FAQ-Returning to Work

APERS recognizes that as a retiree, you may wish to return to work. We encourage you to make the decision that is right for you.

If you do choose to return to work, please make sure this decision doesn’t impact on your retirement benefits. APERS strongly encourages you to contact us prior to returning to work for an APERS covered employer.

Regular Retirement

Can I return to work for an APERS-Covered Employer?

Yes, if you meet certain requirements:

• Retired before 07/01/2009, can go back to work after 30 days.
• Retired on or after 07/01/2009, can go back to work after 180 days.

DROP Retirement

Can I return to work for an APERS-Covered Employer?

Yes. All prior restrictions to returning to work for DROP participants have been removed as of January 1, 2018. DROP participants are now subject to the same restrictions as regular retirees. When members exit the DROP and enter retirement they must observe all termination retirements before returning to work for a participating employer. DROP participants returning to work cannot re-enter the retirement system, earn service credit, or increase their benefits.

Disability Retirement

Can I return to work for an APERS-Covered Employer?

No. You cannot return to work for an APERS-Covered Employer.

Benefits will cease immediately should a member return to work for an APERS employer prior to turning 65.

Returning to work with a non APERS-Covered Employer can jeopardize your disability benefits, if earnings are in excess of the substantial gainful earnings limit.

Elected Official Retirement

Can I return to work for an APERS-Covered Employer?

Yes, if you meet certain requirements:

• Retired on/before 06/30/2009, can go back to work after 90 days.
• Retired between 07/01/2009 and 03/31/2011, can go back to work after 180 days.
• Retired on/after 04/01/2011, can go back to work after 1 year.

Note: Act 378 of 2013 prohibits any county elected officer who resigns during a term in office from appointment to any county elective office during the term for which he or she resigned.