Short answer: most Colorado PERA members don't pay into Social Security for their PERA job, so PERA takes its place. You can still get Social Security from other work or through a spouse, and your PERA benefit isn't reduced because of it. Your PERA Benefits p. 1, Program Overview; Overview for New Members p. 7, Social Security; Understanding Your Benefit Estimate PDF p. 3, PERA and Social Security
What the sources say
For most members, PERA is a substitute for Social Security; most PERA employers do not participate in Social Security, so you will likely not receive Social Security for PERA-covered work. Your PERA benefit is not affected by Social Security; you may still get Social Security from other covered work or through a spouse. Your PERA Benefits p. 1, Program Overview; Overview for New Members p. 7, Social Security; Understanding Your Benefit Estimate PDF p. 3, PERA and Social Security
PERA says your PERA benefit is not affected by Social Security. For your Social Security benefit itself, contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or ssa.gov. FAQ for Retirees (Colorado PERA), PDF p. 1, Social Security
Medicare
You become eligible for Medicare at 65. Everyone pays a premium for Part B. Most PERA retirees also qualify for premium-free Part A; if you don't, you don't have to buy it if you're enrolled in a PERACare Medicare plan. FAQ for Retirees (Colorado PERA), PDF p. 2, Medicare PERA's PERACare subsidy is up to $115 a month once you're on Medicare; see PERACare.
Disability
If you have 40 or more quarters of work under Social Security, contact Social Security about disability benefits. If you don't have five years of earned PERA service credit, ask your employer what disability coverage it offers. Colorado PERA Disability Program (rev. June 2025), p. 1, Other Disability Coverage
Taxes on both
Colorado excludes up to $20,000 a year of pension income per person at ages 55 to 64, and $24,000 at 65 and over, based on your age on December 31. Survivor benefit recipients qualify at any age. The limit covers PERA, Social Security, other pensions and IRA payments combined. Taxes on PERA Benefits p. 3, Colorado State Income Tax
Saving more
PERA encourages members to save more in the voluntary PERAPlus 401(k) and 457 Plans. The 457 Plan is only for members whose employer has joined it, and a Roth option is available if your employer has adopted it. Overview for New Members PDF p. 8, PERAPlus 401(k)/457 Plans Working longer is the other lever; see one more year.
- For most members, PERA takes the place of Social Security. Most PERA employers don't pay into Social Security, so you likely won't get Social Security for your PERA work.Your PERA Benefits p. 1; Overview for New Members p. 7
- Your PERA benefit isn't reduced by Social Security. You can still get Social Security from other covered work or through a spouse.Overview for New Members p. 7; Understanding Your Benefit Estimate PDF p. 3
Questions
Do Colorado school employees get Social Security?
Most don't for their PERA work. For most members PERA takes the place of Social Security, because most PERA employers don't pay into it. You may still get Social Security from other jobs or through a spouse.
Does Social Security reduce my PERA benefit?
No. Your PERA benefit isn't reduced by Social Security.
Will I get Medicare without Social Security?
PERA says you'll be eligible for Medicare at 65, and most PERA retirees qualify for premium-free Part A. Everyone pays a Part B premium.
Who do I call about my Social Security record?
Social Security, at 800-772-1213 or ssa.gov. PERA doesn't figure Social Security benefits.
Source: Your PERA Benefits: A Summary of the Colorado PERA Defined Benefit Plan, Revised April 2026, p. 1. Also: Overview for New Members p. 7; Understanding Your Benefit Estimate; Taxes on PERA Benefits p. 3. Last reviewed .