Foreword
Preface
List of Tables
Prologue: The Legislative Process
1. An Overview
—The Scope of the Systems' Coverage
—Control of Public Systems
—The Need to Know Costs
—The Funding Question
—Plan of the Book
2. The Systems and Their Membership
—Retirement Systems
—Advantages of Conglomeration
—Disadvantages of Conglomeration
—Political Conclusions
—Qualifying for Membership
—Employment Status
—Age or Service Requirements
—Reemployment
—Employee Contributions
—Advantages of Contributory Systems
—Disadvantages of Contributory Systems
—Level of Contributions
—Interest Credited on Employee Contributions
3. Normal Retirement Benefits
—Types of Benefit Formulas
—Defined Contribution Versus Defined Benefit
—Career Average versus Final Salary
—Annuity Conversion Rates
—Benefit Entitlement
—Age Requirements
—Service Requirements
—Compulsory Retirement
