Pension Plans

Membership

Membership is automatic for non-elected public employees who meet position eligibility requirements set by Minnesota Statute. Membership includes employees of cities, counties, non-teaching staff in public and charter school districts, and other local government entities who meet earnings thresholds.

Contributions

You contribute 6.5% of your gross salary each paycheck. Your employer contributes 7.5%.

The maximum salary that can be used for PERA contributions is:

• $360,000 in 2026 if you enrolled in PERA on or after July 1, 1995 or
• $535,000 in 2026 if you enrolled before July 1, 1995.

Vesting

You are vested after three years (or 36 months) of service.

Retirement Age

If you retire at age 66, your full retirement age, you will receive your full, unreduced benefit.

You can retire as early as age 55 and receive a reduced monthly benefit.

If you are no longer in public employment and deferring your benefit, the federal government requires you to start collecting by age 73 (RMD age).

Benefit Calculation

Your retirement benefit amount = 1.7% x years of service x average monthly salary x early retirement deduction (if applicable).

Membership

Membership is automatic for full-time, licensed police officers and firefighters who meet the membership criteria defined in Minnesota Statutes. Hennepin County paramedics and emergency medical technicians also participate in the plan. Participation by part-time employees requires a resolution by an individual’s employer.

Contributions

You contribute 11.8% of your gross salary each paycheck. Your employer contributes 17.7%.

The maximum salary that can be used for PERA contributions is:

• $360,000 in 2026 if you enrolled in PERA on or after July 1, 1995, or
• $535,000 in 2026 if you enrolled before July 1, 1995.

Vesting

Your vesting schedule is:

• 5 years: 50% vested
• 6 years: 60% vested
• 7 years: 70% vested
• 8 years: 80% vested
• 9 years: 90% vested
• 10 years: 100% vested

Retirement Age

If you retire at age 55, your full retirement age, you will receive your full, unreduced benefit.

You can retire as early as age 50 and receive a reduced monthly benefit.

If you are no longer in public employment and deferring your benefit, the federal government requires you to start collecting by age 73 (RMD age).

Benefit Calculation

Your retirement benefit amount = 3% x years of service x average monthly salary x early retirement deduction (if applicable). 

Maximum formula percentage is capped at 99% of average salary.

Membership

Membership is automatic for non-elected public employees who meet position eligibility requirements set by Minnesota Statute. Members of this plan are responsible for the security, custody, and control of the local government correctional facilities and the inmates. 

Contributions

You contribute 6.83% of your gross salary each paycheck. Your employer contributes 10.25%.

The maximum salary that can be used for PERA contributions is:

• $360,000 in 2026 if you enrolled in PERA on or after July 1, 1995 or
• $535,000 in 2026 if you enrolled before July 1, 1995.

Vesting

Your vesting schedule is:

• 5 years: 50% vested
• 6 years: 60% vested
• 7 years: 70% vested
• 8 years: 80% vested
• 9 years: 90% vested
• 10 years: 100% vested

Retirement Age

If you retire at age 55, your full retirement age, you will receive your full, unreduced benefit.

You can retire as early as age 50 and receive a reduced monthly benefit.

If you are no longer in public employment and deferring your benefit, the federal government requires you to start collecting by age 73 (RMD age).

Benefit Calculation

Your retirement benefit amount = (1.9% x years of service through June 30, 2025 + 2.2% x years of service July 1, 2025 forward) x average monthly salary x early retirement deduction (if applicable). 

Membership

Starting January 1, 2027, PERA will administer the Local Government Probation & Telecommunicator Plan for local government probation officers and public safety telecommunicators.

If you are eligible, PERA will transfer you and your service to the new plan.

Contributions

You contribute 8% of your gross salary each paycheck until August 31, 2028

Starting September 1, 2028, you will contribute 8.82%

Your employer contributes 7.5% to the plan.

The maximum salary that can be used for PERA contributions is:

• $360,000 in 2026 if you enrolled in PERA on or after July 1, 1995 or 
• $535,000 in 2026 if you enrolled before July 1, 1995. 

Vesting

You are vested after three years (or 36 months) of service. Service with any other Minnesota public pension plan is used for vesting.

Retirement Age

If you retire at age 60, your full retirement age, you will receive your full, unreduced benefit.

You can retire as early as age 55 and receive a reduced monthly benefit.

If you are no longer in public employment and deferring your benefit, the federal government requires you to start collecting by age 73 (RMD age).

Benefit Calculation

Your retirement benefit amount = 1.9% x years of service x average monthly salary x early retirement deduction (if applicable).

Probation & Telecommunicator Plan FAQ