Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)

HR Specialist

Is the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) covered under ERISA?

Don D

Looks as if you aren't getting an answer. Do you work in the system or are you a beneficiary of the system. (I am in my state). A telephone call to the office would surely gain you an answer.

irenesmsaclaims

In general, public (governmental); entities are not subject to ERISA; however sometimes they choose to be, in order to cover all of the bases with respect to compliance. For example, if they are quasi-governmental, with public employes and union employees and Collective Bargaining Agreements, ie., transit systems which have union employees. Don is right, the PERA office should be able to tell you. Try not to say the words "ERISA", it might scare them.

HR Specialist

I am a beneficiary, however, I am an Equal Opportunity/Civil Rights Analyst for a government entity. One our top executives was asking the question and I am merely looking into it for her. Thank you.

System

We're a local government entity and I believe PERS is not covered under ERISA, as with most. With so many recent changes under the law, I agree with the others that you should contact your plan administrator.

Beave

Public entities that I'm aware of are exempt from ERISA but as the others have suggested, you should check your own specific application of it as there are always exceptions to the "norm".