Retirees can return to service in day-to-day substitute positions
The Public School Employment Retirees System (PSERS) has issued information reminding retirees that they can fill positions such as substitute teachers and bus drivers in a day-to-day substitute capacity without jeopardizing their PSERS pension.
Act 91 of 2021 recognizes the current shortage of personnel in the classroom and makes it easier for PSERS retirees to help in substitute positions through June 30, 2023. For the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, school administrators have flexibility to staff the classrooms, even with PSERS retirees, in the event of a shortage.
Public school employers can receive pre-approval from PSERS to hire PSERS retirees as short-term or long-term substitutes using PSERS’ School Year Approval Process. You can check the PSERS website to see the list of pre-approved schools under the School Year Approval Process and for what positions, including substitutes or transportation drivers.
Retirees may fill a position with pre-approved schools that are on the list without their pension being stopped. PSERS is encouraging all schools to seek pre-approval so that they can hire retirees if needed. Additional information on PSERS retirees returning to work in a different capacity without stopping their pension is in PSERS' Return to Service Exceptions publication.