Retirement Q & A: Retiring Early and Returning to Work

A: The stipulation for using the 2008 ERF states that, “If you retire using the 2008 ERF, and have not reached age 65, you cannot work in any capacity for a DRS covered employer and continue to receive your benefit. Once you reach age 65, you can return to work under the retiree return-to-work rules. You are then allowed to work up to 867 hours in a calendar year without affecting your benefit and according to DRS, time spent as a substitute is often not considered eligible to count against the 867-hour cap.” Read more from the DRS about returning to work.