Ï㽶ӰÊÓ

Click on image to view handbook.

Retirement participation is either mandatory or optional depending on the position and terms of employment with Aiken County Public Schools. For most positions, participation is mandatory with a fixed contribution rate of 9.0%.

You can be a member of the SC Retirement System (SCRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) (TIAA-CREF, Valic, MassMutual or MetLife).

South Carolina Retirement System

The South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) offers the option of a defined benefit plan to all Ï㽶ӰÊÓ employees. Employees are required to contribute at the specified rate 9.0%. Ï㽶ӰÊÓ contributes 19.06%. Employee contributions are on a pre-tax basis. Benefits and vesting rights are defined by the SCRS. Benefits are defined by a retirement formula and is a lifetime benefit. Optional membership is available to bus drivers, temporary employees and substitutes. For details, visit . Enrollment is required within 30 days of the hire date. Employees that do not make an election within 30 days will be defaulted into SCRS.

(hired before July 1, 2012)
(hired after July 1, 2012)

 Optional Retirement Plan

The Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) is another retirement plan option available to all Ï㽶ӰÊÓ employees. The ORP is a defined contribution plan administered by four contracted investment providers. Employees are required to contribute at the state-specified rate of 9%. The District contributes 5% (as defined by the state) to each employee’s account. All contributions are made on a pre-tax basis and immediately vested. For details visit . Enrollment is required within 30 days of the hire date. Employees that do not make an election within 30 days will be defaulted into SCRS.

If you are interested in purchasing a retirement credit, please contact Human Resources.

Social Security/Medicare

When planning for retirement, you should consider your eligibility for social security and Medicare benefits. Information is available on the Social Security Administration’s website.

Any employee of Ï㽶ӰÊÓ is eligible to enroll in South Carolina Retirement.  The SC Retirement System will only provide a percentage of your income at the time you retire.  For information on ways to invest additional pre-tax dollars in a 403b, 401k or 457 plans to supplement your retirement income, please contact Human Resources Benefits Clerk.

 
401(k)/457 Deferred Compensation Enrollment
If you would like to sign up for the State 401k or 457 Plan offered by the , please download an enrollment kit.

Penserv 403B Tax Sheltered Annuities - 1-800-849-4001
(403B notice is in ESS for employees to view)
Empower Retirement 401K and 457 Annuities - 1-855-756-4738