Accumulated Contributions
Everything you paid into NHRS plus credited interest; employer contributions aren't included.
Group I Summaries (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1More on this →Related: the formula, which tier am I?, payment options, and the calculator.
Average Final Compensation (AFC)
The average of your highest three (Tier A) or five (Tiers B, C) years of Earnable Compensation.
Group I Summaries (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1More on this →Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
A raise in the pension. For NHRS it isn't automatic: the Legislature must approve it.
Group I Summaries (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 2, Pension Benefit IncreasesMore on this →Creditable Service
The months and years of service earned as an NHRS member, including purchased service.
Group I Summaries (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1More on this →Earnable Compensation
The pay that can be counted in your Average Final Compensation, such as base pay, overtime, longevity and extracurricular pay. Some end-of-career payments, such as unused sick or vacation pay, count only for Tier A.
NHRS page 'Earnable Compensation'More on this →In service
Both you and your employer are contributing to NHRS and you're earning Creditable Service.
Group I Summary, Tier A (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1, Retirement TermsMaximum Retirement Allowance
The largest pension NHRS pays, for your life only. Survivor options pay less.
NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022), PDF p. 1More on this →Medical Subsidy
A payment NHRS makes to a former employer's health plan for some retirees. Group I members who retired after July 1, 2009 aren't eligible.
NHRS page 'Medical Subsidy'More on this →Pop-up
Under Options 4(A) and 4(B), if your beneficiary dies before you, your pension rises ('pops up') to the Maximum Retirement Allowance.
NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022), PDF p. 1More on this →Recalculation
The drop from 1/60 to 1/66 of AFC per year of service when you reach full Social Security retirement age.
NHRS page 'Service Retirement: Group I Tier A & B', Pension RecalculationMore on this →Retirement
Filing to start a lifetime pension. It isn't the same as leaving your job (termination): you must file an application with NHRS and meet its deadlines.
Group I Summary, Tier A (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1, Retirement TermsMore on this →Rule of 70
Tier A and B members with at least 20 years can retire early before 50 if age plus Creditable Service adds up to 70 or more.
Group I Summary, Tier A (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1, Early RetirementMore on this →Service credit
Service you buy to add to your Creditable Service.
Group I Summary, Tier A (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1, Retirement TermsMore on this →State annuity
The part of the pension paid from employer contributions; member annuity: the part from your own contributions.
RSA 100-A:1, XX-XXIMore on this →Vested
You've earned the right to a future pension, after 10 years of Creditable Service (or, for Tier A, on reaching 60).
Group I Summary, Tier A (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 1, VestingMore on this →Vested deferred retirement
A pension that starts later for a vested member who left NHRS-covered work without taking a refund.
NHRS page 'Vested Deferred Retirement'More on this →Source: NHRS Group I (Employee and Teacher) Member Benefits summaries, Tiers A, B and C, Rev. 10/2024, PDF pp. 1, 2. Also: NHRS member web pages (saved Nov. 12, 2026); NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022); RSA 100-A:1. Last reviewed .