Benton County Employee Benefits – PERS

Information for Registered Domestic Partners

Effective January 1, 2008, House Bill 2007 required PERS to provide benefits to a registered domestic partner to the same extent that a spouse would be entitled to PERS benefits under the plan unless it would conflict with t he plan’s federal tax qualification. Registered domestic partners should complete PERS forms as a “spouse” wherever that’s indicated and are considered “married” whenever spousal consent is required.

Registered domestic partners will be required to provide the necessary paperwork to establish their status, just as PERS requires of married couples. For example, in the event of a member’s death, a registered domestic partner must submit the Certification of Registered Domestic Partnership to apply for PERS benefits as that member’s spouse or, in the event of divorce, the Dissolution of Domestic Partnership would be needed to administer the court order.

There are several exceptions when tax qualification requirements mean that PERS will provide benefits to registered domestic partners differently than spouses.  More information

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

What is PERS?
PERS is the Public Employees Retirement System through the State of Oregon.

Am I eligible for PERS?
If you've worked six full calendar months for a PERS-covered employer in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours per calendar year, then you are eligible for PERS.

Where do I fit with PERS?
If you began working for a PERS-covered employer on or before December 31, 1995, you are a Tier 1 member. If you began working on or after January 1, 1996 and before August 29, 2003, you are a Tier 2 member. If you started after August 29, 2003, you are part of the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).

At what age can I retire?