Unused sick leave
Retiring in good standing with at least 60 days of unused sick leave adds service credit: 60 days = 3 months, each further 20 days = 1 month, and a remaining balance of 10 or more days = 1 more month. Sick leave credit raises the benefit but cannot be used to meet any eligibility or vesting requirement. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 6, Unused Sick Leave; HAR §§6-21-10, 6-21-11
| Hours | Days | Service added |
|---|---|---|
| 472 | 59 | none |
| 480 | 60 | 3 months |
| 640 | 80 | 4 months |
| 760 | 95 | 5 months |
| 1,480 | 185 | 9 months |
| 1,600 | 200 | 10 months |
Our calculator's figures at 8 hours a day.
For a member with Noncontributory service, sick leave credit is split if all the sick leave could not have been earned while in the Hybrid plan. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 6
Military service
Up to 4 years of honorable active U.S. military service: 2 years with 8 years of ERS service (hired before June 18, 1996) or 10 years (hired after June 17, 1996), 3 years with 20 years, 4 years with 25 years. Unused sick leave does not count toward these service minimums. Reserve/National Guard service counts only in time of war or declared national or state emergency. Hybrid and Contributory members pay a lump sum set by actuarial determination (age, investment yield rate, retirement age and other assumptions); Noncontributory members, and Hybrid members who were eligible while Noncontributory, get it at no cost. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 2 (citing HRS §88-132.5), pp. 3-5 and p. 7, Q1; Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 5
| Your ERS service | Hired | Military years you can claim |
|---|---|---|
| 9 years | August 1, 1990 | 2 |
| 9 years | August 1, 2000 | none yet |
| 12 years | August 1, 2000 | 2 |
| 22 years | August 1, 2000 | 3 |
| 26 years | August 1, 2000 | 4 |
Our calculator's figures from the booklet's rules. Unused sick leave doesn't count toward these minimums. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 2 (citing HRS §88-132.5), pp. 3-5 and p. 7, Q1; Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 5
- Hybrid, membership before 7/1/2012, age 55, 17 Noncontributory + 13 Hybrid years, AFC $4,000 (no military): $1,890 a month. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 5
- same member with 4 military years (2 free as Noncontributory, 2 bought as Hybrid): $2,150 a month. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 5
- Contributory general employee, 30 years, AFC $4,000 (no military): $2,400 a month. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 3
- same with 4 military years: $2,720 a month. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 3
- Noncontributory, 30 years, AFC $4,000 (no military): $1,500 a month. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 4
- same with 4 military years: $1,700 a month. Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 4
Hybrid and Contributory military purchases are priced by actuarial determination; no factors are published.
What would settle it: ERS cost estimate (Form 1551 claim)Years you can get back free
Previously refunded Contributory service and forfeited non-vested Noncontributory service are acquired at no cost and credited at 1.25%. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 5 Previously refunded Hybrid plan service cannot be acquired. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 5; Leaving Employment, Hybrid (2012) Q8
Other service
Generally, previous State or County service you are not credited with, or a leave of absence without pay for professional improvement. After ERS certifies the service, it gives you the cost (if any) and payment options. Hybrid Q&A brochure (2012) Q8
File a claim before you retire; all purchases must be completed before the retirement date. Deferred compensation or tax-sheltered annuity (403(b)/457) money can be transferred to buy service. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 5, Additional Service Credit
The ERS does not allow any out-of-state service (including out-of-state teaching) for membership service. ERS Members FAQ page, 'Does the ERS provide credit for out-of-state teaching?'
From the sources
- You can claim up to 4 years of active U.S. military service: 2 years after 10 years of service (8 years if hired before June 18, 1996), 3 years after 20 years, and 4 years after 25 years.Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 2
- Hybrid members pay a lump sum for military service, figured actuarially. Military service you could have claimed while in the Noncontributory plan is credited free as Noncontributory service.Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) p. 5
- Previously refunded Contributory service and forfeited non-vested Noncontributory service can be reacquired free and are credited at 1.25%. Claims must be filed and purchases completed before you retire, and 403(b)/457 money can be used.Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 5
- ERS does not credit out-of-state teaching.ERS Members FAQ page
Questions
How much does unused sick leave add?
60 days adds 3 months. Each further 20 days adds a month, and 10 or more days left over adds one more. ERS's example: 1,480 hours = 185 days = 9 months.
Can sick leave help me qualify to retire?
No. It raises your pension, but it can't be used to meet an age, service or vesting rule.
Can I buy military service?
Up to 4 years of active U.S. military service, once you have enough ERS service. Hybrid and Contributory members pay an actuarial cost.
Does ERS credit out-of-state teaching?
No.
Source: Hawaii ERS Hybrid Retirement Information, October 2026, pp. 5, 6. Also: ERS Members FAQ page; Leaving Employment, Hybrid (2012) Q8; Military Service Credit booklet (Oct. 2026) pp. 2, 3, 3-5, 4, 5, 7, Q1; Hybrid Q&A brochure (2012) Q8; HAR §§ 6-21-10, 6-21-11. Last reviewed .