The State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) open enrollment period is in progress and will run through Friday, March 1, 2019. Changes made during this time will be effective April 1, 2019.

Current ORP participants will be sent an email with details concerning this enrollment period and an outline of their options. If you do not receive this communication, please contact the Benefits Office at 803-777-6650, and they will be happy to forward it to you.  

During this period, State ORP participants may change vendors, or if eligible, may choose to irrevocably switch to the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS). 

State ORP participants are eligible to change from State ORP to SCRS if they have been enrolled in State ORP for at least 12 months, but no more than 60 months, from their initial enrollment in State ORP (i.e., initial enrollment took place between January 1, 2014 and March 1, 2018). Please note, the next open enrollment period will not take place until January 1, 2020. If you reach 60 months of participation in the State ORP between March 2, 2019 and December 31, 2019 this open enrollment period will be your last opportunity to switch to SCRS.    

For more information about your options during this open enrollment period and how to make changes, please visit the SC Public Employee Benefit Authority’s State ORP website. You will also find resources such as the Select Your Retirement Plan guide and It’s Your Choice: SCRS or State ORP video to help you understand your retirement options.

Posted January 9, 2019
Updated February 22