Benefits of Membership

What service counts toward retirement?
All of the following types of employment count toward retirement:

• Pre-1946 service for those who qualify under the pre-1946 provision.
• Prior service credit based upon service between January 1, 1946, and July 4, 1953, for those who have a prior service investment.
• Membership service credited after July 4, 1953.
• Active service in the Armed Forces of the United States if you were in covered employment immediately before entry into the Armed Forces and return to covered employment within 12 months after your release from active duty.
• Authorized leaves of absence not exceeding 12 months prior to July 1, 1998.
• Additional service credits acquired through a service purchase.
• Certain leaves under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

If I die before my first month of retirement benefits, what are my beneficiaries entitled to receive?
If you have designated one person as your beneficiary, he or she may be eligible for a lifetime monthly benefit or a lump-sum payment. If you’ve named more than one person, or an estate or trust, as your beneficiary, the only payout option is a lump-sum payment. Lump-sum payments may be rolled over to avoid tax penalties. Note: It is important to keep your beneficiary designation updated. IPERS has information for you to share with your beneficiary.

What happens if I can no longer work because of a disability?
If you are vested, you may retire at anytime without an early retirement adjustment if you qualify to retire because of disability. Special Service members may choose between regular and Special Service disability benefits. Please contact IPERS for more information regarding disability benefits.