Service Purchase Deadlines Near for USERRA, Unpaid Sick Leave, Workers’ Compensation Leave

If you miss work due to military leave, unpaid sick leave, or workers’ compensation leave, you may be eligible to make a leave-based service purchase. Leave-based purchases cost less than formula-based purchases. To take advantage of this opportunity, be sure to meet the purchase deadline.

USERRA-Covered Military Leave

If you have been on military leave covered by the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), you can purchase service for this time. To qualify, you must return to employment with the same employer after your military leave ends.

Your USERRA-covered service counts toward vesting your PSRS/PEERS membership and retirement eligibility, regardless of whether you purchase the service. If you purchase the service, it will also count toward your total service used to calculate your retirement benefit.

Purchase Payment Deadline: Apply within five years of reemployment following your leave.

Cost to Purchase: Your cost is based on the salary you would have earned and the contribution rate in effect during your leave. You pay the employee portion, and your employer pays the employer portion.

Unpaid Sick Leave and Workers’ Compensation Leave

You may also be able to purchase service for time missed due to unpaid sick leave or workers’ compensation leave. Unpaid sick leave can include maternity or paternity leave.

Purchase Payment Deadline: Complete payment within two school years following your leave. For example, if your leave occurred during the 2024-2025 school year, the deadline to complete the purchase is June 30, 2027.