Service Credit

Retirement service credit is one of several factors used to calculate your lifetime VCERA benefit. As a member, you accrue service credit during your compensable employment and, if applicable, through eligible service purchases. VCERA awards service credit when your legally required retirement contributions are paid, either by you or via an employer “pickup.” In other words, you will earn service credit for every pay period in which you make a contribution.

Active and deferred-vested members can purchase service credit for eligible prior County, district or public service.

Combined Service

Some members have earned VCERA service credit in more than one benefit tier or membership category. At retirement, VCERA will separately calculate the retirement benefit for each tier or category and then add them together to determine the total retirement benefit amount to be paid.