Active Member Frequently Asked Questions

No. Because MERS is a defined benefit plan, contributions are not available for withdrawals until termination of employment.

Information changes can be made online through the Member Self Service Portal. Alternatively, you may submit a signed letter or the Personal Information Update Form for name, address, or marital-status changes or the Beneficiary Designation Form for beneficiary changes. For security reasons, changes are not made based on a phone call.

Member Self Service Portal Personal Information Update Form Beneficiary Designation Form

Contribution statements are mailed annually during July and August. Members may also access available statements through Member Self Service or submit a Request for Contribution Balance Form.

Member Self Service Portal Request for Contribution Balance Form

Member Self Service can calculate preliminary estimates using MERS account data. When within three years of retirement or DROP eligibility a member may submit the Request for Retirement / DROP Estimate. MERS estimates generally take two to four weeks.
*Be sure to use the 1st of a month, as your date of retirement.

Member Self Service Estimate Request Form

Eligibility depends on Plan, Tier, age, and service credit. Actuarially Reduced Early Retirement does not qualify for DROP.

View Eligibility Requirements

Yes. Louisiana community-property laws may apply to benefits accrued during marriage.

Community Property Information

Request an estimate in advance, contact a Retirement Analyst with questions, and work with your employer's MERS contact to complete the applicable retirement or DROP application.