How much does one more year add to an SCRS pension?
Each year adds 1.82% of your AFC to your yearly pension, from the SCRS formula. If you'd otherwise retire early, it also shrinks or removes the early cut, which can be worth more. Monthly, the formula part is:
- $30,000 AFC: about $46 a month more
- $50,000 AFC: about $76 a month more
- $70,000 AFC: about $106 a month more
Class Two: 58 with 26 years
Our example on the handbook's $30,000 AFC (open it in the calculator). At 58 only the 55/25 route is open, cut 4% for each year short of 28.
| Retire | Age | Type | Monthly | vs. now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | 58 | Early 92% | $1,088 | |
| July 1, 2027 | 59 | Early 96% | $1,179 | +$91 |
| July 1, 2028 | 60 | Full | $1,274 | +$186 |
| July 1, 2029 | 61 | Full | $1,320 | +$231 |
| July 1, 2030 | 62 | Full | $1,365 | +$277 |
Class Three: 57 with 28 years
Same AFC. 57 + 28 = 85, so the Rule of 90 is five points away, about two and a half years of work. Early retirement isn't open until 60.
| Retire | Age | Type | Monthly | vs. now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | 57 | Not eligible | — | |
| July 1, 2027 | 58 | Not eligible | — | |
| July 1, 2028 | 59 | Not eligible | — | |
| July 1, 2029 | 60 | Full | $1,411 | |
| July 1, 2030 | 61 | Full | $1,456 |
Our engine, with a year of service added each year and the AFC held at $30,000. Raises would add more. SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 18, Service retirement benefit calculations, Steps 1-4; SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 16, Class Two member: Early retirement (reduced benefit); SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 16, Class Three member: Normal retirement (unreduced benefit)
From the sources
- Each extra year adds 1.82% of your AFC to your yearly benefit, about $46 a month for a $30,000 AFC or $76 a month for $50,000.SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 21, Approximate amount of Option A monthly benefit
- Before full eligibility, a year can also cut the early reduction by 5 points (age route) or 4 points (Class Two 55/25).SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 16
- For Class Three, each year of work adds two points toward the Rule of 90: one for age, one for service.S.C. Code 9-1-10(28A)
- Check with PEBATwo figures in the handbook's benefit table don't match its formula ($445 for $20,000 at 15 years should be $455, and $2,024 for $90,000 at 15 years should be about $2,048).Two cells in the handbook's table don't follow its own formula; we use the formula.SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 21
Questions
How much does one more year add?
1.82% of your AFC a year, before any early cut. On a $50,000 AFC that's about $76 a month.
Why can a year add more than that?
Because it can also shrink or remove the early-retirement cut, and raises usually lift your AFC too.
Does the Rule of 90 move faster?
Yes. Each year you work adds a year of age and a year of service, so you gain two points a year.
Related: buying service credit adds years without working them.
Source: South Carolina Retirement System Member Handbook, Fiscal year 2027 (SCPEBA 082026, expires June 30, 2027), pp. 16, 18, 21. Also: S.C. Code 9-1-10. Last reviewed .