Table 2. Eligibility requirement information for retirement plan participants(1), 1982-2002
Year Percent required to work a specified length of service Average service requirement
Defined benefit plans

1982

 57 -

1983

 60 -

1984

 60 -

1985

 56 -

1986

 56 -

1988

 63 -

1989

 61 -

1991

 67 -

1993

 62 11.2 months

1995

 66 11.6 months

1997

 65 11.7 months

2000

 68 11.8 months

2002

 67 11 months
Defined contribution (savings and thrift) plans (2)

1985

 86 -

1986

 89 -

1988

 84 -

1989

 84 -

1991

 80 -

1993

 79 10.8 months

1995

 67 11.3 months

1997

 75 10 months

2002

 75 9.1 months

Footnotes:
(1) Data are generally for full-time workers in larger private industry establishments.
(2) Data are for savings and thrift plans, which typically have been the most prevalent type of defined contribution plan.

NOTE: Dashes indicate data not available.