State Retirement and Pension System - Alterations and Clarifications

State police retirement option counts eligible work

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland measures State Police Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) service by years worked in membership-eligible jobs. Members who joined by June 30, 2011, need at least 22 but fewer than 32 years of that work. Those who joined on or after July 1, 2011, need at least 25 but fewer than 32 years. Both groups must be under age 60, except the Secretary of State Police. The Secretary needs the applicable 22 or 25 years, without the stated entry-age or 32-year entry limit. Participation cannot exceed the shortest of four periods: seven years, time remaining to 32 years of eligible work, time remaining to age 60, or the member’s chosen term. The service and age gaps are measured when the member elects to participate.