Alaska Employee Retirement Agreement, also known as the Alaska Employee Retirement Plan (PEERS), is a comprehensive retirement program offered to eligible employees in the state of Alaska. It is designed to provide financial security and retirement benefits to public sector employees, ensuring a comfortable and stable post-employment life. The Alaska Employee Retirement Agreement encompasses various types of retirement plans, tailored to meet the diverse needs of different public employees. These plans include: 1. The Defined Benefit Plan: This is the most common type of retirement plan offered under the Alaska Employee Retirement Agreement. It guarantees a specified monthly benefit at retirement, depending on factors such as years of service, average salary, and age at retirement. Employees contribute a portion of their salary towards the plan, which is then matched by the employer. 2. The Defined Contribution Plan: This plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary towards a retirement account, with the employer also contributing. The final retirement benefit is determined by the amount contributed and investment returns. The employee bears the investment risks and has the flexibility to choose from various investment options. 3. The Hybrid Plan: As the name suggests, the Hybrid Plan combines elements of both the Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans. It offers a guaranteed retirement benefit alongside a supplemental defined contribution account. This plan provides a balance between the security of a defined benefit and the potential growth through investments. 4. The Voluntary Additional Contributions Plan: In addition to the standard retirement plans, Alaska Employee Retirement Agreement allows employees to make voluntary additional contributions towards their retirement. This option permits employees to contribute more than the mandatory amount, potentially boosting their retirement benefits. The Alaska Employee Retirement Agreement comes with a range of additional benefits such as health insurance coverage, cost-of-living adjustments, survivor and disability benefits, and flexible retirement options. The eligibility criteria and specific details of the agreement may vary depending on the employee's position, years of service, and other factors. It is crucial for every Alaska public sector employee to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of the Alaska Employee Retirement Agreement to plan their retirement effectively. Consulting with retirement counselors provided by the state and reviewing official documentation will provide a comprehensive understanding of the various retirement plans and benefits available under the agreement.