You are vested in the OPSRP Pension Program on the earliest date in which you complete at least 600 hours of service in each of five calendar years (the years do not have to be consecutive, but you cannot have a gap of more than five years). If you are an active OPSRP member any time on or after reaching the normal retirement age of 65, you become a vested member regardless of years of service. Once you are vested in the OPSRP Pension Program, you cannot lose your benefit rights unless you withdraw from the program.
An active member is defined as a member who is presently employed by a PERS-covered employer in a qualifying position and who has completed the six-month waiting period.
The age at which you can retire depends on your classification.
Important notice for police and firefighter (P&F) members: To retire at the early or normal retirement age for a police officer or firefighter, your last 60 months of retirement credit prior to being eligible for P&F normal-age or earliest-age retirement must be classified as P&F.
Retirement with unreduced benefits ("normal retirement age")
Classification
| Age | PERS service time |
|---|
| General Service | 65 | Age 58 with 30 years of service |
|---|
| Police and Firefighter* | 55
| Age 53 with 25 years of service |
|---|
*Your last 60 months of retirement credit prior to being eligible for P&F normal-age or earliest-age retirement must be classified as P&F.
Retirement with reduced benefits ("early retirement")
| Classification | Age |
|---|
| General Service | 55 |
|---|
| 911 Operator (General Service) | Any age with 25 years of 911 Operator service |
|---|
| Police and Firefighter* | 50 |
|---|
*Your last 60 months of retirement credit prior to being eligible for P&F normal-age or earliest-age retirement must be classified as P&F.
Your entire benefit will be reduced by an actuarial equivalency factor (review Table 1: Early Retirement Factors) based on the number of months and years you are below the age of 65 (age 55 if you held the position of police officer or firefighter).
For example, if your classification is General Service and you retire at age 60 (five years early), your entire benefit will be reduced by approximately 35% because you will receive it over a longer period of time.
School employees: Read about some important differences in how your service credit is calculated.
Not eligible to retire but want to withdraw your IAP?
Read about important factors to consider when deciding whether to withdraw.