We hope our members enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement, but we do understand that life circumstances can change. If you choose to return to work after retirement for a SCERS-covered employer, state law provides two options to help you navigate this transition:  1) work part-time under the limits established in statute and the Post-Employment Retirement Policy, which limits you to 960 hours per year and a 180-day sit-out period after retirement; and 2) suspend retirement and reinstate into active employment.

Limitations on Working After Retirement

State law prohibits a Retired Member from returning to work for a Participating Employer without reinstating to active service, unless:

• The Retired Member is appointed during an emergency to prevent the stoppage of public business; or
• The Retired Member is appointed because he or she has the skills needed to perform work of limited duration, which cannot exceed 960 hours in a year.

If a Retired Member is eligible to be appointed without reinstatement, the following conditions apply:

• 180-Day Waiting Period — The Retired Member cannot be employed by a SCERS Participating Employer until 180 days after the Retired Member’s retirement date, unless:

1. The governing body of the Participating Employer certifies the nature of the employment and that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before 180 days have passed and presents SCERS with a specified resolution; or
2. The Retired Member is a retired public safety officer or retired firefighter and is appointed to perform a function regularly performed by a safety officer or firefighter; and

• No Unemployment Insurance — The Retired Member has not received unemployment insurance compensation during the 12-month period prior to the appointment;
• No Retirement Incentive — The Retired Member did not accept an employer-provided incentive to retire.

SCERS’ Post-Retirement Employment Policy provides a detailed explanation of restrictions on working after retirement.