Eligibility & Enrollment
SCERS membership is automatic for new employees in permanent positions. If you’ve recently started working in a SCERS-covered role, this section explains who qualifies, how enrollment works, and what to expect as a new member.
Who Is Eligible for SCERS?
You are eligible for SCERS membership if you are hired by Sacramento County or another Participating Employer into a:
- Permanent full-time position, or
- Permanent part-time position
Employees in temporary, seasonal, intermittent, or contract roles are not eligible for SCERS membership.
If you are first hired in a SCERS-eligible position after attaining age 60, you may irrevocably waive membership within 60 days of hire by completing a signed membership waiver form.
When Does Membership Begin?
Your SCERS membership begins automatically on your first day of work in a qualifying position. There’s no waiting period, and no separate application is required. Your membership is mandatory and continues for as long as you are employed in a SCERS-covered position.
Your job classification determines membership category and hire date determines which benefit tier applies to you under California law. If you were first hired into a SCERS-eligible position:
|
If you were first hired into a SCERS-eligible position… |
You are likely… |
|---|---|
|
Before January 1, 2013 |
Miscellaneous Tier 1–4 or Safety Tier 1-3 |
|
On or after January 1, 2013 |
Miscellaneous Tier 5 or Safety Tier 4 |
These two groups follow different rules for things like retirement age, contribution rates, and benefit calculation. You don’t need to figure it out on your own–your employer assigns your tier when you enroll. You can view your plan and tier on MySCERS or your SCERS annual statement.
Designating a Beneficiary
During your employer onboarding process, you’ll be asked to complete a SCERS Member’s Affidavit (Form 6019). This form designates a beneficiary who will receive any benefits payable in the event of your death. You can update your beneficiary at any time by submitting a new form to SCERS.
A spouse or registered domestic partner has legal rights to benefits, which supersede any other designated beneficiary. These rights may be waived by completing a notarized waiver. If you name a minor child as your beneficiary, SCERS recommends also naming an adult custodian. Without one, a court may need to appoint someone to manage the benefit on the child’s behalf.