Intermittent or on-call employees become eligible for the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) the first time their pay exceeds $425 in a single month.
Understanding PERA Eligibility for Specific Employee Types
PERA, designed to provide retirement benefits for public employees, has specific rules to determine who qualifies for membership and contributions. For those working on an intermittent or on-call basis, eligibility hinges on a clear financial threshold and remains continuous once established.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Intermittent and On-Call Staff
The eligibility for intermittent or on-call employees to participate in PERA is straightforward:
- Initial Eligibility Threshold: An intermittent or on-call employee becomes eligible for PERA the very first time their total gross pay for a given month exceeds $425. This monthly pay threshold is the primary trigger for their initial enrollment into the retirement system.
- Continuous Enrollment: Once an intermittent or on-call employee meets the initial $425 monthly pay threshold and becomes eligible for PERA, their enrollment continues indefinitely. This means their participation in PERA does not cease, even if their monthly pay in subsequent months falls below the $425 threshold. Their enrollment continues until the termination of their employment.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Eligibility | Achieved the first time an intermittent or on-call employee's gross pay exceeds $425 in a single month. |
| Ongoing Enrollment | Once eligible, enrollment continues. It does not stop if monthly pay falls below $425 in future months. Membership persists until employment termination. |
This structure ensures that once a qualifying work pattern is established, the employee's retirement benefits are consistently maintained, regardless of fluctuations in their subsequent intermittent or on-call work hours or pay.
