To be entitled to retirement benefits, a member must have a minimum of three years of contributory service. Unreduced retirement benefits are available once you reach your normal retirement age or meet the requirements for special early retirement as a Foundation Member. For Foundation Members under special early retirement, you become eligible for unreduced retirement benefits when certain combinations of age and years of service are met (i.e. meeting your Rule). Reduced retirement benefits can be drawn once you attain your minimum retirement age. No retirement benefits are payable to you before you attain your minimum retirement age.
Foundation Members
Retirement Eligibility
Normal Retirement (unreduced benefit) | Early Retirement (reduced benefit) | Special Early Retirement (unreduced benefit) | |
Class A | Age 65 | As early as age 55 | Rule of 85 |
Class B Public Safety | Age 55 | As early as age 45 | Rule of 75 |
Class B Judicial | Age 65 | As early as age 55 | Rule of 80 |
Special Early Retirement for Foundation Members
A Foundation member can retire earlier than normal retirement age and receive an unreduced benefit if certain age and credited service requirements are met. The chart below, separated by class of service, shows the specific combinations of age and credited service that will produce an unreduced benefit if you retire early and begin payments.
Class A Rule of 85 | Class B Public Safety Rule of 75 | Class B Judicial Rule of 80 |
Age 55 with 30 years | Age 45 with 30 years | Age 55 with 25 years |
Age 56 with 29 years | Age 46 with 29 years | Age 56 with 24 years |
Age 57 with 28 years | Age 47 with 28 years | Age 57 with 23 years |
Age 58 with 27 years | Age 48 with 27 years | Age 58 with 22 years |
Age 59 with 26 years | Age 49 with 26 years | Age 59 with 21 years |
Age 60 with 25 years | Age 50 with 25 years | Age 60 with 20 years |
Age 61 with 24 years | Age 51 with 24 years | Age 61 with 19 years |
Age 62 with 23 years | Age 52 with 23 years | Age 62 with 18 years |
Age 63 with 22 years | Age 53 with 22 years | Age 63 with 17 years |
Age 64 with 21 years | Age 54 with 21 years | Age 64 with 16 years |
Early Retirement for Foundation Members
If you do not meet the requirements for special early retirement, you may choose to begin drawing your retirement benefit prior to reaching your normal retirement age at a reduced rate. The amount of reduction depends upon your age and years of credited service when payments begin. If you choose to retire prior to your normal retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced by 1/4 of 1% for each full month (or 3% for each full year) between your benefit commencement and the date you will reach your normal retirement age or the date you will meet your special early retirement requirements, if applicable.
Generational Members
Retirement Eligibility
Normal Retirement (unreduced benefit) | Early Retirement (reduced benefit) | |
Class A | Age 67 | As early as age 57 |
Class B Public Safety | Age 57 | As early as age 47 |
Class B Judicial | Age 67 | As early as age 57 |
Early Retirement for Generational Members
You may choose to begin drawing your retirement benefit prior to reaching your normal retirement age at a reduced rate. If you choose to retire prior to your normal retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced by 5% for each year (and prorated for partial year) between your benefit commencement and the date you will reach your normal retirement age.