Employer Responsibilities

Participating employers are critical partners in SCERS’s mission to provide secure retirement benefits. Accurate and timely reporting ensures that member records remain current, contributions are properly credited, and retirement benefits are calculated correctly.

This section outlines the core responsibilities that SCERS expects from all participating employers.

Onboarding New Employees

Employers are responsible for determining whether a new hire is eligible for SCERS membership and enrolling them appropriately.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Verifying eligibility (permanent full-time or part-time position)
  • Determining membership category (Miscellaneous or Safety)
  • Assigning the correct benefit tier based on hire date and prior service
  • Ensuring timely deduction and remittance of member contributions
  • Providing the new hire with the SCERS Member’s Affidavit to designate beneficiaries

SCERS is available to consult on tier assignment and membership classification if needed.

Payroll Reporting & Contribution Submission

Employers must submit payroll data and remit contributions on a regular schedule. This includes:

  • Accurate reporting of pensionable earnings and hours worked
  • Deducting the correct member contribution amount each pay period
  • Applying the correct member and employer contribution rate
  • Submitting payroll files and payments according to SCERS deadlines
  • Correcting and resubmitting records when errors are identified

SCERS provides technical specifications and file format guidance for all reporting.

Separation, Leave, and Return-to-Work Reporting

When employees leave service, go on unpaid leave, or are re-employed, SCERS needs accurate, timely updates.

Employers should:

  • Report separation dates and reason codes
  • Notify SCERS of members going on disability, family leave, or other non-standard leave
  • Report post-retirement employment
  • Report rehires or return-to-work events, especially those involving prior service

Improper or delayed separation reporting can impact benefit eligibility and member communications.

Communications and Member Support

Employers serve as the primary point of contact for employees with SCERS-related questions before retirement.

SCERS asks employers to:

  • Share information about SCERS policies, forms, and resources
  • Direct employees to SCERS when assistance is needed with retirement benefits or account questions
  • Coordinate with SCERS on specialized cases, such as disability retirements, reciprocal service, or audit findings

Staying Compliant

SCERS regularly communicates with employers through email bulletins, training sessions, and audits. Employers are expected to:

  • Review SCERS updates and procedural guidance
  • Maintain a point of contact for retirement reporting and questions
  • Respond to SCERS data requests in a timely manner