Purchasing Service
As of January, 1, 2013, the service purchase estimate calculator is temporarily unavailable. We are modifying the calculator to reflect legislative changes to the method used to calculate the cost of service purchases. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Effective January 2, 2013, the cost to purchase service will be calculated using an actuarial formula based on a member's age and years of service at the time the service purchase request is received by PEBA Retirement Benefits.
Establishing Service Credit
Active members may establish additional service credit for various types of previous employment and leaves of absence, and up to five years of non-qualified service. Generally, a member on leave without pay from a covered employer is not eligible to purchase service credit of any type. A link to the descriptions of these types of service credit is at the end of this page.
Purchasing Service Credit
You may purchase service credit by a lump-sum payment, an installment service purchase (pre- or post-tax, plus interest), or a tax-deferred rollover from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a 401(k) plan, a 401(a) plan, a 403(b) plan, or a 457 plan.
You may purchase each type of service once within a fiscal year. If you are purchasing service to meet retirement eligibility, please contact Customer Services at 803-737-6800, toll free at 800-868-9002 (within S.C. only), or use our online contact form to obtain more information. Payment for service purchases required for eligibility must be remitted in full prior to your retirement date or termination from employment.
If you previously purchased periods of part time credit or previously earned periods of part time credit, you may be eligible to purchase additional service credit at an additional cost. Please contact Customer Services at 803-737-6800, toll free at 800-868-9002 (within S.C. only), or use our online contact form to obtain more information.
Some types of purchased service may not be used in determining insurance eligibility. Contact your employer or health insurance provider for insurance coverage questions. If you are covered by state health insurance, contact the Public Employee Benefit Authority Insurance Benefits for eligibility information. You may reach PEBA Insurance Benefits by telephone at 803-734-0678 or toll free at 888-260-9430.
Types of Service
Installment Service Purchase Program