FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Vesting?

Being vested means you have a non-forfeitable right to receive an ACERA retirement benefit upon meeting certain eligibility requirements. You have a vested right to apply for a service-connected disability retirement, if eligible, as soon as you join ACERA (see Disability Section). You are always 100% vested in your employee contributions. Employer contributions are realized only upon retirement from ACERA. You are vested after accumulating five (5) full years of membership in ACERA. Once you are vested in ACERA, you will then be eligible to apply for a deferred retirement or non-service connected disability retirement. If you withdraw (refund) your accumulated retirement contributions when you terminate employment, you forfeit all future rights (vested and non-vested) to any retirement, survivor, and disability benefits.