Converting to the General Employees Retirement Plan

Employees covered by the Unclassified Plan may switch to the General Employees Retirement Plan. Your hire date determines the rules about switching plans. Elected officials, including Legislators, Judges and Constitutional Officers are not allowed to switch to the General Plan.

If hired before July 1, 2010

You may elect to switch to the General Plan

• within your first year of coverage under the Unclassified Plan; OR
• any time after you have ten years of service covered by the General Plan and/or the Unclassified Plan.

You must make the election within 30 days of terminating your Unclassified Plan service.

If hired on or after July 1, 2010

You may elect to switch to the General Plan any time in your first seven years of service. If you terminated before your seven years of service is earned, you have 30 days after your termination date to elect coverage under the General Plan.

Should I convert to the General Employees Retirement Plan?

When deciding whether you should switch from the Unclassified Plan to the General Plan, it is important to realize that each plan has advantages and disadvantages depending on your individual circumstances. We recommend that you review both plans carefully before deciding to switch. MSRS retirement counselors are available to review plan provisions, provide benefit estimates, and explain survivor and beneficiary options of both plans.