Active members

Enroll, keep your record current and build the service credit behind your benefit.

Joining the Fund

Membership is mandatory for each sheriff and deputy, and for other eligible employees, who are age 18 or older and meet the minimum monthly salary. If you were hired on or after January 1, 2013, that minimum is $1,000.

Complete enrollment within six months of your hire date. If you don’t, you’re placed in limited membership: you still vest for regular retirement, but disability vesting doesn’t start until enrollment is done.

Limited status can affect a future disability claim. Read the limited membership notice.

Your enrollment checklist

Member Enrollment FormComplete it and provide a copy of your Social Security card.
Medical HistoryComplete and notarize Part A of the Examination Form, then take it to the examining physician.
Physical examHave the exam and lab tests done, and have the physician complete Part B.
Enrollment AffidavitCertify that you understand the deadline for finishing enrollment.

Get the enrollment forms

Life changes

Tell the Fund directly when something changes, even if your sheriff’s office already knows.

You moved

Send a signed Change of Address Form by mail, fax or email so you keep getting your annual statement.

Your family changed

A Designation of Beneficiary isn’t required while you work, but it’s recommended in case of death before retirement.

You’re divorcing

A former spouse may have a claim to your benefit. Address the Fund in your Partition of Community Property to avoid delays. See the handbook.

You changed parishes

Transferring between sheriffs’ offices doesn’t qualify you for a refund. With a break under 90 days and no refund, you don’t need a new physical.

You’re called to active duty

Federal and state law protect your service credit. Talk to a Membership Analyst before you leave. See military service.

You’re leaving

You can leave contributions on deposit or request a refund after 30 calendar days. A refund cancels all rights in the Fund, so read the refund rules first.

Adding service credit

More creditable service can mean a higher benefit or an earlier retirement date. A Membership Analyst can price each option for you.

Payment is one lump sum, from your own funds or by rollover from an eligible plan.

Repay a refund

Restore service you lost when you took a refund of contributions. Application

Purchase prior service

Buy eligible earlier service in a sheriff’s office. Application

Purchase military service

You may buy up to four years of regular or non-regular military service. Application

Purchase out-of-state service

Buy eligible law enforcement service from outside Louisiana. Application

Purchase permissive service credit

With at least 12 years of creditable service, buy service in full-month increments of up to five years. The request accompanies your retirement application. Application

Transfer from another Louisiana system

You need 12 months of current earnings in this Fund before a transfer can be priced. Federal service can’t transfer. Application

If you leave before retiring

With at least 12 years of service you’re vested, and you can draw a deferred benefit later if you leave your contributions in the Fund.

If you’d rather take a refund, you get your employee contributions only. Employer contributions and interest aren’t paid.

Get the refund packet

Before you request a refund

You must be separated from all sheriff’s office employment for at least 30 calendar days.
You can’t get a refund when you transfer to another parish.
A refund cancels your service credit. Partial refunds aren’t permitted.
If you’re married, your spouse must also sign the application.
Refunds can have federal tax consequences. Read the Special Tax Notice.