Service Purchase Calculator

SCERS offers several ways for members to purchase additional service credit, depending on your work history and circumstances. Purchasing service credit may increase your retirement benefit or allow you to retire earlier.

If you wish to pursue an official Request for Service Purchase Calculation (Form 6401), SCERS requires that you first generate a Service Purchase Calculator (SPC) Estimate using our online tool via MySCERS. The estimate you generate using the tool will be saved in your MySCERS account and must be attached to your Form 6401 submission.

There are several types of service you may be able to purchase:

  • Medical Leave of Absence
    If you took an unpaid leave of absence due to your own illness, you may purchase service credit for the period of leave.
  • Pre-Membership Employment
    You may purchase service credit for employment with a SCERS-participating employer that occurred before you became a SCERS member. Eligible employment includes temporary, seasonal, or on-call positions that did not qualify for SCERS membership at the time.
  • Redeposit of Previously Withdrawn Contributions
    If you withdrew your SCERS contributions after terminating membership, you may redeposit the funds, with interest, to restore your service credit and potentially retain your original benefit tier.
  • Public Service
    You may purchase service credit for eligible public employment with entities such as the federal government, State of California, or other municipalities and districts within Sacramento County.

Important Notes

  • Some purchased service may not count toward vesting or retirement eligibility, but it may increase your benefit amount.
  • Costs are calculated using actuarial methods and depend on your pay, service history, and the type of purchase.
  • You can pay by lump sum, payroll deduction, or rollover from another qualified plan.
  • Purchase contracts are irrevocable and must be completed within a specified period.

More information about service purchases can be found in the SCERS’ Service Purchase Policy.

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