Eligibility & Account Status

As a deferred member, your eligibility for future benefits depends on your service history, your membership tier, and whether you remain vested in the system. This page explains how SCERS determines your eligibility and how your account is maintained after separation.

Who Is Eligible for Deferred Membership?

You are eligible for deferred membership if:

• You were a SCERS member
• You separated from SCERS-covered employment, and
• You left your retirement contributions on deposit with SCERS

Members who separate after earning five or more years of service credit are vested and qualify for a future SCERS retirement benefit.

What Happens to Your Account?

Once you leave employment and become deferred:

• No additional service credit accrues—you stop contributing to SCERS
• Your contributions remain in your account and continue earning interest
• Your account stays protected under SCERS’s rules until you retire or withdraw your funds

Your membership tier and category remain the same, and your retirement eligibility is still determined by applicable age and service requirements.

How to Check Your Account Status

SCERS sends annual member statements to deferred members, so it’s important to:

• Keep your contact information current
• Visit the MySCERS portal if you want to check your account balance, tier, or retirement eligibility

If you’re not sure whether you’re still considered deferred, contact SCERS for a status check.