Your benefit payment amount is based on your age at retirement, plan formula, years of service, and final average salary (FAS). You can only change those last two factors by continuing to work and receiving any raises or promotions for a consecutive 36 months.

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Dear Benefits Boss,

Your benefit payment amount is based on your age at retirement, plan formula, years of service, and final average salary (FAS). You can only change those last two factors by continuing to work and receiving any raises or promotions for a consecutive 36 months.

The best way to prepare for your retirement is to use the Benefit Estimator on your myOCERS portal to anticipate your pension benefit amount upon retirement.

Also, take advantage of any Defined Contribution program (457 (b)) offered through your employer. Your final average salary is incredibly specific to you and your job title — there is no “one size fits all” approach to maximizing your FAS.

Estimate your benefits here: https://www.ocers.org/benefits-calculator.