State of Delaware Office of Pensions
Whether you are several years from retirement or ready to make that decision, here is a quick guide to take you through the process.
Path to Retirement
The below information pertains to retirees working for State of Delaware organizations only. Retirees working in private industry are not under any earnings or hourly limitations.
Retirees working for private companies that contract with State of Delaware organizations click the “Learn more” link below for specific requirements.
Retirees of pension plans administered by the Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System (DPERS) are limited in their ability to return to work for an organization while continuing to receive a monthly pension. These limitations are the result of 2012 changes in both the Delaware Code and DPERS rules and regulations to ensure compliance with the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which allows DPERS to maintain its defined benefit plan status.
Retirees who fail to comply with the return to work criteria will have their monthly pension suspended. In addition, the retiree may have to repay any monthly pension benefits paid for any month the retiree did not meet the requirements.
Generally speaking, a retiree cannot receive a monthly pension in any month while working in a pension-covered position for an employer that participates in the retiree’s pension plan. In addition, retirees who are younger than age 65 at retirement must have a six month break from employment before working for any organization that participates in the pension plan from which he/she retired.
The rules also cover the types of work retirees can do when returning to work as casual/seasonal, temporary, or substitute employees.
Employees within 1-2 years of retirement should consider attending a Retirement Group Counseling session.
Retirement Group Counseling session can be viewed at the presentation using the link below.
Learn more Winter 2024 Retiree Newsletter
Find out what's new for the Delaware Retirement System. Read about it here.