No. You are not allowed to borrow against your Member Contributions or make withdrawals for emergencies. Your Member Contributions to SCERS help fund the monthly allowance you will receive for your lifetime when you retire.
FAQ Category: Active Members
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Can I change my contributions to my retirement account?
No. Member contribution rates as set by the Board may not be changed by individual members.
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How do I know which membership tier I belong to?
Your membership tier is listed on your Annual Member Statement as well as on the Home Page of your MySCERS Portal and is determined by your hire date and whether you are in a Safety or Miscellaneous classification. Legacy members were hired before January 1, 2013. PEPRA members were hired on or after January 1, 2013.
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Can anyone access my SCERS account information?
No. SCERS protects the confidentiality of your records and will not release account details without your consent or a legal requirement.
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What if I change from part-time to full-time?
If your new position qualifies as SCERS-covered, your membership begins at that time and cannot be retroactively applied.
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Do I have to apply to join SCERS?
No. If your position qualifies, enrollment happens automatically. You’ll complete a Member’s Affidavit to designate a beneficiary.
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When does SCERS membership begin?
Membership begins automatically on your first day in a permanent, full-time SCERS-covered position.
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How is service credit earned?
You earn service credit for each pay period in paid status. Part-time work earns proportional credit; unpaid time does not earn credit unless purchased.
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Can I purchase service credit?
Yes. Members may be eligible to purchase service credit for certain types of employment or leaves of absence, such as pre-membership service, prior public service, or redepositing contributions after returning to SCERS.
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Do my contributions earn interest?
Yes. Contributions earn interest based on SCERS Board-approved crediting policies.