Important notice: PERS processes many written benefit estimate requests in retirement date order, with the earliest retirement dates first. Average processing time is currently 1-2 months. However, estimate processing time may vary from member to member, as each account is different, so we are unable to advise exactly when your request will be processed.
PERS is currently processing all estimates received in
August/September 2021.
Please note that if your PERS account involves a divorce, your estimate may take longer to process.
PERS can only provide written pension benefit estimates for retirement dates within the upcoming 24 months.
If your PERS account involves a
divorce, you should request a written benefit estimate. OMS cannot correctly
calculate a benefit estimate on an account with a divorce award.
If you have not previously gotten a written
estimate and are a Tier One/Tier Two member, we
recommend you do so if you want to consider a purchase at
retirement. A written benefit estimate will show what purchases (if
any) are available to you and the estimated cost of those purchases. Please note that once you have received your first written benefit estimate, Online Member Services should display purchase information.
Please note that an estimate from PERS only includes information on your Tier One/Tier Two retirement benefit. You can use the IAP Balance and Installment Calculator to estimate your Individual Account Program (IAP) distribution at retirement.
Generate a Benefit Estimate
using OMS FAQ
1. How many benefit estimates can I generate online and
how long are they stored in the database?
A. You may create as many benefit estimates as you would
like. However, the system will only store the six most recent estimates. These
estimates will be available until a benefit is processed.
2. How current is the data used in my benefit
estimate(s)?
A. The data used is the most current information that
your employer(s) has provided. Normally, employers report data to PERS monthly
so there could be a lag. Account balances are current as of December 31 of the
previous year.
3. Where can I get more information on buy backs or
purchases? (for Tier One/Tier Two members only)
Note: PERS is aware of an issue that our Police and Firefighter (P&F) members are experiencing when attempting to check the cost of their P&F units while creating a benefit estimate through their OMS account.
We are currently working to have the issue corrected as soon as possible.
If you are within two years or your retirement date, you can submit your Tier One or Tier Two benefit estimate request by mail or by fax to request a P&F units purchase letter, which will include the cost of your remaining P&F units.
4. Why is my "waiting time" purchase cost
$0.00?
A. Your employer may not have reported income for your
first year of employment or the information may not be in the system. This
information will be retrieved for a written
benefit estimate.
5. Why is service time shown in months instead of
years?
A. Statute directs that accrued service time is earned in
months.
6. Why can't I enter my unused vacation hours to count
toward my final average salary?
A. Unused vacation time is not used toward final average
salary for Tier Two and OPSRP Pension Program members.
7. Why is my benefit estimate in OMS vastly different
from the written benefit estimate I received from PERS?
A. If you have a divorce on file at PERS or were a member
of TIAA CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement
Equities Fund), the system is unable to calculate these benefits accurately.
Please keep in mind that this is an "estimate" and the information
provided determines the accuracy of the calculation.