Retirement Office

Duties of the Retirement Office

The Shelby County Government offers its’ employees fully funded and defined benefit retirement plans. It is the responsibility of the Retirement Office to oversee the administration of these plans, while the fiduciary responsibility is that of the Shelby County Board of Trustees. In addition to assisting retirees, the Retirement Office also deals with Shelby County Government employees for retirement.

The Retirement Office has the responsibility of processing the payment of all monthly pension benefits. The total pension payroll for current active retirees as of June 30, 2020, is more than $8 million dollars per month. The Retirement Office also ensures that pre and post 65 retirees enrolled in Shelby County Government’s benefit programs meet all eligibility requirements for health, life, and voluntary insurance benefits. 

The accounting and investment functions for the Retirement System are overseen by the Pension Retirement Manager and Investment Manager for the System. As of June 30, 2020, the System’s Plan Fiduciary Net Position changed from   $1,224,240,111.01 to $1,178,569,154.00

Long-Term Disability Protection

As of January 2002, the disability portion of retirement is managed by an independent long-term disability (LTD) insurance carrier. The Retirement Office assists those applying for disability with the contracted LTD insurance company.

Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Plans

• If you were hired before June 11, 2007, you may be eligible to receive Shelby County Government Retiree Medical and Life Insurance when you initiate your retirement benefit.
•  If you were hired on or after June 11, 2007, and have at least 15 years of service, you may be eligible for a County provided post-65 retiree medical plan benefit upon becoming eligible for Medicare. Life insurance benefits are not available after retirement.

To learn more, email retirement.office@shelbycountytn.gov.

Retirement System Audits & Valuations

The Shelby County Retirement System is audited each fiscal year. The financial statements for the County’s Retirement System must fairly present the plan net assets and any changes to those net assets. Internal control is also tested for compliance with provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and pension plan documents.

In conjunction with the audit, an actuarial valuation of Shelby County Government’s Retirement System is also conducted annually. Participation is contributory for all plans. Shelby County Government makes required contributions to the Pension Fund each year based on the actuarial valuation requirements.