Understanding Service Credit
Service credit is the time you earn as an SJCERA member. It is one of three factors used to calculate your retirement benefit. In some cases, you may be able to purchase service credit before you retire. If you wish to get an estimate for a service purchase, please fill out the Service Purchase Request Form and any other required forms for the types of service credit, if any.
Types of Service Credit Purchases
Medical Leave of Absence
If you took an approved medical leave of absence during your SJCERA covered employment, you may be able to purchase service credit for that period.
Previous County Service
If you previously worked for an SJCERA-covered employer while employed in a position ineligible for membership (temporary, part-time, seasonal, contract), you may be able to buy back that time.
Military Service
If you served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible to purchase service credit for your military service. You must submit a Certification of Lack of Eligibility Form and a copy of you DD214 form, in addition to the Service Purchase Request Form.
Redeposit of Withdrawn SJCERA Contributions
If you previously withdrew your SJCERA contributions after leaving SJCERA-covered employment and later returned to eligible employment, you may be able to redeposit those contributions.
Prior Public Agency Service (PPAS)
If you previously worked for another public agency, you may be eligible to purchase service credit for that prior employment. PPAS time does not count toward meeting the minimum service credit requirement for retirement or death benefits. A letter from the former agency stating the dates and hours worked and that contributions were refunded to yourself must be submitted with the service purchase request form.