NCPERS Annual Public Retirement Systems Study FAQ

The Annual Public Retirement Systems Study is being conducted in partnership with Greenwald Research. Below you'll find frequently asked questions (last updated September 2024) about how to complete your survey. 

If you have a question that is not covered below or need assistance in completing your survey, please email our research partner at Greenwald Research, Doug Kincaid (dougkincaid@greenwaldresearch.com.

Can I save a partial survey and continue it later?
Yes, the survey software will automatically save your progress, and when you return to the survey later, it will allow you to pick up where you left off.

Can I fill out the survey in PDF form? How does that work?
We strongly recommend using the online version of the survey as it will help guide you through the survey by skipping questions that aren’t applicable and saving your progress. However, if you prefer, you can download a PDF version of the survey from the link on survey landing page and send a completed copy to Doug Kincaid (dougkincaid@greenwaldresearch.com).
 
If I administer more than one plan, how should I respond?
You will receive separate email invitations for each plan. Please look to see what plan is specified in the invitation and answer on behalf of that one specifically. If you administer more than one plan and did not receive an email for one of them, please email Doug Kincaid (dougkincaid@greenwaldresearch.com).
 
My plan is a multi-employer plan, how do I report my data?
If you are a multi-employer plan, you may use aggregate numbers from your ACFR and respond to the questions in the generally applicable way for most of the plans you administer.
 
How do you calculate the current funded ratio?
From your actuarial valuation: Plan fiduciary net position (total actuarial assets) divided by total pension liability (total actuarial liabilities)
Example: $290,000,000 / $310,000,000 = 93.5%
OR use the GASB 67 method if your actuarial valuation is not available
Funded status = Plan fiduciary net position divided by total pension liability
 
What if my plan paid multiple Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) in the last fiscal year?
Report the average COLA percentage for all reporting units/divisions OR report the COLA percentage paid to your largest unit/division of your membership