Required Membership

A newly hired employee is required to become a contributing member of LGERS, as a condition of employment, on the date he or she is hired if: 

• the employee is employed by a participating LGERS employer in a regular position that requires at least 1,000 hours of work in a calendar year.

The employee will not be a contributing member of LGERS if:

• his or her work is considered “temporary employment,” meaning employment for a limited term which does not exceed 12 consecutive months on a non-recurring basis for an LGERS employer, or 
• “statutorily required interim employment,” meaning employment as an interim city or county manager for a period that does not exceed 12 months on a non-recurring basis. 

Any newly hired employee should be enrolled as a member of LGERS using the enrollment process. Membership is effective on the first day of employment.

Law Enforcement Officer Membership

A newly hired law enforcement officer (LEO) is required to become a contributing member of LGERS on the date he or she is hired. These members are eligible for the additional benefits that are provided to a LGERS LEO, if he or she meets all of the following conditions:

• Be a permanent, full-time paid employee of a local government employer
• Possess the power of arrest
• Have taken the law enforcement oath administered under the authority of the state as prescribed by General Statutes section 11-11
• Be certified as a LEO under the provisions of Chapter 17C of the General Statutes or certified as a deputy sheriff under the provisions of Chapter 17E of the General Statutes

“Law Enforcement Officer” also means the sheriff of each county. In addition, the number of paid personnel employed as LEOs by a law enforcement agency may not exceed the number of law enforcement positions approved by the applicable local governing board. 

In many cases, an employee may perform ancillary duties which fall within the boundaries of the definition of a LEO. However, it is the employee’s primary duties that qualify him or her for LEO benefits. In order for employees to receive all the benefits they are eligible to receive, it is very important that the employees are properly reported to the Retirement Systems Division.

Employees Not Eligible for Membership

A new employee is NOT eligible to become a contributing member if he or she is:

• An agricultural extension service employee who is a member of the Federal Employees’ Retirement System
• Any other person whose employment requires less service than described under “Required Membership”