The State provides pensions and post-employment benefits other than pensions (called OPEB which includes health and life insurance benefits) to its retirees. Defined benefit plans provide a pre-determined level of benefits for an uncertain amount of time. In the case of pensions, the State provides specified amounts to retirees until death that is predetermined by a formula based on the individual's earning history. In the case of OPEB, the State assumes the risk of paying a share of health care costs or health care premiums for retirees until death.

The State is a participating employer in seven defined benefit pension plans. Pension benefits are pre-funded. This means the State and participating employees contribute to the pension system while employees are in active service to pay for the pension benefits the employee is entitled to at retirement. Employee contributions are established in statute. Employer contributions are actuarially determined each year by the Public Employee Retirement System Actuarial Committee.