AFC (average final compensation)
The average salary used in the benefit formula, either the High-Three or the High-Five.
ERS Glossary page; ERS Members FAQ pageMore on this →These are the words you'll meet in ERS letters and on these pages. To put them to work, try the Hawaii ERS calculator with our 26-year example, or start with which plan and the formula.
Contributory plan
The original plan, for employees hired before July 1, 1984 who did not switch. You pay contributions, and general employees get 2% (or 1.75%) of AFC a year.
ERS Members FAQ page; Contributory handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3More on this →Credited service
Your prior service plus your membership service, the years used to figure your pension.
ERS Glossary pageEarly retirement
Retiring before the full-benefit age, with a benefit reduced for your age.
ERS Glossary pageMore on this →EUTF
The Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, which runs retiree health coverage separately from ERS.
Holomua Fall 2026, EUTF pageMore on this →Excess pension costs
The anti-spiking rule for members who joined before July 1, 2012. When non-base pay jumps in the AFC years, the last employer pays extra contributions.
ERS Excess Pension Costs page (citing HRS §88-100)More on this →HiDRO (Hawaii Domestic Relations Order)
A court order, qualified by ERS, that gives a former spouse or other alternate payee part of a member's benefit.
ERS Glossary pageHigh-Five
The average of your five highest 12-month periods of base pay. Used if your membership date is after June 30, 2012.
ERS Members FAQ page; Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3More on this →High-Three
The average of your three highest 12-month periods of gross pay, counted across your whole career. Used if your membership date is before July 1, 2012.
ERS Members FAQ page; Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3More on this →Hybrid plan
The plan for most State and County employees hired on or after July 1, 2006. You pay contributions, and the pension is 2% or 1.75% of your AFC for each year of service.
ERS annual report 2024 p. 11; Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3More on this →Insurance reserve
Under Option One, an amount that runs down as you are paid. If you die before it is used up, your beneficiary gets what is left.
Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) pp. 8-9More on this →Maximum Allowance
The highest retirement benefit payable, with no survivor benefit and no refund.
ERS Glossary page; Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 9More on this →Membership date
The date you became a ERS member. It decides whether the before-July 1, 2012 or after-June 30, 2012 rules apply.
Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3More on this →Noncontributory plan
The plan for most employees hired from July 1, 1984 to June 30, 2006 who did not move to Hybrid. You pay no contributions, and the pension is 1.25% of your AFC for each year.
ERS Members FAQ page; Noncontributory handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3More on this →Ordinary death
A death that is not accidental and happens while in service or on authorized leave without pay.
ERS Glossary pageMore on this →Pop-up
With a joint and survivor option, your pension rises to the Maximum Allowance if your beneficiary dies before you.
Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 9More on this →Post retirement allowance
The automatic yearly increase of 2.5% or 1.5% of your original pension.
Hybrid Q&A brochure (2012) Q16More on this →Regular interest
The interest credited on your contributions, 4.5% a year compounded if you became a member before July 1, 2011, or 2% if after June 30, 2011.
ERS Glossary pageMore on this →Retirant
A member who has retired and receives benefits from ERS.
ERS Glossary pageMore on this →Unused sick leave credit
Service added at retirement for sick leave you never used, 60 days or more. It raises the pension but does not help you qualify.
Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 6More on this →Vested (deferred) retirement
The age and service you need to retire after leaving government service before you were eligible.
ERS Glossary pageMore on this →Source: Hawaii ERS Hybrid Retirement Information, October 2026, pp. 3, 6, 8-9, 9. Also: ERS Glossary page; ERS Members FAQ page; Contributory handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3; Holomua Fall 2026; ERS Excess Pension Costs page; ERS annual report 2024 p. 11; Noncontributory handout (Oct. 2026) p. 3; Hybrid Q&A brochure (2012) Q16. Last reviewed .