Even if members’ active NHRS membership ends before they are eligible to retire, they may be entitled to a Vested Deferred Retirement pension from NHRS in the future under the following conditions:

• The member has a minimum of 10 years of creditable service when the member terminates active membership; AND
• The member does not withdraw his/her accumulated contributions from NHRS. (A member’s accumulated contributions refer to the sum of all mandatory NHRS contributions deducted from a member’s compensation, any additional contributions and any contributions made by a member for purchases of service credit, plus credited interest.)

Group I – Employee and Teacher Members

Eligibility – Vested Deferred Retirement
Vested members who occupied a teacher or employee position and meet the conditions listed above will be eligible to receive a Vested Deferred Retirement pension at age 60, or an Early Service Retirement pension commencing between the ages of 50 and 59.
Pension Calculation
The benefit will be computed using the Group I Service Retirement pension formula when a member’s Vested Deferred Retirement pension begins at age 60 or older.
The benefit will be computed using the Early Service Retirement pension formula when a member’s Vested Deferred Retirement pension begins at ages 50 through 59.

Group II – Firefighter and Police Officer Members

Eligibility – Vested Deferred Retirement
Vested members who occupied a firefighter or police officer position and meet the conditions listed above will be eligible to receive a Vested Deferred Retirement pension at the earlier of age 60 OR when they would have completed 20 years of Group II service, but not before age 45. If the Group II members have already completed 20 years of creditable Group II service, their pension may begin at or after age 45.
Pension Calculation
The benefit will be computed using the Group II Service Retirement pension formula.

Split Benefits – Service in Both Group I and Group II

Different provisions may apply to members with Split Benefits. Contact NHRS to speak with a benefits specialist.

Filing for Vested Deferred Retirement
Vested Deferred Retirement pensions do not begin automatically. In order to receive a Vested Deferred Retirement pension, members must file for benefits. NOTE: Unlike Service and Early Service Retirement, members do not need to be active members when they file for Vested Deferred Retirement.

Death of Members Who Are Not in Active Service
If a member’s death occurs after active NHRS membership ends and before the member receives a pension, then only a refund of the member’s accumulated contributions will be payable to the member’s designated beneficiary(ies) or estate.

Benefits for Beneficiaries after a Retiree’s Death
Benefit Payments
COLAs
Electronic Direct Deposit
Health Insurance after Retirement
On-line Benefit Calculator
Pension Checks
Tax Implications
Working after Retirement