Kentucky Educators Vest in KTRS After 5 Years as Liggins' 2021 Start Date Draws Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · WKYT · Jul 1
Kentucky Educators Vest in KTRS After 5 Years as Liggins' 2021 Start Date Draws Scrutiny
1 articles · Updated · WKYT · Jul 1
Summary
Five years of Kentucky public-school service generally vests KTRS members, securing a pension benefit even if they leave employment before retirement.
Tier 3 rules apply to Demetrus Liggins because his contract start date was July 26, 2021; that tier covers members who entered from July 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2021.
Age 60 and five years of service let Tier 3 members draw funds without penalty, while 27 years of contributions allows withdrawal at any age; earlier withdrawals can trigger IRS penalties.
A 2002 Kentucky law adds a key limit: employees convicted of a felony tied to their job forfeit retirement benefits and receive only their contributions back, plus interest.