Skip to main content

Employer FAQs

What are my contribution rates (employers)? 

Employer contribution rates are established by state law and are determined as a percent of member pay.  

What resources are available to me for support? 

PERA Employer Representatives within PERA’s Benefit Services Division can assist employers with any questions about our electronic contribution reporting system (STARS), salary, and membership. Trainings and workshops are available on a variety of topics. 

PERA’s Member Education staff provide a variety of educational meetings for members and can set up information programs for your employees.  

To find out which PERA Employer and Member Education Representatives are assigned to your organization, use the “PERA Employer Number Search” in the Employer portal

Is PERA required for my employees? 

State law requires PERA membership for those employed by a PERA-affiliated employer in most instances, including full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal, and substitute employees. For exceptions, see page 14 of the Employer Manual. 

Employer Manual
How do I enroll new or transferring employees in PERA? 

Please download and submit a member enrollment file using the STARS portal and choose the “file transfer option” and then select “Agency Communication files” from the dropdown menu.

What do I need to do if an employee is terminated? 

Submit termination information electronically to PERA using the STARS portal. Employers should upload the file once able to accurately certify the final months of payroll contributions for the terminating member(s).

What do my employees need to do when they’re ready to retire? 

Members must apply for their retirement benefit. To begin the process, members should attend a Retirement Process webinar and review the PERA Retirement Application Kit.