53 Pa. Stat. § 23581
The following terms shall have the following respective meanings for the purposes of this act, unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context.
"Accumulated contributions." The sum of a member's contributions to the fund.
"Average monthly earnings." The average of the highest 36 months of contributory earnings during the last 60 months of employment by the city preceding retirement or termination of service.
"Beneficiary." The person or persons last designated in writing by a member to receive his accumulated contributions upon the death of such member.
"Board." The pension board consisting of members specified in accordance with the provisions of section 2.
"City." The City of Pittsburgh and any agency or authority created by the City of Pittsburgh, or created by the City of Pittsburgh jointly with other cities or with another political subdivision or created by another political subdivision and joined by the city, except where such agency or authority has in effect its own pension or retirement plan, maintained without reference to the provisions of this act, in which case such pension or retirement plan shall be exclusive and such agency's or authority's employees shall not be entitled to any rights under this act.
"Contribution rate." Five percent.
"Credited service." Service of a member to be used in the determination of benefits provided that the required contributions have been made and are credited to his account in the fund.
"Employee." Any person holding a city office or employed by the city in any capacity whatsoever, for which employment he is receiving regular remuneration as an officer or employee, excluding however any independent contractor or a person compensated on a fee basis.
"Full-time employee." Any employee serving the city for 200 or more days per year.
"Fund." The fund created by the city in accordance with the act of May 28, 1915 (P.L. 596, No. 259), referred to as the Second Class City Employe Pension Law.
"Member." Any employee or former employee who is making contributions to the fund or any employee whose contributions have been discontinued due to attainment of age 65.
"Member contributions." The product of the contribution rate and the compensation of the member.
"Normal retirement age." Age 60, with eight or more years of credited service.
"Pensioner." Any employee who has terminated city service and is receiving or has filed an application to receive pension benefits pursuant to this act.
"Total and permanent disability." Permanent incapacity due to bodily injury or disease which for a period of at least six consecutive months has rendered the member unable to perform the duties for which he was employed. Proof of total and permanent disability shall consist of the sworn statement of three practicing physicians who have been designated by the board that the member is in a permanent condition of health which would totally disable him from performing the duties of his position or office.
"Vestee." Any former member entitled to an early pension who has terminated service and elected to receive a deferred pension.
53 P.S. § 23581