Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions contained in this section, govern the construction of this article.

(a) As used in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 31491, subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 31492, and Section 31495, “board” means the board of investments. In all other cases, “board” means the board of retirement.

(b) “Employer” means the county or district or agency whose employees are members of the retirement system of the county.

(c) “Federal system” means the Old Age and Survivors Insurance provisions of the Social Security Act.

(d) “Final compensation” means the average annual compensation earnable by a general member during any three years, whether or not consecutive, elected by the member at or before the time an application for retirement is filed or, if no election is made, during the three years in which the member or former member last earned compensation preceding retirement. If a member or former member has less than three years of service, final compensation shall be determined by dividing total compensation by the number of months of service credited to the member or former member and multiplying by 12. In no event shall final compensation include any disability benefits received by the member or former member under a disability plan provided by the employer.

(e) “Member” or “general member” means an employee hired on a monthly permanent basis of at least three-quarter time, as defined by the employer, except an employee eligible for safety membership.

(f) “Primary insurance amount” means the monthly retirement benefit payable under the federal system at the age at which full retirement benefits are available under the federal system. This age is deemed to be age 65 until June 30, 1983.

(g) “Service” means the period of uninterrupted employment of a member and the time in which a member or former member (1) is totally disabled, and (2) is receiving disability benefits or is eligible to receive disability benefits either during or after any elimination or qualifying period, under a disability plan provided by the employer.

Except as otherwise herein provided, a member shall not be credited with service for any payroll period in which no compensation is received by the member.

Unless otherwise provided, service shall not include military service or public service other than service with the employer.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 86, Sec. 1. (AB 1902) Effective January 1, 2011.)