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Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS-DBRP)

Montana Codes Annotated Title 19, chapters 2 & 3

The PERS-DBRP is a multiple-employer, cost-sharing plan established July 1, 1945, and governed by Title 19, chapters 2 & 3, Montana Code Annotated (MCA). This plan covers the State, university system, local governments and certain employees of the school districts. The PERS-DBRP provides retirement, disability and death benefits to plan members and their beneficiaries. Benefits are established by state law and can only be amended by the Legislature. Benefits are based on eligibility, years of service and highest average compensation. Member rights are vested after five years of service. A brief summary of eligibility and benefits follows:

PERS Summary of Benefits
Highest Average Compensation (HAC) Highest consecutive 36 months
Years of Service required
and/or
Age eligible for benefit
  • 30 years any age
  • Age 65 regardless of years of service
  • Age 60 with 5 years of service
  • Age 50 with 5 years of service or 25 years of service - actuarially reduced
Vesting 5 years
Monthly Benefit Formula 1.785% of HAC per year of service.
2% of HAC, if 25 years of membership service or more.
Guaranteed Annual Benefit Adjustment (GABA) After the member has completed 12 full months of retirement, the member's
benefit increases by the applicable percentage (provided below) each January, inclusive of all other adjustments to the member's benefit.
  • 3% for members hired before July 1, 2007
  • 1.5% for members hired on or after July 1, 2007

PERS Contribution Rates
  Member Employer State
State/University 6.90% 7.035%  
Local Governments 6.90% 6.935% 0.10%