The Episcopal Church Lay Employees' Retirement Plan
You are vested in the defined benefit pension plan when you complete five years of service or reach age 55, whichever comes first.
If your job ends before you are vested, you forfeit your benefits. However, if you leave after five years of service or you are at least age 55, you are entitled to a benefit when you retire.
Returning to work- If you are vested when you leave your job, and you go back to work for an employer who participates in the plan, you will receive credit for all of your prior service.
- If you are not vested when you leave, but return to work within fewer years than you had served in the job, you will also receive credit for prior service.
- If you are not vested when you leave and are absent for longer than you worked, you will not receive credit for your prior service.
Temporary absence is not termination. If you are temporarily absent because of illness, accident, military service, or authorized leave of absence, you will continue to be a member of the plan unless your employment is terminated.