Working After Retirement: Rules to Know

Many PERA retirees choose to return to work after retiring as a way to continue growing professionally and add structure to their days. If you choose to return to work after retirement, it’s important to understand the rules so you don’t have a reduction in your PERA benefit. 

Working for a Non-PERA Employer 

If you return to work for an employer not affiliated with PERA, there are no limits on the amount of time you may work. You and your employer will not pay additional contributions to PERA and your benefit will not be affected by the amount of hours you work each year (disability retirees have different rules). 

Working for a PERA Employer 

If you plan to return or have returned to work for a PERA employer, it’s important that you understand and comply with the working after retirement rules to avoid any possible reductions in your PERA benefit. You are limited to 110 days or 720 hours per calendar year (with some exceptions). If you exceed those limits, your monthly PERA benefit will be reduced. Since you are working for a PERA employer, employer contributions and working retiree contributions must be paid on salary earned.  

As a PERA retiree, you are responsible for understanding the rules and limitations for working after retirement and submitting the appropriate forms. To review these rules in greater detail, visit the “Working After Retirement” webpage or refer to the Working After Retirement booklet.