The 2.5% Step-Up Program allows members to increase their retirement benefits by paying an additional member contribution each pay period. Currently, that additional contribution is 2.91% of your compensation and is subject to change.
The additional Step-Up contributions are used to increase the computation factor when benefits are calculated. The standard retirement benefit calculation for most OPERS members uses a benefit computation factor of 2%. The Step-Up will increase your computation factor to 2.5% on full years of participating service you accrue after your election to participate.
Keep in mind, this election is binding on all future participation in OPERS, including a change in position, a break in service, or returning to OPERS participating employment after retiring or having withdrawn retirement contributions from previous periods of employment.
For more information, download the Step-Up brochure at https://www.opers.ok.gov/publications or give us a call.
This article was first published in the Summer 2012 edition of the Retiring Right newsletter. Click here to view other newsletters. Not receiving your newsletter, update your address by completing the Change of Address form.