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Retiree Answers
A1. When are monthly benefit payments distributed?
Benefit checks are directly deposited into your bank account or mailed from our Carson City office
on the fourth working day prior to the end of each month. A check mail date schedule can be found
on our website home page.
Return to Question.
A2. How will my PERS benefit be affected when I draw Social Security?
Your PERS benefit is not affected by Social Security. However, your
Social Security benefit may be affected because you receive a
PERS pension. The Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) are the two Federal
Government regulations that may reduce your Social Security
benefit. We suggest you contact the Social Security
Administration using their toll-free number 800-772-1213
or visit their website at
www.ssa.gov to find out more
information.
Return to Question.
A3. How do I change my mailing address?
Retirees may change their mailing address in writing or changed by the retiree on
the PERS website through their secure account. If you choose to submit a written
request, you may do so by printing and completing the
Change of Address for Benefit Recipients form
, or submit a written statement that includes your signature. Forms
received by the 14th of the month take effect the same month.
Return to Question.
A4. Are there limitations on working after I retire? What are the limitations?
Only if you work for a Public Employer in the State of Nevada.
Please refer to the "Re-Employment after Retirement" section
of our
Pre-Retirement Guide
. Members who have been approved
for a disability retirement must receive Board approval before
accepting any employment, either public or private, and should refer to our
Disability Benefit Recipient Document
for more detailed information. Because there are many rules associated with
reemployment with a Nevada public employer, we recommend that you contact the
PERS office directly for assistance with your reemployment questions.
Return to Question.
A5. I am receiving a retirement benefit, how can I
change my federal income tax deduction?
Print and complete the
Tax Withholding Certificate and return it
to one of our offices. Forms received by the 14th of the
month will take effect the same month. You may also make this change yourself
through your PERS secure, on-line account.
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A6. How do I receive verification of the retirement option that I selected when I retired?
PERS can provide this information to you upon request.
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A7. How do I change my direct deposit instructions for my retirement check?
Print and complete the
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization
form and return it to one of our offices. Forms received
by the 14th of the month take effect the same month. You may
also make this change yourself through your PERS secure,
on-line account. Due to our pre-notification process, you
will receive your monthly check by mail for that month only,
and then the following month, we will direct deposit your
benefit into the new bank account.
Return to Question.
A8. How can I get a duplicate 1099R form?
Contact one of our offices and request a Duplicate 1099R form, which will be
mailed to you. You may review your 1099R information for the current and past
tax years through your PERS secure, on-line account.
Return to Question.
A9. When do I begin receiving post-retirement increases on my retirement benefit?
Once you have been drawing a benefit for three full years you are entitled to post-retirement increases. The increases
begin at 2% in each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth years; increase to 3% in years seven, eight, and nine; 3.5% in years
ten, eleven, and twelve; 4% for years thirteen and fourteen; and 5% in year fifteen and each year thereafter. Members newly
enrolled in PERS on or after January 1, 2010 are not entitled to receive the 5% increase. Post-retirement increases are paid
in the month following the month in which you retired.
Occasionally, post-retirement increases are lower than the percentages listed above. If your benefit outpaces inflation for
any year during the period since your retirement date, your increase may be capped for that year, by a rolling three year
average of the Consumer Price Index (All Items).
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A10. I am the Alternate Payee on my ex-spouses account, how do I access this information?
Currently, Alternate Payee's may get their account information by contacting one of our offices.
Return to Question.
A11. What does the term "Owner" mean?
Owner is the title used in the account validation or setup process to describe the retiree.
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A12. What does the term "Beneficiary" mean?
For the purposes of accessing an account online, beneficiary is the description for the person in the following scenario:
The Owner retired, named you as the "beneficiary" to receive a continuing benefit under one of the options 2 through 7 and has since passed away.
Return to Question.
A13. What does the term "Spouse" mean?
For the purposes of accessing an account online, spouse is the description used in two different scenarios. 1) The husband,
wife, or registered domestic partner of a member who passes away prior to retirement. Due to the members passing away, you are currently receiving a
lifetime benefit under this account. 2) The owner retired from the Police and Firefighters retirement fund, selected the Unmodified
Retirement Option 1 benefit and you were the spouse or registered domestic partner of the owner at the time of retirement.
Return to Question.
A14. What does the term "Student" mean?
For the purposes of accessing an account online, student is the description used to indicate the surviving child, who is
now over the age of 18 and a full time student, of a member who passed away prior to retirement.
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A15. What does the term "Child or Dependent Child" mean?
For the purposes of accessing an account online, this description is used to indicate the surviving child, who is still
a minor, of a member who passed away prior to retirement.
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A16. What does the term "Survivor Beneficiary" mean?
For the purposes of accessing an account online, this description is used to indicate the person receiving the lifetime
benefit that would have been available to the spouse or registered domestic partner of a member who passed away prior to retirement.
Return to Question.
A17. May I change my named beneficiary after I retire?
After you retire, you may not change your beneficiary to another person. However, if you wish to change to the higher Unmodified Option 1 benefit, you may do
so with the concurrence of your spouse or registered domestic partner; however, the change is not retroactive and no beneficiary benefit will be paid after
your death as a retired member. If your beneficiary under one of the Options 2 through 7 predecease you, your monthly benefit would be adjusted to the
higher Unmodified Option 1 benefit at the beginning of the next month upon receipt of a certified copy of your beneficiary's death certificate. You cannot change from the
Unmodified Option 1 benefit to any other plan after you have retired.
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A18. I received my 1099r tax form and have a total indicated in Box 5, what does that total represent?
Box 5 represents the amount of your benefit received that year that is not subject to taxes based on the
non-taxable employee contributions you paid to the system prior to your retirement. If you compare the
difference between Box 1 (gross distribution) and Box 2a (taxable amount) that difference is indicated in Box 5.
Return to Question.
Active Member Answers
A19. How is my benefit calculated when I retire?
Your service credit is multiplied by the service time multiplier (2.5% for each year completed prior to July 1, 2001
and 2.67% for each year completed on or after July 1, 2001). The total percentage earned is then multiplied by your
average compensation.
Members newly enrolled in PERS on or after January 1, 2010, receive 2.5% for all service earned
in the system.
Return to Question.
A20. When did the maximum benefit percentage change from 90% to 75%?
The change became effective July 1, 1985. Members enrolled in PERS before July 1, 1985 may
still receive up to 90% of their average compensation when they retire. Those hired on or
after July 1, 1985, may earn a maximum of 75% of their average compensation when they retire.
The percentage is calculated for each member based on the years, months and days of service
they earn while employed with a Nevada public employer in a PERS eligible position.
Return to Question.
A21. How does the 75% at 30 years of service compute with the new rate of 2.67%?
Service credit earned before July 1, 2001, will be calculated using
the 2.5% multiplier. Service credit earned on or after
July 1, 2001 will be calculated using the 2.67% multiplier.
Members may reach the 75% Service Time Factor before completing
30 years of service.
Members newly enrolled in PERS on or after January 1, 2010 receive 2.5% for
all service earned and are not entitled to the 2.67% Service Time Factor.
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A22. What is average compensation?
The average of a member's 36 highest consecutive months of compensation as certified by the public employer.
For members newly enrolled in PERS on or after January 1, 2010, the average compensation shall be based on
the average of the 36 highest consecutive months of compensation subject to a 10% salary cap.
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A23. What does it mean to be vested?
Vesting refers to the time period necessary for you to work in order to earn the right to
receive a retirement benefit. For example, once you have attained 5 years of service we
consider you "vested" in the system and eligible to receive retirement benefits at age 65.
Vesting also occurs at other time periods such as 10, 20, 25 and 30 years, which makes you
eligible to receive benefits earlier than age 65.
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A24. When are Member Statements issued?
Member Statements are issued in yearly cycles for each of the public employers. If you wish to
obtain current information regarding your account before your next Member Statement, you may set
up a username and password to access the information via this website.
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A25. I need a letter stating what is in my account because I'm refinancing my house. How do I get it?
Please contact our office and speak with a PERS representative who will initiate your request.
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A26. Can I borrow against my PERS account to buy a home?
No. There are no statutory provisions for members to borrow against their retirement accounts.
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A27. How will an increase in retirement contribution rates affect me?
If you are under the Employee/Employer Contribution Plan, the retirement deduction from your
paycheck will increase. If you are under the Employer-Pay Contribution Plan, your portion of
the increase will either be paid through salary reduction or in lieu of a pay increase depending
on the employer for whom you work.
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A28. How do I change my mailing address?
Active members may print the
Change of Personal Information form
, make changes and return the form to PERS. Active members may
also change their address online by logging into their account
and clicking the "Address & Phone Number" link.
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A29. How do I find out who I have listed as my beneficiary?
Log into your account using the username and password you selected.
Click on "Account" to see your beneficiaries and their relationships.
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A30. How can I change my beneficiary?
Access the
Survivor Beneficiary Designation form
through our website and type in your changes. You will then print and sign the form
before mailing or faxing to the PERS office. Upon request, PERS can also mail you the
form for completion.
Return to Question.
A31. What's in my account?
Log into your account and click on "Account". The amount of money that has been contributed, your accumulated
service credit and designated beneficiaries will be displayed. If you would like to see your account details
you can click on "Account Details" and see the yearly or monthly transactions reported by your employer.
Your service credit and salary will be displayed based on a fiscal year which will be July of one year through
June of the next year. If you are a school district employee who works less than 12 months in a school year,
your service credit and salary will be displayed based on September of one year through August of the next year.
Return to Question.
A32. What is the difference between the Employee/Employer Pay Plan
and the Employer Pay Plan? How does the choice of plan affect
my retirement benefit?
Under the Employee/Employer Pay Plan (EES/ERS) the member pays 50% of the retirement
contributions through a payroll deduction and the employer pays the other 50% of the
contributions. If you terminate employment, you may elect to refund the employee
contributions you personally paid into the system, which will cancel your membership
in PERS. Under the Employer Pay Plan (ER Paid or EPC), the employee pays for their
portion of the contribution through a salary reduction or in lieu of pay increase
and the employer pays 100% of the retirement contributions to PERS. Under this plan,
the member does not accrue refundable contributions and will retain their service
credit in the event of termination. In addition, your average compensation is adjusted
at the time of retirement if you are under the ER Paid plan.
Whether or not you will have the choice between the two contribution plans when you are
newly hired depends upon the public employer in which you work. Some public employers
require mandatory participation under the ER Paid plan for their employees and others,
like the State, allow for a choice.
Regardless of which plan you are under, you share equally in the PERS contribution rate
and there is no difference in how your monthly benefit will be calculated.
Return to Question.
A33. When is my anniversary date?
Please contact one of our offices and we can calculate the date for you.
Return to Question.
A34. I have accepted a position for a Nevada public employer, is it
possible to transfer my service from another public
retirement system into PERS?
No. Nevada does not have reciprocity rights with any other state.
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A35. What is the value of my account for a divorce?
PERS does not place a value on your retirement account.
PERS will provide you with an estimate of retirement benefits,
which you can take to an Actuary or Certified Public
Accountant to have the value determined and be utilized
in the negotiation process of your divorce. We
highly recommend you review our
Divorce and Your PERS Retirement
publication for more detailed information.
Return to Question.
A36. What is the difference between a regular retirement benefit and a disability
retirement benefit?
A disability retirement benefit is calculated in the same manner as a service or regular
retirement benefit. The only difference is that the disability benefit is not
reduced for retiring early.
Return to Question.
A37. I am getting ready to retire, what steps do I take?
Six to eight months before your intended retirement date, we
recommend you review the
Pre-Retirement Guide publication and
obtain an estimate of your retirement benefit by contacting one
of our offices and requesting one.
Up to six months before your intended retirement date,
you will need to complete and return an Application for
retirement benefits. Applications can be mailed to you
or are available in our offices. Counselors are
available to assist you in completing your application
in both our Carson City and Las Vegas offices, or you
may mail in your completed application directly to our
Carson City office.
Return to Question.
A38. When can I retire?
Below we have listed the eligibility requirements for retirement based on when you were first enrolled in PERS:
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Members enrolled in PERS before 1-1-2010
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Members enrolled in PERS on or after 1-1-2010
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| Regular Members
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P/F Members
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Regular Members
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P/F Members
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| 5 years, age 65
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5 years, age 65
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5 years, age 65
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5 years, age 65
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| 10 years, age 60
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10 years P/F, age 55
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10 years, age 62
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10 years P/F, age 60
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| 30 years, any age
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20 years P/F, age 50
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30 years, any age
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20 years P/F, age 50
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25 years P/F, any age
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30 years, any age
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Return to Question.
A39. If I am a part-time employee, do I get 1 full year of service
credit or is it 1/2 year of service credit for each year worked?
Part-time members of PERS earn service credit based on the percentage of full-time hours they
work. For example, if you work exactly half-time for one calendar year, you earn six months
of service credit. However, special vesting rules apply for part-time employees. If you work at
least half-time for one calendar year, you receive one full year toward vesting. Specific rules
apply to school district employees. The
Summary Plan Description for Part-Time Employees
publication provides more detailed information.
Return to Question.
A40. Explain how the 4/3rds service credit works for school district employees.
School district employees who work less than 12 months in a school year, earn a day
and a third for each day worked. For example, if you work full-time for a traditional
9-month school year, you will earn one full year (12 months) of service credit when
the 4/3rds credit is applied to your account. No more than 12 months in a year can
be credited to your account.
Return to Question.
A41. What is service credit? How do I earn service credit?
Service credit is the accumulation of the actual years, months and days you worked for your public
employer while in a PERS eligible position. Service credit is based on hours or salary earned as
reported by your employer. Service credit is not earned for any periods of leave without pay (LWOP).
Return to Question.
A42. Where can I find out how much service credit I have?
Create a username and password on our website and then log into your account to see your
accumulative service credit. You may also call one of our offices and speak with a PERS
representative or review your service credit on your Member Statement.
Return to Question.
A43. How do I know if I have a survivor beneficiary on file at PERS?
Log in to your account and look at your designated beneficiaries. If any of your beneficiaries
have the relationship of "Survivor Beneficiary", this would indicate that a form was properly
completed and is on file at the PERS office. You may also call one of our offices and a PERS
representative can verify the receipt of your form. If you haven't completed the form, or need
to change your information, complete the
Survivor Beneficiary Designation
and return it to one of our offices.
Return to Question.
A44. Why do I need to designate a survivor beneficiary if I am married?
A Survivor Beneficiary applies to both married and single members who have not retired. In
the event of simultaneous death of you and your spouse or registered domestic partner, your
designated Survivor Beneficiary will receive the lifetime benefit your spouse or registered
domestic partner would have received. You may also choose to designate additional payees
to share the survivor beneficiary benefit based on a percentage you indicate on your form.
Return to Question.
A45. If I am terminated by my employer or I quit, do I lose my future retirement benefit?
As long as you do not take a refund of employee contributions, your
service credit will not be cancelled. The service credit you
earned as of the date you stopped working will remain in the System. Should you later return to
employment with a Nevada public employer in a PERS eligible position, your new service credit will
be combined with your previous service.
Return to Question.
Refund of Contributions Answers
A46. Several years ago I took a refund of my personal contributions,
how do I pay this back and restore the service credit?
Once you have been re-employed by a Nevada public employer and earned six months
of service credit, you can repay your refund. Contact one of our offices and we
can provide you with an estimate of what it will cost and the amount of service
credit that will be restored. When you are ready to repay the refund, you must
request a Repayment Agreement from the PERS office which will list the conditions
of your repayment. You may repay the refund through a lump-sum payment, through
payroll deductions with interest, or by a lump-sum rollover from a qualified tax-deferred plan.
Return to Question.
A47. I have terminated with my employer, how do I get a refund of my contributions?
Contact the PERS office and request a Refund Request Form. The refund form provides instructions regarding
the completion of the form and the conditions that must be met before a refund can be issued. Your public
employer is required to provide PERS with a notice of your termination of employment before your refund
can be issued. A refund of employee contributions will cancel your membership in the system and all rights
to a retirement benefit, including survivor and disability benefits.
Return to Question.
Purchasing Service Answers
A48. Can I purchase service?
Any member who has obtained 5 years of service credit may purchase up to an additional
5 years of service credit. You may purchase as little as one day or any combination of years,
months and days provided it doesn't exceed the five year maximum. Please note the five year
maximum also applies to purchases made by your employer on your behalf. Members who have
qualifying military service in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation
Enduring Freedom may purchase additional service credit beyond the 5 years once they have
completed the initial 5 year purchase.
Return to Question.
A49. When do I notify PERS that I want to purchase service?
Members who were first enrolled in PERS after January 1, 2000, must request a purchase of
service agreement from PERS while they are still actively employed by their public employer.
Members who are planning to purchase service and then immediately retire have additional deadlines
to meet in order to purchase service. It is best to contact us no later than 30 days before your
last day of employment. The earlier you notify PERS, the better.
Return to Question.
A50. How much does it cost to purchase service?
The cost to purchase service is determined based on two factors: Your average compensation
(the monthly average of your 36 highest months of consecutive salary) and your age at the time of
the purchase. On average, the cost for a one year purchase is approximately one-third of your annual
salary. Typically, the purchase rates increase with your age. To get an idea of what your purchase
cost will be, go to the OSC Estimator or log-in to your member account and click on "Service Credit
Purchase Estimate."
Return to Question.
A51. How do I pay for a purchase of service?
A purchase of service may be paid for in one of three ways: (1) a lump-sum payment, (2) Payroll deductions
(if you choose to have a payroll deduction, 8% interest will be added to your total purchase cost for the
timeframe in which you make payments) and (3) direct rollovers from qualified annuity and IRA plans described
in sections 401(a), 403(b), and 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. This would include using any employer
sponsored deferred compensation plans in which you may participate.
Return to Question.
A52. What are the procedures to purchase service?
Contact one of our offices and request an agreement for a purchase of service. We will confirm how you
plan to pay for the purchase at that time. An agreement will be mailed to you within 10-14 business days.
Your agreement will include specific instructions and the terms of the contract. You will have 60 days to
activate the agreement by signing and returning it to our office. If you request a rollover agreement, the
agreement will include an additional form that you must provide to your tax deferred administrator. If you
request a payroll deduction, the agreement will include a form that you must provide to your agency payroll
office. Once your purchase is paid in full, you will receive written confirmation and the service credit
will be added to your account.
Return to Question.
A53. How do I payoff my purchase of service agreement?
The first step is to contact PERS and request a payoff amount. PERS will calculate the payoff amount, including
interest, and provide the amount to you in writing. You will have several options for paying off the balance due;
lump-sum payment or with a direct rollover. If you have been paying for your purchase through a payroll deduction,
you will be responsible for notifying your payroll office to stop the deduction. PERS representatives are available
to discuss how a payoff works and the paperwork required.
Return to Question.
Survivor Benefits Answers
A54. How do survivor benefits work?
If you die as an active member with at least 2 years of service, your survivors are paid monthly
survivor benefits. The amount of the benefit is based on your years of service at the time of your
death. Survivors include a spouse or registered domestic partner, designated survivor beneficiary
with or without additional payees, and dependent children who are under the age of 18 at the time or
your death. A lifetime benefit is paid to the spouse or registered domestic partner or survivor
beneficiary with or without additional payees. Dependent children are paid their benefit until they
reach age 18 or 23 if they remain unmarried, full-time students.
Return to Question.
A55. How does my selection of beneficaries affect my retirement
benefits in the event I die before I retire?
If you die as an active member, PERS statute determines the eligibility of benefits payable to your
survivors. Your spouse or registered domestic partner is first in line to receive any benefit available
from your account as well as any dependent children. If you are not married and have no registered domestic
partner at the time of your death, PERS will refer to the
Survivor Beneficiary Designation form
on file and pay survivor benefits based on your designations.
Return to Question.
A56. Are step-children eligible for survivor benefits?
No. Only children who are the progeny or biological offspring, or children who have been
legally adopted by the deceased member are eligible for survivor benefits.
Return to Question.
Disability Retirement Answers
A57. What happens if I become disabled?
If you have at least 5 years of service, you may apply for a Disability Retirement Benefit as
long as you are still employed with your Nevada public employer at the time you submit your
retirement application to the PERS office. We strongly recommend you read our
Disability Retirement Guide.
We also recommend you contact one of our offices to request an estimate of benefits and the disability retirement packet.
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