Tiers 3, 5 and 6 Only

If you have the required minimum years of service but are not yet age 50, a deferred service pension allows you to terminate active service and collect a pension when you turn age 50. You may elect a deferred pension if you are a:

• Tier 3 member with at least 10 years of service
• Tier 5 member with at least 20 years of service
• Tier 6 member with at least 20 years of service

To receive this benefit, you must leave your contributions in the system and file a written, irrevocable election with LAFPP within three years of your termination date or lose the right to receive a deferred service pension.

If you elect to receive the deferred service pension, we will contact you approximately six weeks before your 50th birthday to begin the pension application process in order to have your pension approved by the Board of Fire and Police Pension Commissioners immediately following your birthday. Please keep your address current in our records so that we may contact you and begin the process without delay.

Important factors to consider:

• Tiers 5 and 6 Members – If you elect a deferred service pension, your pension is calculated using Tier 3 pension percentages, which are lower. However, you remain a Tier 5 or 6 member and will retain the Cost of Living Adjustment Bank.
• If you die after you terminate active service and before you turn age 50, your qualified survivors do not receive a survivor’s pension. Instead, there will be a refund of contributions, plus interest, to your designated beneficiary.

TIER 4 MEMBERS: If you terminate employment for any reason other than disability, you are not eligible for a deferred pension.

For more information about Deferred Pensions, please contact the Active Member Services Section at (213) 279-3140 or by email at AMSSection@lafpp.com.