The exact amount of an LAPD pension is not a fixed sum for all retirees but is precisely calculated based on an individual officer's years of service and their Final Average Salary (FAS). These pensions are administered by the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions (LAFPP), specifically under the Tier 6 Pension Plan for eligible members.
The pension calculation involves a clear progression of benefits, starting with a base percentage for 20 years of service and increasing for each additional year, up to a maximum cap.
Understanding the Calculation
An LAPD pension is determined by multiplying an officer's Final Average Salary by a percentage that corresponds to their total years of service. The percentage accrues as follows:
- 20 Years of Service: An officer receives 40% of their Final Average Salary.
- Years 21 through 25: An additional 3% per year is added.
- Years 26 through 30: An additional 4% per year is added.
- Years 31 through 33: An additional 5% per year is added.
- Maximum Benefit: The maximum percentage payable is 90% of the Final Average Salary, achieved at 33 or more years of service.
The "Final Average Salary" typically refers to an average of the highest earning years, though the specific period (e.g., 12, 36, or 60 consecutive months) can vary by plan details.
Pension Percentage Based on Service Years
To illustrate the accrual, here's a breakdown of the pension percentage based on the years of service:
| Years of Service | Accrual Rate (per year) | Total Pension Percentage (of FAS) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | N/A | 40% |
| 21 | +3% | 43% |
| 22 | +3% | 46% |
| 23 | +3% | 49% |
| 24 | +3% | 52% |
| 25 | +3% | 55% |
| 26 | +4% | 59% |
| 27 | +4% | 63% |
| 28 | +4% | 67% |
| 29 | +4% | 71% |
| 30 | +4% | 75% |
| 31 | +5% | 80% |
| 32 | +5% | 85% |
| 33+ | +5% (up to max) | 90% |
Practical Examples
Let's consider a hypothetical LAPD officer with a Final Average Salary of $100,000 to understand how the pension amount changes with years of service:
- At 20 years of service:
- Pension = $100,000 (FAS) * 40% = $40,000 per year
- At 25 years of service:
- The officer has 20 years (40%) + 5 years at 3% each (5 * 3% = 15%).
- Total percentage = 40% + 15% = 55%.
- Pension = $100,000 (FAS) * 55% = $55,000 per year
- At 30 years of service:
- The officer has 25 years (55%) + 5 years at 4% each (5 * 4% = 20%).
- Total percentage = 55% + 20% = 75%.
- Pension = $100,000 (FAS) * 75% = $75,000 per year
- At 33 or more years of service:
- The officer has 30 years (75%) + 3 years at 5% each (3 * 5% = 15%).
- Total percentage = 75% + 15% = 90% (the maximum).
- Pension = $100,000 (FAS) * 90% = $90,000 per year
This calculation demonstrates that an LAPD pension is a direct function of an officer's dedication in terms of service years and their earning history towards the end of their career.
