Charleston, WV (AP) -- Members of West Virginia's only public 401(k)-style retirement plan face several hurdles in their quest to join another state-run pension program.

The 19,000 or so teachers' defined contribution plan members have only until May 12 to decide whether to transfer their individual investment accounts.

That's because state officials would have to liquidate those accounts before the state fiscal year ends June 30.

Many enrollees are expressing sticker shock over payments they would have to make to ensure full benefits, if the transfers succeed. But transfer supporters stress that these payments are not mandatory.

Others say benefit projections aren't realistic because they assume future annual pay raises of between 3 and 6 percent.

A number of enrollees don't want to transfer. They say their fellow plan members should consult with investment professionals before deciding.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)