Retirement Eligibility
Your eligibility for normal or early retirement is determined by your group assignment.
Group Eligibility Guide
Deferred Retirement
Members who are vested (minimum 5 years Service Credit) and separate from employment before retirement eligibility may defer their retirement, provided that their pension contributions are kept on deposit with CRS.
Members who choose a deferred retirement are eligible for monthly pension benefits on the 1st day of the month following the member’s eligible birthday (Retirement eligibility rules are determined by the member’s group assignment).
Early Retirement
Early retirement is available for employees in Group F who are 55 years of age with a minimum of 25 years service credit, and for employees in Group G who are 57 years of age with a minimum of 15 years service credit. There is a substantial reduction in monthly pension benefits paid to those members who elect early retirement. If you choose Early Retirement, you are not eligible to purchase retiree health care benefits.
Disability Retirement Eligibility
If you become totally and permanently disabled, you are entitled to a monthly disability retirement benefit as long as you have completed five or more years service.
All applications for disability retirements are reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees. Applicants are also required to undergo a medical evaluation by the Board’s designated physician.