Planning for Retirement

Retiring from public service is a major life transition—SCERS is here to help you prepare. Whether you’re a few years away or getting ready to submit your application, this section walks you through what to know, what to consider, and what to do.

SCERS provides a lifetime monthly benefit based on your years of service, your age at retirement, and your final compensation. The decisions you make as you approach retirement—such as your retirement date, payment option, and beneficiary—can affect both your income and the financial security of your loved ones.

What This Section Covers

Legacy vs. PEPRA Members

Throughout this section, we’ll call out where retirement rules differ between:

Legacy Members (hired before January 1, 2013)
PEPRA Members (hired on or after January 1, 2013)

Differences include:

Retirement eligibility ages
Final compensation calculation
Pensionable pay caps
Survivor benefit formulas

If you’re not sure which tier you’re in, check MySCERS, your Annual Member Statement, or contact SCERS.

Tips for Getting Started

If you’re more than two years from retirement, now is the time to:

Review your service credit
Verify your beneficiary is up to date
Explore SCERS tools for estimating your benefit
Register for and attend a quarterly Retirement Planning Webinar. Webinars are listed on the SCERS Event calendar and usually offered in March, June, September, and December. They provide information, answers to frequently asked questions, and resources that are tailored for members within a few years of retirement.
- The June 10, 2026 video is available here and here.
Keep in mind that retirement often involves agencies and processes outside of SCERS. Click here for contact information for other benefit providers.

If you’re within 60 days of your desired retirement date, you’re ready to begin the application process.