Frequently Asked Questions – Comprehensive
Every member’s path to retirement is different, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. The FAQ library is designed to bring together answers to the questions SCERS receives most often—from how to update a beneficiary, to when benefit payments are issued, to what happens if you leave County employment before you retire.
The FAQs are organized by member type to make it easier to find the information you need. Active members will find guidance on contributions and service credit, retirees will see answers about payments and taxes, deferred members can learn what happens if they keep contributions on deposit, and employers can access information about reporting and contribution rates.
This section is updated regularly to reflect new laws, Board policies, and the real questions members bring to SCERS. If you don’t see your question here, SCERS staff are always available to help.
How do I know which membership tier I belong to?
Your membership tier is listed on your Annual Member Statement as well as on the Home Page of your MySCERS Portal and is determined by your hire date and whether you are in a Safety or Miscellaneous classification. Legacy members were hired before January 1, 2013. PEPRA members were hired on or after January 1, 2013.
When does SCERS membership begin?
Membership begins automatically on your first day in a permanent, full-time SCERS-covered position.
Do I have to apply to join SCERS?
No. If your position qualifies, enrollment happens automatically. You’ll complete a Member’s Affidavit to designate a beneficiary.
What if I change from part-time to full-time?
If your new position qualifies as SCERS-covered, your membership begins at that time and cannot be retroactively applied.
Can anyone access my SCERS account information?
No. SCERS protects the confidentiality of your records and will not release account details without your consent or a legal requirement.
How much do I contribute to SCERS?
Your contribution rate is based on your tier and membership category (Miscellaneous or Safety) and is deducted from your paycheck.
Do my contributions earn interest?
Yes. Contributions earn interest based on SCERS Board-approved crediting policies.
Can I purchase service credit?
Yes. Members may be eligible to purchase service credit for certain types of employment or leaves of absence, such as pre-membership service, prior public service, or redepositing contributions after returning to SCERS.
How is service credit earned?
You earn service credit for each pay period in paid status. Part-time work earns proportional credit; unpaid time does not earn credit unless purchased.
What happens to my SCERS membership if I take a temporary position?
Your membership becomes inactive, but your contributions remain on file and continue to earn interest.
What happens if I leave SCERS-covered employment?
You can either leave your contributions on deposit (and potentially retire later if vested), or request a refund—which ends your membership and forfeits your future SCERS benefit.
What happens if I move to another public agency?
If your new employer is part of a reciprocal retirement system, you may be able to establish reciprocity. This links your service credit between systems and may allow you to use your highest final compensation across both systems when calculating your benefit. To receive the most benefit, you may establish reciprocity when moving to a separate reciprocal retirement system, regardless of having previously established reciprocity in the new reciprocal retirement system.
What is reciprocity?
Reciprocity allows your service credit and eligibility to carry over between SCERS and other California public retirement systems, as long as you meet specific criteria.
Who can I name as a beneficiary?
You can name any individual, trust, or organization to receive a lump-sum death benefit. Monthly survivor benefits are limited to eligible survivors, such as a spouse or minor child.
Can I update my beneficiary at any time?
Yes. Submit a new Member’s Affidavit to SCERS. The most recent valid designation on file will override all prior versions.
What if I get divorced or remarried?
You should promptly update your beneficiary. SCERS may require additional documentation, especially if a court has issued a Domestic Relations Order (DRO).
What happens if I don’t have a beneficiary on file?
If there is no eligible survivor or named beneficiary, benefits may be paid to your estate or next of kin.
When am I eligible to retire?
It depends on your tier. Most members need at least five years of service credit and must meet the minimum age for their tier.
How can I estimate my benefit?
Use the estimator in MySCERS or the guest calculator on scers.gov. You may also request a formal estimate if you’re within 12 months of retirement.
Do I have to retire when I become eligible?
No. You can continue working beyond your eligibility date. Your benefit will grow as you earn more service credit and reach older retirement ages.
What happens if I die before I retire?
SCERS may pay either a lump-sum or monthly survivor benefit, depending on your service credit, the cause of death, and survivor eligibility.
Who receives my death benefit?
Eligible survivors (spouse, registered domestic partner, minor children) have legal priority. If none exist, the benefit is paid to your named beneficiary or estate.
How should my family report my death?
Use the Report a Death tool under Member Resources on scers.gov. This is SCERS’s preferred method and initiates the follow-up process.
When will I receive my retirement benefit payment?
Monthly benefits are paid in arrears, on the last business day of each month.
Will my benefit increase over time?
Most retired members are eligible for an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is applied each April. The maximum COLA depends on your membership tier.
How do I get my tax documents?
Retired members receive a Form 1099-R each January. These documents are available for download in MySCERS.
What should my family do if I pass away?
SCERS should be notified as soon as possible. Survivor or beneficiary benefits may be payable, depending on your retirement option and family situation. A secure online death reporting tool is available on scers.gov.
Can I change my address or phone number?
Yes. You can update your contact information through the MySCERS portal or by submitting a Member’s Affidavit (Form 6019). Keeping your information current ensures you receive important communications about your retirement benefits.
How do I change my name or personal status?
Use the Member’s Affidavit to notify SCERS of name changes or updates to your personal status (such as marriage, divorce, or registered domestic partnership status). You may need to provide documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
How do I change my bank account for direct deposit?
To change your deposit account, submit a new Authorization for Direct Deposit (Form 6186). You can mail in a paper form or request a secure digital version through DocuSign.
How do I update my tax withholding elections?
Complete a new SCERS Tax Withholding Form (Form 6190) to change your federal and/or California state tax elections. You can submit the form by mail, in person, or request a digital version.
Where can I find my 1099-R tax form?
You can view and print your 1099-R form anytime through the MySCERS portal. SCERS makes these forms available in January each year. Downloading it online is the fastest option.
What if I lost my 1099-R?
If you’ve misplaced your form, we recommend printing a replacement from MySCERS. If you need help, you may also contact SCERS to request a mailed copy.
What if I don’t receive my benefit payment?
First, confirm with your financial institution. If the issue isn’t resolved, contact SCERS. For paper checks, allow additional mailing time.
What if my beneficiary passes away?
Notify SCERS as soon as possible. You may need to complete a new beneficiary form or provide supporting documentation. SCERS staff will help guide you through the necessary steps.
Can I return to work after retiring?
Yes, but rules apply. Returning to work for a SCERS-covered employer may impact your retirement benefit depending on the nature and length of employment. See the Returning to Work section for more information.
What does it mean to be a deferred member?
You are considered a deferred member if you leave SCERS-covered employment but leave your contributions on deposit. This allows you to receive a retirement allowance, once you become eligible.
When can I retire if I’m a deferred member?
You may apply for retirement once you meet SCERS’ age and service credit requirements.
What happens if I withdraw my contributions?
If you withdraw your contributions, you forfeit your right to a lifetime monthly allowance from SCERS.
What happens if I never retire or withdraw my funds?
Your SCERS account remains active indefinitely, and your funds continue to earn interest. If you pass away before retiring, any benefits due will be processed according to your beneficiary designation and SCERS rules.
How do I know if I’m vested?
You’re generally vested if you earned five or more years of service credit before leaving employment. Vesting means you’re eligible for a lifetime monthly retirement benefit once you reach the minimum retirement age for your tier.
Can I take my contributions out later?
Yes. You may request a refund of your employee contributions and interest at any time before retirement. However, doing so permanently forfeits your right to a SCERS retirement benefit.
How can I get a retirement estimate?
Contact SCERS to request a retirement estimate. If you’re registered for the MySCERS portal, you may also be able to view account information and run personalized calculations.
Can I update my beneficiary after leaving employment?
Yes. Deferred members can update beneficiary designations by submitting a new Member’s Affidavit (Form 6019) at any time.
What happens if I go to work for another public agency?
If the agency participates in a reciprocal retirement system, you may be eligible to establish reciprocity, linking your service and final compensation across both systems. Contact SCERS to learn more.
How do we know which contribution rates to apply?
SCERS publishes annual contribution rate schedules for both members and employers. These rates vary by tier and membership category. Employers are responsible for using the correct rates for each employee. For the latest schedules, visit SCERS Contribution Rates.
What is my role in reporting employee data?
Employers are responsible for reporting employee pay, contributions, and status changes accurately and on time. This information ensures members receive the correct benefits.
How and when do we submit payroll reports?
Employers must submit pensionable compensation and hours worked on a biweekly basis (or according to your agency’s payroll cycle). SCERS provides file format specifications and expects timely and accurate submissions. Contact SCERS for technical assistance if needed.
What forms are required at enrollment?
Employers must provide the new employee with a SCERS Member’s Affidavit (Form 6019) to complete and return. This form collects key identifying information and the member’s initial beneficiary designation.
Where can I find employer forms and updates?
Forms and resources for employers are available in the Employer section of scers.gov. Employers should also review the alerts and updates provided by SCERS regularly.
How do I determine if a new employee should be enrolled in SCERS?
Most permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees are automatically eligible for SCERS membership. Temporary, seasonal, intermittent, and contract workers are typically excluded. If you’re unsure, contact SCERS for guidance before enrolling the employee.
How do I assign the correct membership tier?
Membership tier is primarily determined by hire date and whether the employee has reciprocal service with another public retirement system. SCERS provides tier assignment guidance, and employers should consult SCERS in cases where reciprocity or breaks in service may affect tier eligibility.
What happens if an employee separates or goes on leave?
You must notify SCERS as soon as possible. This allows SCERS to update records and ensure contributions stop (if appropriate). Report the last day worked, reason for separation or leave, and whether the member is withdrawing, deferring, or transferring service.
Can an employee withdraw their contributions after separation?
Yes. Members who separate from employment and are not retiring can request a refund of their contributions. The employer must verify separation before SCERS can process the withdrawal.
How do we report a returning employee?
If a former member is rehired into a SCERS-covered position, notify SCERS immediately. SCERS will determine whether the employee continues in their prior tier or is assigned a new tier based on current law and reciprocity rules.
Who should we contact at SCERS with questions?
SCERS maintains designated contacts for each participating employer. If you’re unsure who your liaison is, reach out through the SCERS Contact Page or email the employer support inbox at RetirementEmploymentServices@saccounty.gov.
Where does the money to pay retirement benefits come from?
SCERS benefits are funded from three main sources: contributions from members, contributions from employers, and investment earnings. Historically, investment earnings have provided the majority of funding, which is why a strong investment strategy is so important.
Who decides how SCERS invests its assets?
The SCERS Board of Retirement is responsible for investment decisions under the California Constitution. The Board sets policies and approves the strategic asset allocation, while SCERS staff and independent investment consultants implement those policies and monitor performance.
What is “strategic asset allocation” and why does it matter?
Strategic asset allocation is the long-term plan for how SCERS divides its assets across different categories such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternatives. This mix is designed to balance risk and return, ensuring the system can meet its long-term obligations while protecting against market downturns.
What role do alternative assets like private equity or real estate play in the portfolio?
Alternative assets provide diversification and potential for higher long-term returns. They also behave differently than traditional stocks and bonds, which helps stabilize the portfolio. Because these investments can be complex, SCERS has strict policies in place to ensure managers are held to high fiduciary standards.
How does SCERS make sure its investments are safe and well-managed?
SCERS follows a comprehensive Master Investment Policy Statement that sets standards for risk management, diversification, and oversight. Independent consultants provide analysis, performance is reviewed quarterly, and reports are shared publicly. In addition, external audits and actuarial reviews add further layers of accountability.
What does it mean when SCERS reports its “funded status”?
Funded status measures the ratio of assets to liabilities—essentially, how much of the benefits earned by members are covered by assets on hand. A higher funded status means the plan is in a stronger position to meet its long-term obligations.
How can members see how SCERS investments are performing?
Members and the public can access quarterly investment reports, the Investment Year in Review and Annual Plan, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and other documents directly on scers.gov. These reports show performance results, funding progress, and investment costs in a transparent way.
Are SCERS’ investments affected by market downturns?
Like all investors, SCERS is impacted by market volatility. However, the system’s diversified portfolio and long-term focus help smooth out short-term fluctuations. SCERS also uses portfolio analytic systems, risk assessment reports, and stress tests to plan for different scenarios and keep the system resilient.