Average monthly salary (AMS)
The average of your highest 42 consecutive months of salary.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 22More on this →These are the words you'll meet in PERSI letters and on these pages. To put them to work, open PERSI's sample estimate in the calculator, or start with the benefit formula and the Rule of 90.
Base Plan
PERSI's defined benefit pension, paid monthly for life based on salary and service.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 9More on this →Choice 401(k) Plan
PERSI's voluntary defined contribution savings plan.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 13More on this →Contingent annuitant (CA)
The person you name to receive a monthly benefit for life after your death under Options 1, 2, 4a or 4b.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 27More on this →Credited service
Months you have worked in PERSI-covered jobs (15 days or more in a month), plus any service bought.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 10More on this →Date of last contribution (DLC)
Your last day of PERSI-covered pay; the law in effect then sets your formula.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 22; Purchasing Base Plan Service flyerMore on this →Double death benefit
If a vested member who was active on or after July 1, 1999 dies before retiring, the death benefit is two times the account balance.
Death Benefits flyer (Nov. 2021)More on this →General member
A PERSI member who is not a police officer or firefighter. Teachers are general members.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 9; Purchasing Base Plan Service flyerMore on this →Inactive member
A member who has ended all employment with PERSI employers. Only inactive members can take a separation benefit; part-time, contract or leased work, or a leave of absence, doesn't count as inactive.
Withdrawing Funds flyer (Nov. 2021)More on this →PAA (Postretirement Allowance Adjustment)
PERSI's yearly cost-of-living increase, effective March 1.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 52; PERSI ACFR 2024 p. 9More on this →PEBES
The Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement from the Social Security Administration. PERSI needs one, based on your PERSI end date with zero future earnings, to figure Options 3, 4a and 4b.
Member Handbook (2019), PDF page 29; Member Handbook (2019), p. 54More on this →PERSI
The Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, the pension plan for most Idaho public employees, including teachers.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 4More on this →Purchase of service
Buying up to 48 extra months of Base Plan service at full actuarial cost, paid in the 90 days before you retire. Only vested members can buy.
Purchasing Base Plan Service flyer (undated)More on this →RS-322
The tax withholding form named in PERSI's 2019 handbook, used at retirement to set federal and, if you want it, Idaho withholding. PERSI's current Taxes page instead lists the federal W-4P and a State of Idaho Tax Withholding Form.
Member Handbook (2019), pp. 50-51, 53-54; PERSI Taxes / 1099-R web pageMore on this →Rule of 90
Retiring unreduced before 65 when age plus service equal 90 (at least 55 and vested).
Member Handbook (2019), p. 23More on this →Separation benefit
A lump-sum refund of your contributions plus interest when you leave PERSI employment.
Withdrawing Funds flyer (Nov. 2021)More on this →Sick leave account
For eligible school employees, half of unused sick leave converted to dollars at retirement, which PERSI uses to pay qualifying retiree insurance premiums.
Using Sick Leave: School District Retirees flyer; Member Handbook (2019), pp. 48-49More on this →SSFRA
Social Security full retirement age, 66 or 67 for most people working now, depending on birth year.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 26More on this →Vested
Having 60 months of service, which earns a right to a lifetime benefit.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 10More on this →Source: PERSI Member Handbook, Handbook revision July 2019, pp. 4, 9, 10, 13, 22, 23, 26, 27, 48-49, 50-51, 52, 53-54. Also: PERSI Purchasing Base Plan Service flyer; PERSI Death Benefits flyer (Nov. 2021); PERSI Withdrawing Funds flyer (Nov. 2021); PERSI ACFR (FY2024); PERSI taxes page; PERSI Using Sick Leave flyer. Last reviewed .