Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System
PSERS for New Employees
Understanding your PSERS membership options and retirement benefits as a new employee.
What is PSERS?
Your retirement security starts here
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania administers the pension plan for Pennsylvania's public school employees. As a PSERS member, you contribute to a safe, secure, and guaranteed benefit payment(s) from one of the largest public pension plans in the nation.
New Hires: Automatic Enrollment
Employees scheduled to work 25 hours or more a week are considered members of PSERS from day one of employment, and are automatically enrolled & required to contribute to a hybrid pension program.
This hybrid plan is made up of a defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) plan.
Default Pension Class: Class TG
New members are enrolled in Class TG by default and have 90 calendar days from the first day worked to change to one of two other pension classes: Class TH and Class DC.
Your Pension Contributions
The pension Class in which you choose to enroll will determine your pension contribution deduction on a pre-tax basis.
Lifetime Enrollment Decision
Switching to a different class is a lifetime enrollment that is irrevocable. If a new member does not switch to a different class, PSERS will assume you want to remain in Class TG which is also a lifetime, irrevocable enrollment.
Important: Changes Must Be Made Through PSERS
Mandatory Enrollment for Full-Time Employees
For More Information
Learn more about SDP pension benefits and PSERS membership options:
Visit SDP Benefits - Pension Information →Vesting Requirements
You must be "vested" to receive the pension benefit. Vested means you are eligible for a monthly retirement benefit after termination of employment.
If You Leave Before Vesting
Service Credit
Service credit is the measure of your time as a PSERS member. You earn service credit for each year you work and contribute to PSERS. Understanding how service credit works is important for planning your retirement.
Full-Time Service
If you work full-time (typically 1,000+ hours per year), you earn one full year of service credit for each school year.
Part-Time Service
Part-time employees earn fractional service credit based on the percentage of full-time hours worked. For example, working 50% time earns 0.5 years of service credit.
Purchasing Service Credit
You may be able to purchase additional service credit for certain types of leave, military service, or previous employment. Contact PSERS for eligibility and cost information.
Leaves of Absence
Managing Your PSERS Account
PSERS provides online tools to help you manage your account, estimate your retirement benefit, and plan for your future. Take advantage of these resources to stay informed about your retirement security.
Online Account Access
Create your PSERS online account at www.psers.pa.gov to:
- •View your service credit and contributions
- •Update beneficiary information
- •Use retirement benefit calculators
- •Access important forms and documents
Annual Statement
Each year, PSERS sends you an annual statement showing:
- •Total service credit earned
- •Total contributions made
- •Current beneficiary designations
- •Estimated retirement benefit
Important Information
Creating Your PSERS Account
Once you receive your enrollment packet from PSERS, you can create your online account at www.psers.pa.gov. Through your account, you can view your service credit, update beneficiaries, and access retirement calculators.
Social Security
PSERS members do not pay into Social Security for their PSERS-covered employment. However, if you have other employment where you pay Social Security taxes, you may be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO), which could reduce your Social Security benefits.
Tax Considerations
Your PSERS contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing your current taxable income. When you receive retirement benefits, they will be subject to federal income tax (but not Pennsylvania state income tax for PA residents).
Questions About PSERS?
Contact PSERS directly at 1-888-773-7748 or visit www.psers.pa.gov for personalized information about your account.
PFTHW HR can also help with general PSERS questions.
Helpful Resources
Visit the following resources to learn more about PSERS and make an informed decision about your membership class:
PSERS Official Website
Access comprehensive information about PSERS membership, benefits, and retirement planning.
Visit PSERS New Member Page →PSERS Member Services
Contact PSERS directly with questions about your account, membership class election, or benefits.
Phone: 1-888-773-7748
Website: www.psers.pa.gov
PFTHW
Contact PFT Health & Welfare Fund for general PSERS questions and assistance with your enrollment process.