Purchasing or Restoring Service Credit

You may be eligible to purchase service credit under certain circumstances such as: 

• Purchasing time not automatically credited
• Restoring time lost after a previous withdrawal from SCERS

Types of Purchasable Service

• Pre-membership: Time with a SCERS employer before you became a member
• Prior public service: Time with another California public agency (non-reciprocal)
• Unpaid medical leave:  If properly certified and for your own illness or injury 
• Military service: If reinstated under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
• Post-termination service: Temporary employment between two periods of SCERS-covered employment 

Redepositing Withdrawn Contributions

If you previously left a SCERS-covered position and withdrew your contributions, you can redeposit the withdrawn amount, plus interest, to restore your original service credit upon becoming a member of SCERS again. 

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.

Contact SCERS to request a purchase calculation and confirm eligibility.