PSERS - Harrisburg, PA

Public School Employees' Retirement System

Agency Overview

The Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS), headquartered in Harrisburg, is an independent administrative board of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Established in 1917, PSERS partners with the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Governor, and school employers to administer the pension plan for public school employees. It is one of the largest public employee retirement systems in the nation, serving hundreds of thousands of active and retired members.

Member Services

The Harrisburg headquarters serves as the primary operational center for the system. Members visit or contact this office for assistance with:

• Retirement Counseling: Personalized sessions to discuss retirement options, estimate benefits, and complete retirement applications (appointments are strongly recommended).
• Benefit Processing: Management of pension payments, disability benefits, and death benefits.
• Health Options: Administration of the Health Options Program (HOP) for retirees and their dependents.
• Account Management: Assistance with the Member Self-Service (MSS) online portal, where members can view account details and update beneficiary information.

Digital Access

PSERS encourages members to utilize the Member Self-Service (MSS) Portal for most routine transactions. Through this secure platform, members can generate retirement estimates, view their account balances, and download tax documents (1099-R) without needing to visit the office physically. This digital-first approach ensures faster service and greater convenience for school employees across the state.

Visiting the Headquarters

Located on North 5th Street, near the Harrisburg Transportation Center, the PSERS building is easily accessible by public transit. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entry. While walk-ins are accepted for general inquiries, scheduling an appointment ensures that a retirement counselor is available to address specific case details.