Enrollment

The enrollment information you provide creates a member account within PERA's computer system. This important demographic data includes member name, Social Security number (SSN), birth date, address, and eligibility date.

PERA’s actuary uses the data provided to develop long-term financing strategies that help PERA ensure it has sufficient financial assets to pay pensions to future and current benefit recipients.

Under Minnesota law, enrollment data must be submitted to PERA prior to, or along with, the first contribution submitted for the employee. Employers submit enrollment information using one of three options below:

  1. Enroll Member module: manual data entry through PERA’s Employer Reporting Information System (ERIS) online portal.
  2. Demographic File: upload a properly formatted fixed length text file saved with specific extension (.sdr). The file format specifications are available in Chapter 9 of the Employer Manual. Contact PERA’s Employer Representatives for more information.
  3. Paper Enrollment Forms: required for all Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) participants. Individuals newly eligible for optional PERA membership with an employer must sign the Membership Election Form within 30 days of their first day of work. The form must be received by PERA within 60 days of their first day of work.

Defined Benefit Plan (DBP) enrollment forms are only accepted from employers who do not have the computer and email capabilities required for ERIS.

Appointed or Hired

Monthly Pay Non-Governing Governing
Over $425 in a Month Mandatory Coordinated Optional DCP
$425 or Less Every Month Optional DCP* Optional DCP

Elected or Appointed to Vacant Elected Positions

Monthly Pay Non-Governing Governing
Over $425 in a Month Mandatory Coordinated Optional DCP
$425 or Less Every Month Optional DCP* Optional DCP

Other Position Eligibility and Required Forms

Position Type Retirement Plan Employer Action Required
Eligible Correctional Plan members under MS Section 353E.02 Subd. 2 Eligible Correctional Plan members under MS Section 353E.02 Subd. 2 Use the Submit Certification button in ERIS or complete and send the Correctional Officer Certification form via ERIS- Transmit File: Secure Document Upload, fax, or mail.
At the employer’s discretion, eligible part-time police officers or fire fighters who meet the requirements in MS Section 353.64, subd. 2 Police and Fire Plan Submit a copy of the governing body resolution via ERIS- Transmit File: Secure Document Upload, fax, or mail. Sample resolutions are available in the Forms section.
City Managers who elect to participate in the DCP or opt out of all PERA coverage, instead of the default Coordinated Plan coverage. Defined Contribution Plan Submit a completed Membership Election by a City Manager form via ERIS- Transmit File: Secure Document Upload, fax, or mail. Available in the Forms section.
Physicians who elect to participate in the DCP instead of the default Coordinated Plan coverage. Defined Contribution Plan Submit a completed Membership Election by a City Manager form via ERIS- Transmit File: Secure Document Upload, fax, or mail. Available in the Forms section.