Creditable Service

Definition: Creditable service is the number of years and completed months of eligible service during which a member receives compensation, beginning on the first day of the month following employment.

Reemployment: A member may combine service once the member accrues five years of continuous creditable service following reemployment. Various ordinances may apply allowing a member to combine service sooner.

Family Medical Leave: Creditable service is granted for eligibility purposes when on an approved Family Medical Leave.

Non-Family Medical Leave: Creditable service is not granted.

Military Service: Military service is included in creditable service if a member enters the service directly from the job and returns to employment within 90 days after being discharged. Creditable service if on approved leave is limited to 2 years, except in time of war there is no limit.

Sick Leave: Sick leave balance is converted to creditable service if a member is eligible for retirement at time of termination of employment and has not been otherwise compensated for sick leave. Sick leave balance does not affect creditable service if a member is not eligible for retirement at time of termination of employment. A member may use sick leave balance to qualify for retirement.

Sick leave balances for pension calculation purposes may not exceed a Member's sick leave balance as of the pay period ending July 17, 2010 (less time used). Persons who become Members after July 17, 2010 shall not be entitled to use sick leave balances in their pension benefit calculations.

Prior Employment under Another Retirement Plan: A member may receive creditable service for prior employment covered under another retirement plan if the member is vested in the City Retirement System. A member may purchase service credit for prior non-federal, public sector employment in the state of Missouri by using the member's own money and/or using the value of the member's retirement benefit in the prior retirement plan, if that plan has an agreement with the City.