**Please refer to the files available for download at the bottom of the web page.
Utah Retirement System Member Resources
Membership Eligibility Requirements (page 17 of URS Employer Guide)
Employees qualify for membership and must be certified eligible if they meet one of the following:
1. Their employment, contemplated to continue during a fiscal or calendar year, normally requires an average of 20 hours or more per week and they receive at least one of the benefits approved by the Retirement Board.
2. They are teachers, including substitutes, who teach half time or more and receive any benefit approved by the Retirement Board.
3. They are in a probationary status and meet eligibility requirements. (Probationary employees who meet eligibility requirements must be certified immediately.)
4. They perform services through an employee leasing or similar arrangement and they meet eligibility requirements, unless they are being paid through the leasing company rather than the employer’s payroll.
Classified school employees who were hired prior to July 1, 2013, and who have met eligibility requirements with their current employer before that date, maintain their status until separation from their current employment. However, if the employee returns to work on or after July 1, 2013, with either the same or a different participating employer, or if the employee was previously certified as ineligible, both the 20 hour average work week and the receiving benefit(s) criteria must be met for eligibility. Remember, if an employee returns to work for the same employer within 120 days of separation, URS does not consider the employee separated from employment.
Ineligibility Status
This status applies when:
An employee has a change in status and no longer qualifies for retirement coverage.
A part- time employee’s hours drop below an average of 20 hours per week; measured over either a school or calendar year’s time, or if teachers teach less than half time.
The employee is hired as a substitute, working less than 20 hours per week or will not be receiving benefits.
The employer uses an employment agency to fill positions.
A new hire is determined temporary or seasonal (not probationary).
The employer uses our 457 plan in lieu of Social Security.
The employee doesn’t qualify for retirement coverage, but wishes to participate in the URS Defined Contribution Savings
Plans.
.