Colorado PERA logo
Member Login/Registration

More Purchasing Service Credit Options in 2027

House Bill 26-1026, passed by the Colorado legislature this year, will enable members to purchase service credit for periods of unemployment occurring when they were over the age of 21.  

Members can currently purchase up to five years of service credit for periods of time spent working at a non-PERA, non-governmental employer. Starting January 1, 2027, members will be able to purchase time for periods of unemployment toward the same five-year maximum of “nonqualified” time. Please note members can purchase more than five years (up to a maximum of 10 years) if the member worked for a governmental non-PERA employer.  

For more information on purchasing service credit, visit the “Purchasing Service Credit” webpage or refer to the “Purchasing Service Credit” booklet.  

A woman with a smile is seated at a table focusing on a laptop in front of her, wearing a light pink blouse.

Purchasing Service Credit

When planning for your retirement, you have the option to purchase service credit so that you may be able to receive a higher benefit amount, retire earlier, or receive a larger health care subsidy in retirement.
Person using a calculator and holding receipts, with papers and a notebook on the table, suggesting budgeting or financial planning.

Calculate the Cost to Purchase Service Credit

Estimate the cost to purchase service credit for employment not covered by PERA or determine the amount you can buy.