Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
As a county employee, you're required to take part in the retirement savings plan managed by the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).
Money comes out of your paycheck pre-tax and the county contributes a separate amount. When you retire, you get a monthly payment for the rest of your life based on your age, earnings and years of service.
You automatically become a member of PERA and don't have to do anything to create an account.
Paycheck deductions and county contributions happen automatically:
- Most employees: 6.5% gross salary / 7.5% county contribution (14% total)
- Correctional employees: 5.83% gross salary / 8.75% county contribution (14.58% total)
- Police and fire employees: 10.8% gross salary/ 16.2% county contribution (27% total)
You can't withdraw the money from the PERA plan while still employed by the county. If you leave the county before you retire, you can either get a refund of what you paid in plus interest or leave the money in. A refund doesn't include the county's contribution.
Some employees aren't allowed to take part in the PERA plan based on their job status.
PERA offers retirement conferences and workshops. Find more about PERA retirement education.
PERA contact
651-296-7460
PERA website
Health care savings plan for certain employee groups
Certain employee groups (union and nonunion) are required to enroll in the health care savings plan and enrollment is automatic. Money comes out of your paycheck pre-tax to pay for post-employment health care premiums and other costs. The money covers costs for you, your spouse, children up to age 26 and any dependents.
Health care savings plan employee groups (PDF)
Health care savings plan contact
Minnesota State Retirement System
651-296-2761 or 1-800-657-5757
Minnesota State Retirement System
1% supplemental retirement plan (closed to new enrollees in 1982)
This plan only applies to employees hired or re-hired before April 14, 1982 who qualified and chose to take part in this plan. Enrollment closed April 14, 1982.
The plan administrator is Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS). To request a hardship withdrawal, contact MSRS.
1% supplemental retirement plan web page
1% supplemental retirement plan contact
Minnesota State Retirement System
651-296-2761 or 1-800-657-5757
Minnesota State Retirement System