Category: General

Retiree Pay Dates

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Benefits are paid at the end of the month (last business day) for the current month’s benefits.

First Benefit Payment

If you have recently retired, you will usually receive your first allowance payment by direct deposit at the end of the month following the month you retire (for example, if you retire any time in March, you will receive your first payment on the last business day in April). Also, due to processing time with your employer, it may be approximately 6-8 weeks before you receive your first retirement payment.

Benefit Statements

Monthly benefit statements are available to view and print on the MySamCERA member portal at www.mysamcera.org. 

Current Retiree Pay Dates

See the current schedule of retirement payment dates here. 

Request for Proposal: Financial Education Provider

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SamCERA has issued a Request for Proposal for a financial education provider. The provider shall develop a course of instruction, which will be presented by qualified instructors, and supporting course materials to provide SamCERA members with financial education on various topics to assist them in their retirement planning. Examples of topic areas are: retirement planning and saving, money management, investing, estate planning, and working with financial professionals.

It is SamCERA’s intent to secure the services of a provider and to enter into a three-year contract. The provider will be prohibited from marketing any financial products to attendees during the term of the contract.

Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 24, 2022.

Proposal Process

EventDate
Release of RFPFebruary 18, 2022
Deadline for Written QuestionsMarch 3, 2022 by 12:00 noon
Release of Responses to Written Questions March 10, 2022
Proposal Due Date and TimeMarch 24, 2022, by 5:00 p.m.
Review of ProposalsWeek of March 28, 2022
Invited Finalists presentationWeek of April 11, 2022
Contract NegotiationsDuring April – May 2022
Board of Retirement ApprovalMay 31, 2022
Anticipated Contract Start DateJuly 1, 2022

More Information

For more information and details about this request for proposal, please read the full RFP, attached as a PDF to this webpage under “Related Links.”

Retirees: 2020 Tax Forms Are Available Now

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  • 1099-R tax forms were mailed on January 21, 2021 to the addresses we have on record for retirees. This form contains information about reportable income and taxable income from SamCERA for 2020. It will also reflect the amount of federal and California taxes that have been withheld, if any.

Access Your 1099-R Online

Beginning on January 22, 2021, you will be able to view and print your 1099-R online in the MySamCERA member portal.

After logging in, click on “My Documents” in the navigation menu, and from there you have the option to view or print a copy of current and past 1099-Rs.

Road to Retirement Video Presentation

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Like most, you probably have dreams of retiring, but are not sure where to start or if you’re making the right choices. Whether you’re early in your career or thinking about retiring soon, it’s important to start planning now.

Normally part of the Road to Retirement seminar, this presentation from the SamCERA Retirement Benefits team will help you get on the road to retirement and have a better understanding of your pension retirement benefit.

SamCERA’s Reopening Plans – June 15, 2021

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(Updated on October 12, 2021.)

The past year has been challenging for everyone, and we hope that you are all safe and healthy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited to announce that we will be reopening our office to members on June 15, 2021.

While we look forward to seeing our members, we encourage everyone to utilize our remote services whenever possible. We’ve seen the great value in remote services over the past year, not only keeping members and employees safe, but also saving travel time and minimizing our carbon footprint.

As the state of this public health emergency evolves, we will remain focused on keeping our employees and members safe, healthy, and informed. Please read below for more detailed information about what reopening will look like at SamCERA. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns and be sure to visit www.samcera.org for the most up-to-date information about our current services.

Remote Member Services

We strongly encourage members to continue taking advantage of our remote services, as we will continue to offer the following:

  • Phone and Video Appointments
  • Virtual Financial Planning Classes
  • Virtual Retirement Seminars
  • Submitting Forms and Documents by email, fax, or on the MySamCERA Member Portal

To access your account 24/7 from the comfort of your home, log in to the MySamCERA member portal at www.mysamcera.org. You can also send messages and submit documents in the member portal. Contact us if you need assistance logging into your account.

Visiting Our Office In-Person

Due to a limited number of staff returning to the office, all members requiring assistance in-person need to make an appointment prior to arriving. Appointments can be requested by emailing samcera@samcera.org or calling 650-599-1234 or 800-339-0761.

If you have an in-person appointment scheduled, we ask that you read and follow the guidelines below:

  • Visitors and clients are required to wear a face covering indoors, per the San Mateo County Health Officer’s Order. If you don’t have a mask, call us ahead of time, and we’ll bring one to the door for you.
  • Save time and submit documents safely on the MySamCERA member portal or email them to samcera@samcera.org before your appointment.
  • We’ve placed sanitizing stations at the entrance to our office and encourage all visitors and employees to sanitize their hands upon entry and exit.
  • If you or anyone in your household has been ill within the past two weeks, please let us know so we can reschedule your appointment. As an alternative, a telephone or video appointment can be scheduled, as well.
Office Hours

As of June 15th our office hours are:

Monday – Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact Us
  • Phone: (650) 599-1234 or (800) 339-0761
  • Fax: (650) 591-1488
  • Email: samcera@samcera.org 
  • Address: 100 Marine Parkway, Suite 125, Redwood City, CA 94065

Compensation Limits for 2022

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Compensation limits do not limit the salary your employer can pay, but rather limits the amount of compensation SamCERA can take into account when determining your contributions and calculating your monthly pension benefit under your retirement plan. See below for new compensation limits in 2022 based on your plan and membership with SamCERA.

2022 Pensionable Compensation Limits for Plan 7 Members

Under the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), Plan 7 members are subject to pensionable compensation limits that are set by statute.

In 2022, the annual pensionable compensation limits for PEPRA members are:

  • General Plan 7 Members (County & Court): $134,974
  • General Plan 7 Members (Mosquito & Vector Control District): $161,969
  • Safety & Probation Plan 7 Members (County): $161,969

2022 IRS Compensation Limit

Every year, the IRS sets an annual compensation limit that applies to all SamCERA members (regardless of your plan) who were hired after July 1, 1996.

In 2022, the annual compensation limit for members hired after July 1, 1996 is $305,000.

 

Questions? Please email samcera@samcera.org.

Important Information for Retirees in 2021

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Changes to taxes and health plan premiums in 2021 could mean that you see a change in your monthly pension benefit in January. Below are a few reminders:

  • Tax Tables & Withholding: The Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board revise their tax tables annually, which may change your monthly pension benefit from SamCERA. A licensed tax advisor can provide more information about these changes and your tax withholding options for 2021.

    You can change your tax withholding election anytime throughout the year by completing a new Tax Withholding form (available on our website) or online at the MySamCERA member portal – www.mysamcera.org.  

  • Tax Documents: 1099-R tax forms for 2020 were mailed last week, and they are now available online! To view or print your 1099-R form online, login to your MySamCERA account.  
  • Health Premium: If you pay for all or a portion of your health plan premium via your SamCERA pension benefit, changes to health plan premium rates in 2021 may change the monthly benefit that you receive from SamCERA. For more information about the new 2021 retiree health benefit rates, contact the San Mateo County Benefits Division at benefits@smcgov.org or (650) 363-1919.  
  • Direct Deposit Statements: Benefits statements are available online in the MySamCERA member portal. These statements provide the amount deposited in your account each month, along with any itemized deductions.  
  • Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): An annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated by SamCERA’s actuary, and the increase or decrease is set by the Board of Retirement and certain plan limits. The COLA is effective April 1, and any adjustments will appear on the April benefit paid at the end of the month. More details will be available on our website following the Board of Retirement’s decision.
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The Road to Retirement

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Date: Coming Soon Location: –

Like most, you probably have dreams of retiring, but are not sure where to start or if you’re making the right choices. Whether you’re early in your career or thinking about retiring soon, this seminar will help you plan ahead and provide resources to help you prepare for retirement.

Presentations from SamCERA, San Mateo County Benefits, Empower (formerly known as Mass Mutual), and Financial Knowledge will provide you with valuable insight for planning your retirement at any stage of your career and help you successfully navigate your future.

This seminar will cover topics such as:

  • How service purchases and upgrades may enhance your benefit
  • What to do when life changes happen, such as divorce, beneficiary changes, leaving employment, etc.
  • How to calculate your SamCERA retirement benefit
  • Understanding your medical, dental and vision insurance options
  • Taking advantage of your deferred compensation account and use it to plan ahead
  • Learn about the estate planning process with an introduction to one of our most popular financial planning classes

How to Register

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA.

Library & Mosquito District Employees: Register on LMS or email your request to samcera@samcera.org.

Please note: Members must have at least 5 years of service to participate.

Celebrating 75 Years!

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SamCERA was founded on July 1, 1944 by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, and for the past 75 years, we have remained dedicated to serve as loyal fiduciary for our members and as prudent administrator of the retirement system.

There were less than 900 members when SamCERA was established, and today we proudly serve over 12,000 dedicated public employees and their beneficiaries.

Although many things have changed since 1944, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to providing our members with quality service and retirement security. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.

As we continue to celebrate 75 years of serving hard-working public employees, watch our website and newsletters for more history and highlights about your retirement system.

Important Information for Retirees in 2019

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Changes to taxes and health plan premiums in 2019 could mean that you see a change in your monthly pension benefit in January. Below are a few reminders:

  • Taxes Tables & Withholding: The Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board revise their tax tables annually, which may change your monthly pension benefit from SamCERA. A licensed tax advisor can provide more information about these changes and your tax withholding options for 2019.
  • Tax Documents: 2018 1099-R tax forms were mailed last week, and they are now available online! To view or print your 1099-R form online, login to your MySamCERA account at www.mysamcera.org.
  • Health Premium: If you pay for all or a portion of your health plan premium via your SamCERA pension benefit, changes to the health plan premium rates in 2019 may change the monthly benefit that you receive from SamCERA. For more information about the new 2019 retiree health benefit rates, contact the San Mateo County Benefits Division at (650) 363-1919.