A key element in determining the amount of benefits when a member retires is service credit. SFERS provides members with opportunities to voluntarily purchase service credit. Generally, an increase in service credit may enhance retirement benefits.
Redeposit For Prior Periods of Membership
Safety members are required to redeposit periods of prior safety membership, but may elect to redeposit contributions previously withdrawn from SFERS for periods of prior miscellaneous membership. SFERS will apply the service credit for the period of prior plan membership to the member’s account once the redeposit is completed. A redeposit must be completed prior to retirement.
Other situations in which members may elect to purchase prior CCSF service includes:
- Service with CCSF as a Temporary Employee
- Military Service
- Union Representative Service
- Unpaid Parental Leave
Members may also purchase retirement service credit for certain eligible public service including time worked for the federal government (non-military), the State of California, or for a public agency in California, prior to SFERS membership.
For additional information regarding buybacks, see the Buyback Brochure or, contact SFERS Member Services to discuss buyback opportunities. To initiate a purchase agreement for a previously identified buyback opportunity (see annual member statement), members can make an appointment through our online Buyback Appointment Scheduler.
