Each new employee of a participating employer becomes a member of OPERS on the first day of the month immediately following the beginning date of employment, provided all three following requirements are met:

The position the employee holds is permanent, not seasonal or temporary; and

The position the employee holds requires at least 1,000 hours work per year (12 months after date of employment); and

The monthly salary of the employee must at least equal the hourly rate of minimum wage for state employees or the minimum wage established by the local government agency.

Employees who meet all three requirements above are eligible for membership. With limited exceptions, membership is a condition of employment and is thus mandatory for all employees who meet the eligibility requirements. The age of an employee is not a factor in determining eligibility for membership. Members of OPERS whose hours worked and/or salary earned falls below eligibililty levels after they have established eligibility in OPERS remain eligible for participation and must continue to participate.

New OPERS members must complete a form to properly enroll in the Plan. To enroll, see your Retirement Coordinator for an OPERS Enrollment Application (form 515-01-00).