Member news: July 9, 2021

Three-year work requirement for purchase of service temporarily waived

If you worked less than your full assignment of hours during 2020 and/or 2021, you may be able to buy the difference between your normal full assignment and the amount you actually worked. By purchasing this service, you would be credited with the maximum pensionable and contributory service available under your full assignment, even if you did not work your full assignment of hours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ordinarily, you are required to have worked for your employer for at least three years to qualify for a period of reduced pay; this “three-year work” requirement has been temporarily suspended for 2020 and 2021. Plan members who have worked for their employer for less than 36 months can now apply to purchase service for a period of reduced pay that occurred in 2020 and/or 2021 (as long as they satisfy the remaining requirements). This amendment applies only to the 2020 and 2021 calendar years.

Note: If you qualified for a period of reduced pay under the relaxed eligibility requirements during this time but have since terminated employment or retired, you may still be able to purchase service. Contact the plan for more information.

To find out more about how to buy service, see Periods of reduced pay on the plan web site.