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Types of Service Credit

Each type of service credit has its own eligibility rules, special conditions, costs, and application procedure. In this section of the site, we provide those details about each service credit type. We also provide a summary chart below.

It is not uncommon for members to have a number of service credit purchase or transfer options. If this is your situation, contact the Michigan Office of Retirement Services, and a representative will explain the ramifications of each so that you can make an informed choice that best meets your needs.

A note about costs.

Depending on the type of service credit, the cost may be based on a flat percentage rate, an actuarial rate, or a combination of contributions and interest. Where possible, we give you details and examples so you can estimate your cost. You can always get an actual cost by following the steps under How to Purchase.

Service Credit Costs and Limits

Universal buy-in (UBI) - Anyone can buy

Cost:

Actuarial Cost

Limit:

5 years reduced by purchases of credit types eliminated from law as of Aug. 1, 1998.

Other governmental

Cost:

Actuarial Cost

Limit:

  • 5 years.
  • No more than 10 years total of any combination of universal buy-in; parental leave; city, county, township, or village service in Michigan; and other state or federal government service credit.

Parental leave

Cost:

Actuarial Cost

Limit:

  • 5 years.
  • No more than 10 years total of any combination of universal buy-in; parental leave; city, county, township, or village service in Michigan; and other state or federal government service credit.

Active-duty military service

Cost:

  • Intervening: No charge.
  • Nonintervening: 5% of highest previous fiscal year salary.

Limit:

5 years.

University service

Cost:

  • Pre-1974: Contributions that would have been made on wages earned, plus interest.
  • Post-1974: No charge.

Limit:

No limit.

Michigan public school service

Cost:

  • Pre-1974: Contributions that would have been made on wages earned, plus interest.
  • Post-1974: No charge.

Limit:

No limit.

Court of record

Cost:

Refunded contributions, plus interest (No charge if contributions not refunded).

Limit:

No limit.

Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) of 1973

Cost:

No cost to member.

Limit:

No limit.

Enlisted state police officer

Cost:

  • Pre-1974: Refunded contributions, plus interest
  • Post-1974: No charge

Limit:

No limit.

County social welfare agency

Cost:

$50 per month/$600 per year

Limit:

No limit.