Highlights of MSTS Eligibility
To become eligible to enroll in benefits once you’re covered by a contract requiring contributions on your behalf, you have to work and your employer must have remitted contributions for a total of 550 or more hours during a fixed six-month eligibility determination period. To be eligible for coverage for the period February 1 through July 31, you must have a minimum of 550 hours contributed on your behalf in the previous June 1 – November 30 period. To be eligible for coverage for the period August 1 through January 31, you must have a minimum of 550 hours contributed on your behalf in the previous December 1 – May 31 period, as follows:
| Eligibility Determination Period |
Coverage Period |
| A minimum of 550 hours credited in: |
Gives coverage in: |
| June - November |
February - July |
| December - May |
August - January |
There is no provision for you to buy-in or purchase hours if you have less than 550 hours contributed on your behalf during an eligibility determination period.