Section 303-22-003 - Filing Requirements003.01 For purposes of computing the 180 day application periods specified in sections 002.01, 002.02, and 002.03, employment is deemed to commence on the first day that an eligible employee/member is required to commence performing services for the employer. Accepting an offer of employment or signing a contract of employment shall not constitute employment for purposes of computing the application period. Employment for State Patrol members shall be deemed to occur on the date such members become sworn officers. For purposes of this regulation, 180 days shall mean 180 calendar days.003.02 Application for eligibility and vesting credit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS). NPERS shall provide application forms to the State, County, and Public School employers that are subject to the County Employees Retirement Act, the School Employees Retirement Act, the State Patrol Retirement Act, and the State Employees Retirement Act to distribute to all new employees. The employer shall provide each new employee an application form at the time of the employee's initial employment, the receipt of which shall be acknowledged in writing by the employee.003.03 In order to receive credit, the application must be properly completed, signed by the applicant and timely filed with NPERS. The application shall be considered filed on time based on the date stamp the application is received by NPERS and shall be the date used to determine whether the application was timely filed.003.04 Upon receipt of a properly completed and timely filed application, NPERS shall contact the applicant's former employer or retirement plan administrator to verify the applicant's previous governmental plan participation and to ascertain the applicant's eligibility to receive credit. NPERS shall notify the applicant if the applicant qualifies for eligibility and vesting credit.303 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 22, § 003