FAQs
- What happens if I go back to work after my DROP ceases?
- If I am vested in the Pension Plan and then leave FRS employment, but don't retire, and then get rehired at a later date, do I still have my second choice opportunity available to me?
(2012) What happens if I go back to work after my DROP ceases?
There are termination requirements and reemployment limitations that affect your retirement benefit if you are employed with FRS participating employers during the first 12 calendar months after your DROP termination date.
The termination requirements and reemployment limitations with FRS participating employers are:
- If you return to work during the first six calendar months after your DROP termination date, you are not retired. This restriction applies even if the particular position you hold is not covered by the FRS. This restriction also applies to employment with the same employer if your agency withdrew from the FRS effective Jan. 1, 1996, for newly hired employees. Your retirement application is voided and you must repay all retirement benefits, including any funds accumulated during your DROP participation, to the FRS Trust Fund. You cannot become a newly hired employee until after you meet the definition of termination by remaining unemployed for six calendar months.
- You may not receive both a salary and a retirement benefit in the same month during the seventh through twelfth calendar months after your DROP termination date. There are no exceptions to this reemployment limitation during this period. This restriction applies even if the particular position you hold is not covered by the FRS. You must inform the division if you work for an FRS employer during the reemployment limitation period.
- Your retirement benefits are forfeited for the months you are employed by an FRS employer during the reemployment limitation period. You and your employing agency are jointly and severally liable for repaying any retirement benefits you receive while working during this period.
- There are no limits on working for an FRS employer after you have been retired for 12 calendar months
- If you are initially reemployed after retirement in a regularly established position with an FRS employer on or after July 1, 2010, you will not earn creditable service toward a subsequent retirement benefit.
(2209) If I am vested in the Pension Plan and then leave FRS employment, but don't retire, and then get rehired at a later date, do I still have my second choice opportunity available to me?
Yes, you would still have your second choice opportunity available to you when you return.