The State Employees' Retirement System is a statewide public employee retirement plan administered by the Office of Retirement Services. The system is a qualified Defined Benefit plan under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, operating under the provisions of Public Act 240 of 1943, as amended (Michigan Compiled Laws 38.1 et seq). The system has two plans, the Defined Benefit plan and the 401(k) Defined Contribution plan. State employees hired on or after March 31, 1997, are enrolled in the 401(k) Defined Contribution plan.

The system covers Civil Service employees as well as appointed officials in the Executive branch and employees of the Legislature and Judiciary. Legislators, sworn State Police officers, and Judges have their own respective retirement system.

As of September 30, 2004, the Defined Benefit plan covered 34,776 active customers and 45,619 retirees and beneficiaries. The 401(k) Defined Contribution plan covered 21,643 active customers and 6,304 non-active and retired customers.

The net assets of the Defined Benefit plan, valued at $9.5 billion as of September 30, 2004, are invested by the Michigan Department of Treasury, Bureau of Investments. In fiscal year 2002, the system paid Defined Benefit retirement pensions totaling $731.0 million.

While the State Employees' Retirement System enrolls retirees and beneficiaries for health, dental, and vision benefits for both Defined Benefit and 401(k) Defined Contribution plan customers, the Michigan Department of Civil Service administers the health benefits program.

The State Employees' Retirement System is housed administratively within the State of Michigan, Department of Management and Budget, Office of Retirement Services. The main office is located near Dimondale, just outside of Lansing. An Outreach office is located in Detroit.