FAQ Category: Deferred Members

You’re generally vested if you earned five or more years of service credit before leaving employment. Vesting means you’re eligible for a lifetime monthly retirement benefit once you reach the minimum retirement age for your tier.

Yes. If you separated from a SCERS-covered employer and kept your contributions on deposit, you’re considered a deferred member—even if you haven’t communicated with SCERS in years.

You are considered a deferred member if you leave SCERS-covered employment but leave your contributions on deposit. This allows you to receive a retirement allowance, once you become eligible.

You’re generally vested if you earned five or more years of service credit before leaving employment. Vesting means you’re eligible for a lifetime monthly retirement benefit once you reach the minimum retirement age for your tier.

Your SCERS account remains active indefinitely, and your funds continue to earn interest. If you pass away before retiring, any benefits due will be processed according to your beneficiary designation and SCERS rules.

If you withdraw your contributions, you forfeit your right to a lifetime monthly allowance from SCERS.

You may apply for retirement once you meet SCERS’ age and service credit requirements.

Yes. You may request a refund of your employee contributions and interest at any time before retirement. However, doing so permanently forfeits your right to a SCERS retirement benefit.

If the agency participates in a reciprocal retirement system, you may be eligible to establish reciprocity, linking your service and final compensation across both systems. Contact SCERS to learn more.

Yes. Deferred members can update beneficiary designations by submitting a new Member’s Affidavit (Form 6019) at any time.