Retirement FAQs

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• Who is eligible to retire?

  Employees with five years of CalPERS service at age 50 (or 52 if hired after January 1, 2013).

• How do I select a retirement date?

  The selection of your retirement date is one of the most important decisions to make when planning your retirement. There are several factors you should consider:

  1. Based on full-time employment, you earn a full year of service credit when you have worked for 10 months during a fiscal year.
  2. For most CSU retirees, the calculation of the age factor for your retirement benefit increases each quarter year from your birthday at age 50, up to age 63, then remains constant.
  3. Your average salary is computed on the basis of your 12 months of earned salary. The amount will be reduced by a Social Security factor, final compensation minus $133.33.
  4. For those who are PEPRA members (hired after 1/1/2013), the information in b. and c. above will be differ. Contact the Benefits Office or visit PEPRA(opens in new window) web site with questions.
  5. Do you want to retire mid-semester, at the end of the academic year, the end of the calendar or fiscal year, at the end of a pay period, or on your birthday? Whether you are staff or instructional faculty may have a bearing on your decision.
  6. This decision is a personal one, each date will result in varying estimate calculations. To create a retirement estimate, consider using the Retirement Estimate Calculator(opens in new window).
• What mandatory deductions will I pay after retirement?

  You will continue to pay federal and state taxes. Social Security and Medicare taxes and your contributions to CalPERS will end at retirement. You may wish to visit CalPERS Taxes for retirees(opens in new window) for taxation information as a retiree.

• Are all CSU retirees eligible for retirement health benefits?

  No. You must retire within 120 days of your separation from employment; must have been eligible for enrollment in a CalPERS medical plan on your date of separation; and must receive a retirement allowance from CalPERS.

• Are there any health benefit vesting requirements for CSU retirees who meet all of the above eligibility rules?

  Yes. For employees hired on or before 7/1/17, you only need to meet retirement benefit vesting requirement of 5 years. If you were hired on or after 7/1/17, please contact Benefits Office for vesting information at 530-898-5436.

• What benefits can continue into retirement?

  Medical, dental and vision coverage can continue into retirement for eligible employees and their dependents. CSU-paid life insurance does not continue. Contact The Standard at 800-378-5745 to convert to a voluntary life insurance plan.

• What will be the monthly out-of-pocket cost for benefits?

  The cost of your medical plan will depend on which plan and level of coverage you choose. Generally, retirees pay the same monthly premium as active employees until you and/or your dependents become eligible for Medicare. There is no cost to you for the Basic dental plan. You may wish to enroll in a retiree vision plan for a nominal monthly premium.

• Will I have the same coverage as a retiree that I had when I was an active employee?

  You and your dependents will remain on the same medical plan. Your dental plan will change to a Basic plan and you will no longer be covered under the active employee vision plan. If your retirement date is the 1^st through the 10^th of the month, your active employee benefits end at the end of that month. If your retirement date is the 11^th through the 31^st of the month, your active employee benefits end at the end of the following month.

• I am currently enrolled in a CalPERS medical plan. What do I do to obtain retiree medical coverage?

  If your retirement date is within 30 days of your separation date you will not need to do anything, the Benefits Office will ensure that your coverage continues. If your retirement date is more than 30 days and less than 120 days, contact the Benefits Office to continue medical coverage.

• What do I do when I (or a dependent) become eligible for Medicare?

  You and your dependents must certify your Medicare status with CalPERS when you each become eligible for Medicare. At that time, you will need to choose a Medicare supplement plan. Contact CalPERS at 888-225-7377 to change your plan.

• I am currently enrolled in a dental plan. What do I do to obtain retiree dental coverage?

  If your retirement date is within 30 days of your separation date you will not need to do anything, the Benefits Office will ensure that your coverage continues. If your retirement date is more than 30 days and less than 120 days contact the Benefits Office to continue dental coverage.

• How does my dental coverage change?

  Once you retire, your dental coverage will change from the Enhanced level of coverage to the Basic level (does not apply to FERP participants). Shortly after your separation you will receive information regarding the change.

• What will the monthly out-of-pocket cost be for retiree dental coverage?

  Currently, the CSU pays the full cost of the Basic dental coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents.

• I am currently enrolled in FlexCash. How do I enroll in a retiree plan?

  FlexCash participants may request health coverage within 30 days before or 60 days after retirement. To enroll before your retirement date, contact the Benefits Office. To enroll after your retirement date, contact CalPERS at 888-225-7377. You may also enroll during any subsequent open enrollment period.

• Can I change my health plans and add or delete dependents?

  You may change your plans and add or delete dependents during the annual open enrollment period or within 60 days of a qualifying event.

• Once retired, who do I contact with benefit-related questions or concerns?

  Contact CalPERS directly at 888-225-7377.