Vesting

Becoming “vested” is your first major milestone as a KCERA member. It means that you have a legal right to receive a lifetime retirement benefit once you meet the other eligibility requirements. To be vested, you must have five years of reciprocal and/or retirement service credit. You can accumulate retirement service credit by working in a permanent position for a KCERA employer or by purchasing service credit that counts toward vesting.

Eligibility to Retire

Becoming eligible to retire for service is your last major milestone as a KCERA member. It means that you have met all of the eligibility requirements of your membership tier.

General Tier I, Tier II, and Tier II PEPRA

• 10 years of retirement service credit eligibility AND 50 years old, or
• 30 years of retirement service credit, regardless of age

General Tier III (West Side Recreation and Park District)

• 5 years of retirement service credit AND 52 years old

Safety Tier I, Tier II, and Tier II PEPRA

• 10 years of retirement service credit eligibility AND 50 years old, or
• 20 years of retirement service credit, regardless of age

There is an exception to the eligibility rules for Tiers I and II. Active members, vested deferred members, and certain members with reciprocal service may be eligible to retire at age 70 even if they have fewer than five years of retirement service credit.

Eligibility at age 70 depends on your individual circumstances. If you terminated employment before becoming vested (5 years of retirement service credit) or have questions about reciprocal service, please contact KCERA before making retirement decisions.