Retirement Benefits

Service Credit Purchase Options

Learn if you're eligible to increase your CalPERS service credit through a service credit purchase.

View Our Service Credit Purchase Options Guide (PDF)

Overview

  • Service credit is the time you accrue while on the job under a CalPERS-covered employer.
  • The minimum retirement age for service retirement for most members is 50 years with five years of service credit.
  • The more service credit you have, the higher your retirement benefits will be.
  • There are three basic types of retirement: service, disability, and industrial disability.
  • Your retirement benefits are based on a formula - not what you contribute into the system.