| The Public Employee Retirement System is for | | | | their benefits and coverage so that they can get the |
| government employees except for teachers and | | | | most of their contributions once they retire. |
| students. This is a mandatory membership and all | | | | Although the Public Employee Retirement System is |
| members should fill out a form of application at the | | | | compulsory for all employees, there are still criteria that |
| beginning of their employment. It is a benefit plan that | | | | you have to meet to become a member. Here are the |
| gives benefits to employees once they retire. This will | | | | criteria that you need to meet to become a member |
| be based on the number of years they rendered | | | | for most states' Public Employee Retirement Systems: |
| service and on their average salary. | | | | 1. The applicant should be a regular employee and the |
| The Public Employees Retirement system also covers | | | | annual salary of the applicant should be $1,500 or |
| survivor and disability protection. The system also | | | | higher. |
| allows those with 30 years of service to file for an | | | | 2. The applicant's position should be under the |
| early retirement. They also provide death benefits and | | | | coverage of the Social Security System. |
| beneficiary benefits. Every Public Employee | | | | Generally, these are some of the most common |
| Retirement System of every state is committed to | | | | grounds for ineligibility: |
| ensuring the retirement benefits of every employee. | | | | 1. If the person does not meet the minimum annual |
| Contributions are deducted from the employee's | | | | salary required which is $1,500. |
| payrolls. The amount may vary for every employee | | | | 2. If the applicant is not covered by the Social Security. |
| depending on their retire plan and coverage. Currently, | | | | 3. If you are a temporary employee |
| the contribution rate is 8.5 percent of the salary of an | | | | 4. If you are currently employed by the Job Training |
| employee and will increase up to 9.5% in the year | | | | Partnership Act and being paid by their federal funds. |
| 2007. Employer contributions however, range from 13 | | | | 5. Students who are employed by their schools and |
| to 17%. | | | | universities where they attend regular classes |
| The benefits that you will get once you retire are | | | | sometimes may not qualify for the PERS. |
| dependent on your contribution and position as well as | | | | 6. Inmates in correctional institutions are not eligible. |
| your employer's contribution. The benefits are fixed | | | | 7. Mental health and retardation patients do not qualify |
| depending on the legislation set by every state. That is | | | | for the Public Employee Retirement System. |
| why it is always recommended for members to know | | | | |