Layoff FAQ

Yes, you can submit a retirement application to ACERA after you become eligible to retire. ACERA must receive your application within 60 calendar days before your retirement date, not earlier or later. Click here for retirement eligibility requirements.

If I am laid off or quit, do I retain the right to retire?

Yes. If you do not wish to retire upon layoff or are not yet eligible, you may defer your membership. Deferring your membership means you stop making further contributions but leave your contributions and interest on deposit with ACERA. You may become eligible to retire during your deferred membership, and can apply for retirement at that time. Click here for more information on Deferred Membership.

If I am laid off, do I have special rights or benefits with ACERA?

No, a laid off employee has the same options as a terminated or resigned employee.

When is ACERA accepting retirement applications?

ACERA is accepting retirement applications during business hours year round. ACERA must receive your application within 60 calendar days before your retirement date, not earlier or later. You must currently be eligible to retire to submit an application. Click here to download a retirement application [PDF 36K].

When can I meet with an ACERA Retirement Specialist?

ACERA schedules individual counseling sessions four times a month. We are currently experiencing a high volume of requests for individual counseling sessions, so you may not be able to schedule one as soon as you would like. For members who are not currently eligible to retire, we may hold special seminars to provide you with information and options. Contact your HR department. If you are eligible to retire, please call ACERA reception to schedule a session by dialing 510-628-3000 or toll free at 1-800-838-1932 and hold the line through the menu. If you would like to make inquiries over the phone, please call either of those numbers and press 1 for Member Services. You may also email your questions to us at info@acera.org.

If I am laid off, can I keep my medical coverage?

Yes, you are eligible to keep your employer sponsored medical coverage through COBRA for up to 36 months in most cases. COBRA costs are fully paid by the enrollee(s) (you) at group plan premium costs plus a 2% administrative fee. This means that your employer will no longer pay a portion of your premium.

If I retire, can I keep my medical coverage?

Yes, if you are enrolled in one of the County-sponsored medical plans or experience a qualifying event, you may enroll in an ACERA-sponsored medical plan at the time you retire. If not, you must wait until open enrollment during the month of November to enroll in an ACERA-sponsored medical plan.

If I don't apply for retirement when laid off, will I be eligible for medical benefits in the future?

Yes. Upon being laid off you must defer your membership to be eligible for future medical benefits. When you apply for service retirement, you will become eligible to enroll in an ACERA-sponsored medical plan during open enrollment (see the previous question for more information). If you have 10 or more years of service credit when you retire, you may be eligible for a Monthly Medical Allowance to offset the cost of an ACERA-sponsored medical plan.

Can I withdraw my employee contributions to roll over to an IRA or some other retirement account?

Yes. If you do not choose to defer your membership and leave your funds on deposit with ACERA, you can end your ACERA membership and withdraw your contributions and interest earned. Withdrawals must be made in full. Your employment must have been terminated for 30 days or more to withdraw your contributions. You may rollover your funds into an IRA or eligible retirement account. Click here for more information on terminating your ACERA membership.

Before you make this decision, please realize that terminating your ACERA membership and withdrawing your contributions means that you forfeit your rights to future ACERA retirement benefits.

Alternatively, if you defer your membership and then return to employment with an ACERA-covered employer, you pick up where you left off; you retain your service credit in the system, and you keep your original date of entry, which is used to calculate your employee contributions.

Can I withdraw the contributions my employer makes on my behalf?

No. You can never withdraw employer contributions. The only way you can garner a benefit from them is by retiring from the system. In some positions your employer will pay part of your employee contributions toward retirement. This is referred to as employer offset, and these contributions are also not refundable to you. If you terminate membership and request a refund, you will only receive funds you contributed plus any interest earned on those funds.

Can I borrow money from my retirement account while in deferred status?

No, you can not borrow from your retirement account whether you are a Deferred or Active Member, and there is no emergency withdrawal of employee contributions.

If I am eligible to retire now, what is the benefit of deferring my retirement to a later date?

ACERA uses an age factor as part of the components included in the benefit formula to determine your retirement allowance. So the older you are when you retire, the higher your benefit. Age factors increase every quarter of a year older you become up until age 62 for Tier 1 Members, 65 for Tier 2 Members, and 50 for Safety Members.

If I am eligible to retire now, and chose to defer my retirement until a later date, are there any detriments?

Yes, you will lose your sick leave credit. Currently ACERA will add approximately half of your sick leave accruals as additional service (depending on bargaining group and MOU) if you retire the day following your last day in pay status. In addition, you should consider health plan coverage options during the time you would be deferred as health plan enrollment cannot occur with ACERA until you apply to retire, and in most cases during the next open enrollment period. Regarding death benefits, if you should die while deferred, your beneficiary will not be eligible for a lifetime continuance. They will only receive a lump sum payment of your contributions and interest. Conversely, if you apply for a service retirement, you will have options to choose from regarding the death benefits you wish to provide, including a monthly lifetime allowance.