Hazardous Duty Prior Service

House Bill 1068 allows county deputy sheriffs and jailers to purchase prior service as a county deputy sheriff or jailer at actuarial cost after the law goes into effect November 1, 2024. Service purchased will count toward the 20-year retirement eligibility rule. Once purchased, this service will be calculated using the higher 2.5% computation factor.

Applying for Prior Hazardous Duty Service Credit

The option to purchase this prior service is only available for a limited time.

Deadlines

• The deadline has passed for any county deputy sheriff or jailer who was employed on November 1, 2024.
• If you were previously employed as a county deputy sheriff or jailer and were not employed on November 1, 2024, but rehired at a later date, you must elect to purchase within six (6) months of your rehire date.

Process

1. Complete the Member Request for Service Credit Purchase form.
2. Have each employer with whom you had applicable service complete the Employer Certification of Prior Service form. Copy this link to send to your employer to complete digitally: Employer Certification of Prior Service form (Adobe Sign)
3. Once both forms are received, OPERS will calculate your exact cost.  You will receive the cost in an invoice, along with payment options and the Election to Purchase Service Credit form.
4. Complete the Election to Purchase Service Credit form.  This form must be received by OPERS before the deadline listed above.