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Tier 2 Pension Plan Information

    Tier 2 Pension Plan Information

    January 29, 1967 – December 7, 1980

    Tier 2 is a “defined benefit” plan that provides pension benefits based upon final pay and years of service. This plan provides service, disability, and survivor pension benefits as well as retiree health insurance subsidies to eligible sworn members and certain qualified survivors. When you participate in this plan, you do not contribute to or earn Social Security credit. 

    Review the information below for key provisions of your Tier 2 benefits. For additional information, review your Tier 2 Summary Plan Description (SPD) or active member newsletters.

    Plan Details

    How much do I contribute to the plan?

    As an active member of Tier 2, you contribute 7% of your pre-tax pay each pay period. Your contributions are automatically deducted from your paycheck. While you are an active member, your contributions will earn interest every six months (each June 30 and December 31).

    Once you attain 30 years of service, you no longer contribute to the plan.

    How is my benefit determined?

    Your benefit is based on a formula that takes into account your Normal Pension Base and years of service.

    How is my Service Pension calculated?

    Follow these steps to calculate your service pension:

    1. Calculate Your Normal Pension Base
      Your Normal Pension Base equals the final rate of pay you received immediately preceding your retirement date. It includes all eligible compensation: regular gross monthly salary, length of service (longevity) pay, hazard pay and assignment pay. Normal Pension Base does not include non-regularly assigned hourly special pay.
    2. Calculate Your Years of Service Pension Percentage
      You receive 2% per year of your Normal Pension Base for the first 24 years of service, 7% for the completed 25th year of service, and 3% for each additional year of service. The maximum percentage payable is 70% of your Normal Pension Base at 30 or more years of service. Use the table below to locate your Years of Service Pension Percentage.  
    3. Calculate Your Service Pension
      Multiply your Normal Pension Base by your Years of Service Pension Percentage to determine your estimated monthly benefit.

    How is my benefit paid?

    Your benefit is a guaranteed monthly payment for life and may allow you to provide continuing income to a Qualified Survivors.

    What happens if I leave the Fire or Police Department before I can retire?

    Your contributions and accrued interest will be refunded to you if you were a system member on July 1, 1982 and are not eligible to retire.

    When am I eligible to retire?

    You are eligible to apply for a service pension, at any age, after completing 20 years of aggregate service as a sworn employee of the Fire or Police Department. Learn how to apply for a service pension.

    Will I receive cost of living adjustments (COLA)?

    Yes, you will receive cost of living adjustments (COLA) on your benefit. Review the Tier 2 COLA Overview.

    What happens if I die?

    • If you are an active member with no qualified survivors entitled to a benefit, your contributions and interest will be refunded to your designated beneficiaries. Complete a Tier 2 – Beneficiary Designation Form if you wish to update your beneficiary information.
    • If you are retired, an allowance may be paid to your qualified survivors.
    • If you are retired and there are no qualified survivors entitled to a benefit, there is no refund of contributions and your pension benefits cease.