Returning employees need individual attention from one of our LACERA Benefits Specialists. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you and offer solutions to fit your specific situation.

1-800-786-6464 is the number for our Call Center. For one-on-one personal consultations, visit our public counter located in the lobby of our building in Pasadena. Stop by or call to set an appointment.

RETURNING EMPLOYEES

Former Plan A, B, C, D Members     Former Plan A, B, C, D Members: If you were previously a member of Plan A, B, C, or D, and withdrew your retirement contributions when you terminated your employment, you are eligible to restore all the benefits of your previous plan, if you: Elect Plan D Redeposit all your past contributions, plus interest Your rate of contribution will be based on your nearest age at the time you rejoined LACERA. If you deferred your retirement by leaving your contributions on deposit when you terminated your employment, you must resume membership in your previous plan.

Prior Safety Membership     Prior Safety Membership: If you were a safety member hired prior to January 4, 1982, have had no break in service, and are now transferring into general membership, you will be placed in the general member plan that was in effect when you became a safety member. If you were hired as a safety member on or after January 4, 1982 and are now transferring into general membership, you must elect either Plan D or Plan E. When you retire, your safety and general member benefits will be calculated separately, and combined into one monthly retirement payment.

Important Information for Former Plan E Members     Important Information for Former Plan E Members: If you have a previous period of vested Plan E service credit (10 or more years of service credit), you are eligible to receive a future retirement allowance based on that service whether you elect Plan D or Plan E. However, the plan you elect now will affect your future options now: If you choose Plan E now, you may later elect an Open Window Plan Transfer and convert all your Plan E service credit to Plan D in order to receive a higher retirement allowance. At retirement, your allowance would be based on Plan D only. If you choose Plan D now, you are not eligible to purchase and convert your previous period of vested Plan E service credit to Plan D. At retirement, you would receive a combined allowance: a Plan E retirement allowance based on your previous period of vested Plan E service credit, plus a Plan D retirement allowance based on the Plan D service credit you earn in your current period of employment. If you have a previous period of non-vested Plan E service credit (fewer than 10 years of service credit), you are not eligible to receive a future retirement allowance based on that service. The plan you elect now will determine whether your non-vested service credit will be lost or can be purchased: If you choose Plan D now, you will have the option to purchase and convert that period of non-vested Plan E service credit to Plan D. At retirement, your allowance would be based on Plan D only. If you choose Plan E now, that non-vested Plan E service credit will be lost; you cannot purchase it.