Overview of Deferred Membership
If you’ve left SCERS-covered employment but haven’t yet retired—and you kept your retirement contributions on deposit—you’re considered a Deferred Member and may be eligible to retire and receive a lifetime benefit from SCERS in the future. Even though you’re no longer actively working for a SCERS employer, your account remains on file and will continue to accrue interest until you either retire or withdraw your contributions.
What Does It Mean to Be Deferred?
Deferred membership is available to vested members who separate from service and choose not to withdraw their contributions. While you don’t continue earning service credit or contributing to the system, you still have the right to:
- Retire and receive a SCERS benefit once you meet the age and service requirements
- Keep contributions on deposit earning interest
- Maintain reciprocity you established with another retirement system
- Name or update beneficiaries
- Keep your MySCERS account to review account information
How Deferred Membership Benefits You
- Preserved Service Credit
Your previously earned service credit stays intact, even though you’re no longer contributing. - Vested Retirement Rights
If you were vested at the time of separation after accruing 5 years of service credit, you’re entitled to a future retirement benefit. - Contributions remain on deposit
Your contributions continue to earn interest, and your account is maintained until retirement or withdrawal.
Your Next Steps as a Deferred Member
- Keep your contact information up to date with SCERS.
- Decide whether to eventually retire from SCERS or withdraw your account.
- Explore reciprocity if you are or become employed with another public agency within six months of separation from a SCERS employer.
- Monitor your retirement eligibility based on your tier’s requirements for age and service.
- Register on the MySCERS portal to access account information