Credited Service (Service Credit)

Service credit is the number of school years, including partial years you've worked and paid into CalSTRS.

• Earn service credit every day you work.
• Earn service credit on paid leave.
• Earn up to 1.0 service credit each full year you teach.
• Teach a partial year and receive less than 1.0 service credit.

Other Service Credit

Earning more than 1.0 service credit per year is possible. Extra service credit is placed in your Defined Benefit Supplement Account.

For a list and explanation of qualified service credit review the Member Handbook.

Sick Leave Credit

At retirement you can get additional service credit for unused sick leave.

The formula for determining unused sick leave is:

• Accumulated days of unused sick leave ÷ Number of base days for full-time service = Service credit amount granted

For a detailed explanation on credit for unused sick leave, review the Member Handbook.

Retirement Incentive

Retirement Incentive Program

Employers provide this program which:

• Can increase the service credit used in calculating your service retirement benefit.
• Adds two years of service credit to Defined Benefit members who are eligible to retire.

More information on the Retirement Incentive Program is available:

• Member Handbook
• Retirement Incentive Program FAQs

Return to Retirement Benefits Calculator

Online Calculators

Online Calculator Disclaimer