your Benefit Estimate prior to retirement by utilizing the Retirement Calculator within your MySCERS account. If you need assistance with accessing your account or running the calculator, please contact SCERS and a representative will assist you. 
  • Payment Options: SCERS offers several retirement payment options, including a continuance for qualified beneficiaries. Your choices at retirement will impact future benefits.

Retirement is a one-time, irrevocable election. Be sure to review your options carefully and contact SCERS with any questions.