PERS member who retires with the total lump-sum option and returns to work for a PERS-covered employer within the first six months of his/her retirement date must repay all benefits received if the member returns in a qualified position. A qualified position is one in which the employee works 600 or more hours in a calendar year, beginning the first hour worked. The member is subject to ORS 238.078.
PERS is investigating the effect of returning to work in a non-qualifying position (one of less than 600 hours per year) and whether that would require the member to return his/her total lump-sum benefit.
The total lump sum option precludes the member from returning to work under the 1039 rule (ORS 238.082).
Members who retire under any option other than the total lump-sum option can return to work for a PERS-covered employer under the 1039 rule without having to repay benefits.
You can cancel your retirement up to the date of your first benefit check.
You can change your retirement option up to 60 days after the date of your first benefit payment.
If you are a current or potential rehired PERS retiree who selected the total lump-sum retirement option, contact PERS Customer Service at 888-320-7377 or 503-598-7377.