Become a participating employer

PEBA provides affordable and comprehensive insurance and retirement benefits. More than 850 employer groups participate in one or both benefits. Employers include state agencies, public school districts and public institutions of higher education. They also include optional employers, like counties and municipalities.

Insurance benefits

The Optional Employer Handbookexternal link, opens in a new tab will help you learn about the program and eligibility requirements; understand the requirements and conditions for participation; and find out more about the steps required to enroll in the program. If your entity is interested in joining the state insurance benefits program, the first step is to complete the Optional Employer Eligibility Determination Requestexternal link, opens in a new tab and submit it to PEBA at least six months before your desired effective date for insurance coverage. It’s important to note that optional employers are subject to experience rating of health premiumsexternal link, opens in a new tab.

For charter schools that are interested in joining the state insurance benefits program, the Charter School Handbookexternal link, opens in a new tab will help you learn about the program and eligibility requirements; understand the requirements and conditions for participation; and find out more about the steps required to enroll in the program. If your charter school is interested in joining, the first step is to complete the Charter School Eligibility Determination Requestexternal link, opens in a new tab and submit it to PEBA at least six months before your desired effective date for insurance coverage.

Retirement benefits

The Becoming a Participating Employer flyerexternal link, opens in a new tab will help you understand what retirement benefits are available, as well as costs and participation requirements. If your entity is interested in joining the South Carolina Retirement System or Police Officers Retirement System, the first step is to complete an Employer Eligibility Determination Requestexternal link, opens in a new tab (Form 6500).

Deferred Compensation Program

Empower Retirement administers this program on behalf of PEBA. Contact Nancy Ornduff at 803.317.9249 or nancy.ornduff@empower-retirement.com to learn more about participating in Deferred Comp.