960-Hour Annual Limit
SCERS retirees who return to work in approved positions with a SCERS-covered employer are subject to a 960-hour annual limit. This cap ensures that retirees work in a limited, temporary capacity and continue to be treated as retired annuitants rather than active members.
This section explains what the 960-hour limit is, how it’s calculated, and what happens if it’s exceeded.
What the Limit Means
If you return to work for a SCERS-covered employer after retirement:
- You may not exceed 960 hours of paid work in a single year
- The limit applies regardless of position, pay rate, or employers
- Hours are tracked across all SCERS-covered employers—including work for a private 3rd party agency or as a private contractor
Once you reach 960 hours in a year, you must stop working until the next year begins or risk suspension of your retirement benefit.
What Counts Toward the 960 Hours
The following count toward your limit:
- All hours worked or taken within the year, including overtime hours, in any retiree extra help or limited-term position
- Hours worked across multiple SCERS-covered agencies in any capacity
These do not count toward your limit:
- Volunteer service
- Work for non-SCERS employers
Tracking Your Hours
You are responsible for:
- Monitoring your total hours across all SCERS-covered employment
- Stopping work before reaching the 960-hour threshold
Your employer also monitors and reports your hours to SCERS, but SCERS is not responsible for real-time tracking. If SCERS determines that you exceeded the limit:
- Your retirement benefit may be suspended
- You may be required to repay overpaid benefits
Planning Ahead
If you’re returning to work:
- Track your hours carefully and communicate regularly with your supervisor or HR department
- Contact SCERS if you’re unsure how your role or hours may affect your benefit