Frequently Asked Questions during COVID-19
The Employees’ Retirement System is providing answers to some frequently asked questions received from the membership during the COVID-19 pandemic. ERS offices are located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island and are open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except State Holidays.
For answers to these questions, see Frequently Asked Questions during COVID-19
Q: During the COVID-19 situation, can I borrow upon or withdraw my Employees’ Retirement System contributions?
Q: What should I know about my ERS benefits if I am no longer employed by the state or county? (i.e. unused sick leave, years of service, retirement contributions, etc.)
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to retire?
Q: How can I calculate an estimate of my retirement benefit?
Q: What are the deadlines for filing for retirement?
Q: What are some of the proof-of-age document requirement changes during COVID-19?
Q: I recently retired, but because of COVID-19 can I change my retirement option and beneficiary?
The ERS call center can be reached at 808- 586-1735, or by email: [email protected]. Full contact information: https://ers.ehawaii.gov/resources/contact-us.
For the latest information on ERS office-visit procedures, please see the message at the top of our website (www.ers.ehawaii.gov).
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Medicare is once again charging different Medicare Part B Premiums for 2021.
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Q: How does the CARES Act apply to distributions from the ERS?
A: Because the ERS is a defined benefit pension plan, the CARES Act did not permit the ERS to make special distributions (or withdrawals) available to ERS members while they were employed. See IRS Notice 2020-50 (first full paragraph on page 8). However, retirees and members who received normal distributions in 2020 and were adversely affected by COVID-19 may be eligible to elect favorable tax treatment (e.g., inclusion in income over 3 years and no 10% penalty tax for early distributions) when they file their individual income tax returns for 2020. Please refer to IRS Form 8915-E and your personal tax advisor/preparer.
Visit the ERS Retiree FAQ page for more information.
- Form 1099-R
- The ERS will be mailing your Form 1099-R to your home address by Jan. 31st if you received benefits.
- Pension Payment Schedule
- Pension Forms
