1. Q: I'm a new member and selected a retirement plan by the Plan Election Due Date. Why am I being billed for back contributions?
A: You owe back contributions because your membership took effect before LACERA received your plan election. This situation is common because, although your membership begins the first of the month following your date of hire, you have up to 60 days to elect your plan.

Your back contributions may be paid either in a lump sum (by check, with after-tax dollars) or through payroll deductions (with before-tax dollars). If you choose payroll deductions, each month of back contributions may be paid over a four-month period. (12-20-06)

2. Q: I am returning to County Service. Which retirement plan will I be in?
A: Returning employees can restore to a previous retirement plan by meeting certain conditions. For details regarding your personal situation, speak to a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist. If you deferred your retirement by leaving your contributions on deposit when you terminated service, you must resume membership in your previous plan. If you were previously a member of a contributory plan and withdrew your contributions when you terminated service, you can restore all the benefits of your previous plan, if you:

• Elect Plan D
• Redeposit all your past contributions, plus interest

If you were a former Plan E member, you may elect either Plan D or Plan E when you return to service. (9-14-06)

3. Q: Where can I get information regarding my retirement plan choices?
A: To assist new members with their retirement plan choices, LACERA holds New Member Workshops every Wednesday, contingent on reservations. At the workshop we will discuss all the information outlined in the New Member Guide, such as the differences between plans, and other important points to consider when selecting a retirement plan. Attendees also have the opportunity to ask questions and speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist. To register for a workshop, call 1-800-786-6464. (6-27-06)

4. Q: What are the basic differences between Plan D and Plan E?
A: Plan D: Is a contributory plan to which both you and your employer contribute. It provides a larger scope of benefits than Plan E. Plan D members are vested earlier, and become eligible for retirement sooner than Plan E members. The retirement allowance Plan D provides is based on a higher maximum percentage (100%) of the member’s final compensation than that of Plan E (80%). Plan D also provides pre-retirement death and survivor benefits.

Plan E: Is a non-contributory plan, only your employer contributes; you do not contribute. Plan E does not provide pre-retirement death and survivor benefits; Plan E members are covered by the County Long-Term Disability and Survivor Benefit Plan. The County provides a $10,000 life insurance benefit when a Plan E member dies in active service; whereas the County benefit to Plan D members is $2,000. Plan E members are not eligible to purchase service credit for government service prior to LACERA.

Returning Members should note: Under Plan D, returning employees who were prior members of a LACERA contributory plan may be eligible to restore all the benefits of their previous plan. Certain restrictions apply; call 1-800-786-6464 to speak with a Retirement Benefits Specialist. (8-7-06)

5. Q: I’m a new member. How can I learn about my LACERA benefits?
A: Visit our New Member section under Benefits. This section offers plan information and new member workshop schedules. Take a look at the Active Member section, where you can find information about vesting, reciprocity, and purchasing service credit. You will also receive LACERA's PostScript newsletter quarterly. (4-6-07)

6. Q: I am a new member. How long do I have to submit my Sworn Statement form?
A. You have 60 days from your date of hire to make this important decision. If you don't return the forms, by the deadline, you will automatically be assigned into Plan E.*

*If you received your New Member Guide and Member Sworn Statement and Election of Retirement Plan form more than 14 days after your date of hire, your Plan Election Due Date is 45 days from the date you received these materials. Return your Sworn Statement and Beneficiary Designation Form to your HR Officer by the Plan Election Due Date indicated on the statement. (5-12-08)

7. Q. Once I complete my Member Sworn Statement and Election of Retirement Plan, who should I submit it to?
A. Submit your completed Sworn Statement and Election of Retirement Plan to your Human Resources Officer by the plan Election due date indicated on the statement. (5-12-08)

8. Q. I did not return my Member Sworn Statement form by the 60-day deadline. I am now in Plan E by default. Can I switch to Plan D?
A. Yes. Once you are in Plan E you can elect Plan D by initiating a Prospective Transfer from Plan E to Plan D or initiating an Open Window transfer to Plan D. (5-12-08)

9. Q: If I resign from County service, withdraw my retirement contributions, and then return to work for the County at a later time, can I go back to my previous retirement plan?
A: If you are a returning employee and were previously in Plan A, B, C, or D and withdrew your retirement contributions, you may restore all the benefits of your prior plan. You must elect Plan D then redeposit your previously withdrawn contributions, plus interest. We recommend that you call LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and speak with a Retirement Benefits Specialist to discuss your individual situation. (6-11-08)

10. Q: How does LACERA determine the effective date of membership?
A: If you are a General Member, you have 60 days from your date of hire to elect Plan D or Plan E . If you don’t return your Member Sworn Statement and Election of Retirement Plan form by the plan election deadline, you will automatically be assigned into Plan E and it will be effective on the first of the month following your date of hire. If you elect Plan D within 60 days from your date of hire, your membership in Plan D will be effective on the first day of the month following your date of hire.

Safety Members are automatically enrolled in Safety Plan B effective the first day of the month following your date of hire. ( 10-24-08 )

11. Q: How does LACERA determine member contribution rates?
A: Member contributions are a percentage of your base salary plus other pensionable earnings and are based on your entry age into LACERA. For the course of your County career, your contributions are calculated based on your entry age. For example, if your official entry age is 30, your contributions will always be based on the age 30 rate, regardless of how many years you work. (10-24-08)

12. Q: How long does it take to become vested in Plan D?
A: You become vested in contributory Plan D when you have five years or more of County (or combined County and reciprocal system) retirement service credit. Vesting entitles you to a retirement allowance when you terminate employment and you meet the minimum age and service requirements.

Members of Plan D are eligible to receive a retirement allowance at:

• Age 50 with at least 10 years service credit, or
• 30 years service credit, regardless of age, or
• Age 70, regardless of service credit

If you are vested and terminate employment with Los Angeles County you may leave your plan contributions on deposit with LACERA. You may apply for service retirement when you reach age 50 and reach the date on which you would have had 10 years of County retirement service credit had you remained in service in a full-time position. (10-24-08 )

Section I: General	Section II: Survivor Benefits	Section III: Social Security
Section IV: Plan E Elective COLA	Section V: Terminating Employment	Section VI: Final Compensation
Section VII: Planning for Retirement

Section I: GENERAL
1. Q: What does vesting mean?
A: "Vesting" is a term used to explain the amount of years of service credit required for a member to receive a retirement allowance. Once vested you are entitled to receive a retirement benefit when you meet LACERA's minimum age and service credit requirements. Vesting also entitles you to terminate County employment and defer receiving your retirement allowance until you are eligible and ready to apply for retirement.

Vesting requirements vary per plan. In Plan A, B, C, or D vesting occurs when you have earned 5 years of County service credit. You are vested in Plan E when you have earned 10 years of County service credit. Reciprocal service credit also counts toward vesting. (7-25-06)
Click here for more vesting information

2. Q: What is reciprocity?
A: LACERA maintains a special relationship with certain other California public retirement systems. This relationship, known as reciprocity, was established by statute to encourage career public service and to protect retirement benefits earned by employees under two or more systems. Under reciprocity, your years of service earned under the reciprocal system will count toward meeting LACERA’s service credit requirements for vesting and retirement.

If you elect Plan D, your contribution rate will be based on your age when you joined the reciprocal system.

Your retirement allowance from both LACERA and the reciprocal system will be based on your higher final compensation, regardless of whether you earned that compensation as a member of LACERA or the reciprocal system. (6-27-06)

3: Q: I don’t know if my last job is reciprocal with LACERA. How do I find out?
A: First check our list of reciprocal retirement systems. If you do not know which retirement system is associated with that job, contact LACERA with the name of your previous employer (public agency or district, city or town, county, school district, superintendent of schools office, etc.), and we can determine the corresponding retirement system. If the system is reciprocal, we will take the next step, to inquire about your individual retirement records and determine your eligibility for reciprocity. (4-6-07)

4. Q: Can I withdraw my retirement contributions from LACERA while I'm in active service?
A: No, federal law prohibits members from withdrawing any contributions from the retirement fund. The only way to withdraw contributions is if you terminate County service. (7-26-06)

5. Q: Can I borrow money from my LACERA retirement plan?
A. No. Your LACERA retirement plan is a defined benefit plan which stipulates that funds are not available to members during active service. (5-27-08)

6. Q: Will my monthly retirement allowance run out when I've received the total amount I contributed to my LACERA retirement plan?
A: No, your LACERA plan is a defined benefit plan. “Defined Benefit” means that your benefit is a guaranteed monthly allowance paid for the rest of your life . Your benefit is based on your final average salary, retirement age, and years of service. (6-26-06)

7. Q: I have dual retirement accounts as a General Member and a Safety Member. How will this affect my retirement allowance?
A. Members who have dual service credit as both a general and safety member in LACERA will receive a combined retirement allowance after retirement. The benefits for each type of service will be added together to determine the total retirement allowance payable.

Active safety members who have five or more years of service as a safety member may convert their previous general member service to safety member service. You may convert up to a maximum of five years of previous general service. If you elect to convert only part of your general member service, you must convert the most recent period of that service first and any remaining service will continue to be credited as general member service.

We recommend you call LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and speak with a Retirement Benefits Specialist for details regarding your individual situation. (6-10-08)

8. Q: If I am drafted during a time of war, will I continue to receive retirement service credit while I'm deployed?
A. If a member is absent from service because of being drafted (involuntarily) during a time of war, the period of absence may be credited to the members at no cost.

If a member is absent from County service without pay because he/she volunteered for the military services, he/she is eligible to pay normal retirement contributions for the period of absence and receive credit for the time. The member must return to employment within 90 days of the discharge date.

Whether you are eligible to receive retirement service credit at no cost or pay retirement contributions and receive credit for this time also depends on other factors such as when you began County service and your retirement plan. We recommend you call LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and speak with a Retirement Benefits Specialist for details regarding your individual situation. You can also email your questions about benefits or retirement plans to LACERA at welcome@lacera.com or mail your questions to: LACERA, P.O. Box 7060, Pasadena, CA, 91109-7060. (6-16-08)

9. Q: How does LACERA handle divorces for active members?
A: If your marriage is dissolved, the Court may order a division or split of your monthly retirement allowance between you and your ex-spouse. Upon retirement, LACERA will send separate checks to you and your ex-spouse in accordance with the portions ordered in the Judgment of Dissolution. (7-14-08)

10. Q: I am getting divorced. How will this affect my retirement benefits?
A: If the Court determines that your LACERA benefits are community property, a court order will direct the division of your LACERA benefits. Please contact LACERA as soon as possible to notify us of the divorce so that we can update your records. When the dissolution is final, LACERA will require a conformed copy (with the court clerk's filing date stamp and the judge's signature) of all the pages of your Judgment of Dissolution and, if applicable, a copy of the Domestic Relations Order (DRO). Our Legal Division will review the documents to ensure that they conform to LACERA's plan.

Please contact LACERA and submit these documents immediately to prevent any delay in your retirement benefit payments. If you are in the process of a divorce at the time of retirement, LACERA cannot pay your retirement allowance until the judgment is final and the court order directing the division of your LACERA benefits is received. (3-29-07)

11. Q: I just got divorced. What paperwork must I provide to LACERA?
A: You must provide LACERA with a conformed copy (with the court clerk's filing date stamp and the judge's signature) of all the pages of your Judgment of Dissolution.

If the judgment states a further order is required, provide LACERA copies of a Domestic Relations Order (DRO) or a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). If you are unsure about the need for additional documents, LACERA's Legal Division will review the judgment to ascertain if an additional order is required. (2-6-07)

12. Q: I'm about to retire and I'm in the midst of a divorce. Will this affect LACERA sending my monthly retirement allowance when I'm retired?
A: Yes. If you are in the process of a divorce at the time of retirement, LACERA cannot pay your retirement allowance until the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is final and a court order directing the community property division of your LACERA benefits is received. (2-6-07)

13. Q: What is a Registered Domestic Partner?
A. A domestic partnership is established when persons meeting the criteria specified by Family Code section 297 file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State.

In accordance with a resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors, a person who meets certain qualifications as a domestic partner is eligible for the same survivor benefits as a spouse. The qualifications include:

• The partnership is registered with the Secretary of State.
• Both persons have a common residence.
• Neither person is married or a member of another domestic partnership that has not been terminated.
• Both persons are at least 18 years of age.
• Either of the following:
  • Both persons are members of the same sex.
  • If of the opposite sex, one or both of the persons are over the age of 62.
• Both persons are capable of consenting to the domestic partnership. (6-09-08)

14. Q: Why do some LACERA forms list “spouse” or “domestic partner,” while other forms don't?
A: Although we continue to update our forms to include “spouse” or “domestic partner,” it is possible some older forms may still show “spouse” or “other.” If you have a question regarding a LACERA form, call 1-800-786-6464 to speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist. Keep in mind, domestic partners must be registered with the California Secretary of State and meet certain other eligibility rules. (1-3-07)

15. Q: How do I apply for disability retirement through LACERA?
A. Members in Plans A, B, C, & D may apply for two types of disability retirement.
1) Service-connected - Disability resulting from or caused by an illness or injury
related to your employment.
2) Nonservice-connected - Disability resulting from or caused by an illness or injury not related to your employment.

You may apply for service-connected disability retirement at any age regardless of the amount of service credit you have earned. You may apply for non-service connected disability retirement at any age, but you must have five years of County retirement service credit.

You are not eligible for a disability retirement if you are in Plan E or if you have withdrawn your retirement contributions. However, general members in Plans A, B, C, D, & E may apply for disability benefits under the County´s Long-Term Disability and Survivor Benefit Plan.

You should fill out an application:

• When you believe your medical condition prevents you from permanently performing your regular job duties
• While you are still employed
• Within four months after you have terminated employment
• Any time after terminating employment if (1) you have been continuously disabled since your separation, and if (2) LACERA´s ability to investigate your application has not been impaired because of a delay in filing your application (5-27-08)

16. Q: I have been granted a Disability Retirement by the Board of Retirement. Can I exhaust my vacation/sick time before my retirement allowances begin?
A: You may use any remaining sick time and 4850 benefits, but not vacation time. Payment in full for any remaining holiday or vacation time will be included in your termination pay. Coordinate with LACERA and your department’s payroll office to make sure your County sick time and 4850 benefits are exhausted before your LACERA allowance begins. (8-7-06)

17. Q: Does LACERA have retirement calculators on the web site?
A: Yes, we do.

• Retirement Calculator - Get a retirement benefit estimate instantly
• Transfer Calculator - See Plan E to D transfer and purchase options
• ARC Calculator - See the cost and payment options of purchasing up to 5 years of Additional Retirement Credit

The calculators are a great help in making retirement decisions. (Note: The LACERA calculators only provide an estimate. For an actual cost contact LACERA.) (8-1-06)

18. Q: Who can register for My LACERA?
A. Only active and retired members can register. Currently, access for deferred members and spouses is not available. You can access the My LACERA  icon from lacera.com to register. If you are an active member, you can create your preliminary Retirement Benefit Estimate on My LACERA. The Retirement Benefit Estimate feature will provide a personalized estimate (based on your actual data) of the benefits you will receive when you retire. You can also read more about this feature at About My LACERA. (6-11-08)

19. Q: How much money will I receive when I retire?
A: You can find out how much money you will receive by creating your own preliminary Retirement Benefit Estimate online at My LACERA. Once you register on My LACERA, the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature will provide a personalized estimate of the benefits you will receive when you retire. Look for the My LACERA icon on lacera.com. You can also read more about this feature at About My LACERA. You may also request an official retirement estimate by calling us at 1-800-786-6464. (6-23-08)

20. Q: How can I get a Retirement Benefit Estimate?
A: You can create your own preliminary Retirement Benefit Estimate online at My LACERA. Once you register on My LACERA, the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature will provide a personalized estimate of the benefits you will receive when you retire. You can access the My LACERA icon from lacera.com or on the left side bar of each web page. You can also read more about this feature at About My LACERA.

You can call LACERA and request a Retirement Benefit Estimate at 1-800-786-6464. (6-04-08)

21. Q: When will I get my annual benefits statement?
A: Benefit statements are prepared on the 15th of the month following your birthday month. After your yearly benefits have been calculated, it normally takes about 2-3 weeks for the statement to be printed and mailed. So those born in June should expect to receive their statements around the end of July or early August. Those born in July should get their statements around the end of August or early September, etc.

Also, once you register on My LACERA, you can review your Annual Benefit Statement online at any time. Look for the My LACERA icon throughout lacera.com to register. (5-12-08)

22. Q: Can I change plans?
A: If you are a Plan D or Plan E member, yes, you may change plans. This change is called a plan transfer. (Members of Plans A, B, and C cannot change plans.)

For a transfer from Plan E to Plan D, you have a choice: either an "open window" transfer or a "prospective" transfer. The costs and features are different for each type of transfer, and your decision will depend on your individual circumstances and retirement goals. First, we suggest that you review the FAQs and try the Transfer Calculator to estimate and compare your costs for each type of transfer. Then, if you have any questions, or you are ready to request your transfer, call us at 1-800-786-6464 for more information.

A transfer from Plan D to Plan E is a "prospective" transfer. The change is effective immediately, and retirement contributions will no longer be deducted from your paycheck. Be aware that you will not be eligible for any active member death or disability benefits from LACERA. Also, you cannot transfer back to Plan D for three years. At retirement, your benefit will be a combined allowance based on your Plan E and Plan D service credit. (3-29-07)

23. Q: How much will it cost for an Open Window Transfer from Plan E to Plan D?
A: Visit the Transfer Calculator for an instant estimate of your transfer costs. You may also request an Open Window Plan Transfer package that includes a Request for Cost Notification Form. Submitting this request does not obligate you to initiate a transfer; it is merely a request to receive personalized cost information. Within approximately 60 days from receipt of your request, LACERA will send you a Cost Notification Letter detailing your cost to complete an Open Window Transfer to Plan D. The letter will include the itemized cost of purchasing credit for your service prior to membership in LACERA, and a Payment Contract. Verification of your prior service and the computation of the cost of your service credit may affect the time required to provide your letter and contract. If, after reviewing your Cost Notification Letter, you decide to proceed with the transfer, you must return a signed Payment Contract to LACERA. See Open Window Transfer Plan (6-26-06)

24. Q: I am considering a transfer from Plan E to Plan D and buying my years of County service. How can I pay for it?
A: LACERA now accepts payments from a variety of sources. You may pay for any type of plan transfer, redeposit, conversion, or service credit purchase with funds from any of the following sources:

• Transfer from your LA County 401(k) Savings Plan or Horizons 457 Plan, even while you are still employed (before-tax dollars only)
• Rollover from a 401(k), 403(b), 457, or other plan sponsored by a previous employer (before-tax dollars only)
• Rollover from your Traditional IRA, not ROTH IRAs (before-tax dollars only)
• Personal check, which may be money from your checking or savings account, cash from home equity, etc. (after-tax dollars)
• Payroll deductions (before-tax or after-tax dollars) (3-29-07)

25. Q: If I transfer to Plan D, what is the difference between buying Additional Retirement Credit (ARC) and buying my Plan E time?
A. We have a special section on lacera.com entitled LACERA Career Opportunities Section where we list jobs that are open for everyone to apply. Our Career Opportunities link is located at the left hand navigation bar. You can access this section with the “CAREERS” icon on the lacera.com home page. (7-14-08)

26. Q: How can I find out about job opportunities with LACERA?
A. We have a section on lacera.com entitled LACERA Career Opportunities Section where we list jobs that are open for everyone to apply. Look for the Opportunities tab. (7-14-08)

27. Q: How can I obtain a job application for a job opening at LACERA?
A. Go to the LACERA Career Opportunities Section on lacera.com. You may apply online for any open position by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the “Apply” button on the job announcement. This application can be saved and used to apply for additional or future job openings. You must have access to email to apply online. If you do not want to apply directly online, you can access the Job Application in PDF format on the LACERA Career Opportunities Section web page.

If you are interested in a job that is not currently being recruited for, you can submit a Job Interest Card by clicking on the Job Descriptions link. Locate the job you want, click on the job title, then click on the "Email me when this position opens" link. (7-10-08)

28. Q:I have service in Plan E and Plan D. How does that affect my retirement?
A: When you retire, you will have service credit in both plans (double accounts), so your retirement benefit will be a combined allowance. First, your retirement allowance under each plan will be calculated separately, based on the service credit you earned under that plan. Then, the two amounts will be added together to determine your total monthly allowance.

You may retire from each plan when you meet the minimum retirement age (age 50 for Plan D; age 55 for Plan E) and service credit requirements. If you retire from Plan D and you are under 55, your Plan E retirement benefits automatically become effective on the date of your 55th birthday. LACERA will send you a letter one month before your 55th birthday to notify you regarding the effective date of your Plan E retirement benefit payments. (10-24-08)

29. Q: What is a monthly retirement allowance?
A: Your monthly retirement allowance is the monthly retirement benefit (monthly amount of money) you will receive after you retire. The amount of your retirement allowance is based on three factors:

• Age at Retirement
• Years of Service (Service Credit)
• Final Compensation (9-11-08)

30. Q: How can I find out how much service credit I have?
A: You can visit My LACERA to find out how much service credit you have. My LACERA is a web feature that provides you with secure 24-hour access to your personal retirement benefit information including your retirement plan and contribution rate, the total amount of your contributions, annual benefit statement, and recap of your recent LACERA interactions. You can also call LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and speak with a Retirement Benefits Specialist to find out how much service credit you have. (10-24-08)

31. Q: What is the Transfer Calculator and the ARC Calculator?
A: Our online Transfer Calculator is a web feature that will give you an estimate of the cost associated with a plan transfer. You can use the calculator to project:

• Your monthly Plan D contribution rate if you transfer prospectively from Plan E to Plan D.
• The Cost to purchase and convert some or all of your Plan E service credit for a Prospective Transfer.
• The cost of an Open Window Transfer from Plan E to Plan D (requires purchase of all your previous years of Plan E service)

ARC is credit that may be purchased to increase your service credit total. It is not based on actual employment. Active employees in all LACERA plans who have at least five years of County service credit are eligible to purchase ARC. Our online ARC Calculator will estimate the cost for purchasing one to five years of ARC and it will project the monthly retirement allowance increase you will receive. (10-24-08)

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Section II: SURVIVOR BENEFITS
1. Q: If I die while I am an active County employee, will my retirement benefits go to my spouse and surviving children?
A. For active members in Plans A, B, C, and D who die while in County service, death benefits in the form of a lump sum or continuing monthly allowance may be payable depending on your length of service and whether the death was service- or nonservice-connected.

A surviving minor child may be eligible for benefits if the member does not have an eligible surviving spouse.

Plan E - LACERA does not provide death benefits for active members in Plan E.

2. Q: I am the surviving spouse of an active member who died while in County service. Am I entitled to any survivor benefits?
A: If you are a surviving spouse of an active Plan A, B, C, or D member who dies while in County service, you may be eligible for death benefits in the form of a lump sum or continuing monthly allowance depending on the member’s length of service and whether the death was service- or nonservice-connected. If the member's death was service-connected, you must have been married to the member prior to the injury or illness which resulted in death.

If the death is nonservice-connected and the Plan A, B, C, or D member is vested with five years of County employment, survivor benefits are payable. There are no minimum years of service required to receive the lump-sum death benefit. (1-3-07)

3. Q: If I am not married and don't have any children, who can I designate as my beneficiary when I retire?
A: You may name anyone you wish to receive the $5,000 death benefit, and you may change that beneficiary designation at any time, even after you retire. If you wish to leave a monthly allowance to someone other than a spouse, domestic partner, or minor child, you may elect Retirement Option 2, 3, or 4. These options pay you a reduced allowance during your retirement years. Then, after your death, your beneficiary would receive a monthly allowance for the rest of his or her life. If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances, our Retirement Benefits Specialists can assist you. Call 1-800-786-6464 or visit our office in Pasadena for a one-on-one consultation. (3-29-07)

4. Q: How long do I have to be married before my spouse becomes eligible for survivor benefits on my LACERA retirement plan?
A: A surviving spouse is eligible for survivor benefits if he or she married the member at least one year prior to the member’s date of retirement. As of August 26, 2003, a domestic partner is eligible for survivor benefits if he or she registered as a domestic partner at least one year prior to the member’s date of retirement. (1-3-07)

5. Q: Does Plan E provide survivor benefits?
A: There are no LACERA pre-retirement continuing survivor benefits under Plan E; however, Plan E members are covered by the County's Long-Term Disability and Survivor Benefits Plan. All LACERA retirement plans, including Plan E, provide a $5,000 post-retirement lump-sum death benefit. LACERA also provides post-retirement continuing Plan E survivor benefits, which vary according to the retirement option selected. For additional information, refer to your Plan E Summary Plan brochure. (1-3-07)

6. Q: After I retire, can I provide my beneficiary 100% of my retirement allowance?
A: If you select the Unmodified+Plus option when you retire, you can provide your eligible spouse, domestic partner, or beneficiary a customized percentage of your reduced retirement allowance. If you are in Plan A, B, C, or D, you can provide your eligible beneficiary a customized percentage between 66% and 100% of your reduced allowance. If you are in Plan E, you can provide your eligible beneficiary a customized percentage between 56% and 100% of your reduced allowance.

For additional information, call 1-800-786-6464 and speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist. (7-10-08)

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Section III: SOCIAL SECURITY
1. Q: What is the Social Security offset and who does it affect?
A: Members who were employed by the County prior to 1983 are subject to the offset, which is a reduction in their LACERA retirement allowance for each year of their County service that was also covered by Social Security. (1-3-07)

2: Q: How does my LACERA benefit affect my Social Security benefit?
A: If you receive a LACERA retirement allowance AND a Social Security benefit, your Social Security benefit will be calculated by the less favorable “Windfall Elimination Provision” (WEP) formula. This results in a lower Social Security benefit than you would have received if you were not eligible to receive a LACERA pension. The formula varies, based on your years of Social Security-covered employment, and does not apply at all if you have 30 years or more of Social Security coverage. For more information, visit the Windfall Elimination Provision page in the Active Member section. (4-6-07)

3. Q: I am in Plan E. How will the Social Security offset affect my LACERA retirement benefits?
A. If you are in Plan E, a percentage of your estimated Social Security benefit will be subtracted from your retirement allowance, based on the total number of years and months of County service covered by Social Security.

LACERA will use actuarial tables to compute your Social Security benefit offset and your retirement allowance. If you retire at or after age 62 and would like LACERA to use the actual amount of your Social Security benefit (rather than an amount based on actuarial tables) to compute your Social Security benefit offset and your retirement allowance, you must provide LACERA with information documenting your actual Social Security benefit. You must provide the documentation within six months after your retirement. LACERA recommends that you do this. (6-10-08)

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Section IV: PLAN E ELECTIVE COLA
1. Q: What is Plan E Elective COLA?
A: Elective COLA is a provision that offers you the opportunity to purchase a cost-of-living benefit for the portion of your allowance that is based on service credit earned prior to June 4, 2002 (this service credit is not eligible for Automatic COLA). If you purchase Plan E Elective COLA, you will become eligible to receive a cost-of-living benefit on a greater portion of your retirement allowance.

2. Q: Are there situations in which I would not benefit from Plan E Elective COLA?
A: Yes. Your cost for Plan E Elective COLA is based, in part, on actuarial assumptions for life expectancy and annual inflation. If you do not reach the actuarially-projected life expectancy, or inflation is lower than the assumption, you may not recover your total cost. (8-1-06)

3. Q: How much Plan E Elective COLA may I purchase?
A: You may purchase Plan E Elective COLA for some or all of your eligible Plan E service credit earned prior to June 4, 2002. (8-1-06)

4. Q: What types of funds may I use to purchase Plan E Elective COLA?
A: You may pay your contract with before-tax dollars from:

• Rollover from your 401(k)*, 457**, IRA, or other tax-qualified plan
• Monthly payroll deductions
• Combination of rollover AND monthly payroll deductions

*The amount an active employee may roll over from the County’s 401(k) Savings Plan is limited by age, years in plan, and contribution type. Contact Great-West at 1-800-947-0845 to determine your eligibility.

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 permits LACERA to accept rollovers by active employees from the County’s Horizons 457 Plan (effective August 17, 2006). (10-24-06)

5. Q: How do I calculate the cost to purchase Elective COLA for Plan E?
A. The cost to purchase Plan E Elective COLA varies depending on your individual situation and actuarial factors. Please contact a Retirement Benefits Specialists at 1-800-786-6464. We will prepare a cost calculation and you will not be obligated to start a payment contract. If you decide to proceed with the purchase of Plan E Elective COLA, we will then prepare a payment contract for your signature. (5-28-08)

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Section V: TERMINATING EMPLOYMENT
1. Q: What is a deferred member?
A: A deferred member is a vested LACERA member who terminates County or outside district employment and leaves his or her plan contributions on deposit with LACERA. Contributory members (Plan A, B, C, or D) are vested with five or more years of County (or County and reciprocal) retirement service credit, Plan E members are vested with ten years of County service retirement credit. Deferred members may apply for a LACERA retirement allowance upon meeting the minimum age and service credit requirements set forth in their respective retirement plans. (1-3-07)

2. Q: Can I quit working now and defer my retirement benefits?
A: If you are vested in Plan A, B, C, or D (5 years of service) and you quit working and leave your contributions on deposit; they will continue to earn interest and you will automatically become a deferred member. If you are not vested in Plan A, B, C, or D (fewer than 5 years of service) and you quit working and leave your contributions on deposit; they will continue to earn interest. You may become eligible for future retirement benefits if you return to County service, or enter employment covered by a reciprocal retirement system within six months.

IMPORTANT: If you withdraw your deferred contributions and interest, you will forfeit all rights to future retirement benefits from LACERA.

If you are vested in Plan E (10 years of service credit), quit working and leave your contributions, you automatically become a deferred member. If you are not vested (fewer than 10 years of service) and terminate employment as a Plan E member, you are not entitled to receive any retirement benefits from LACERA. However, if you return and elect Plan D, you are eligible to purchase and receive Plan D credit for your previous non-vested Plan E service.

Remember to keep LACERA informed of address changes while you are on deferred status. (6-23-08)

3. Q: What happens to my retirement contributions after I terminate from County service?
A: If you are a member of Plan A, B, C or D, and you leave County service, you have several options:

If eligible, you may retire, or if you are not eligible to retire, but are vested:

• Your retirement will be automatically deferred or postponed, and you may retire when you meet the minimum age and service requirements.
• Your contributions will remain on deposit and continue to earn interest. If you become a member of a reciprocal retirement system, visit the reciprocity page for additional information.

If you are not vested:

• You may leave your contributions on deposit to earn interest until you withdraw them.
• You would not be eligible for a future retirement benefit unless you return to service or become a member of a reciprocal retirement system.
• You may withdraw your contributions and earned interest.
  Be advised that taking a withdrawal terminates your membership and you give up all rights to future retirement benefits from LACERA, including disability benefits. (7-17-08)

4. Q: If I terminate and leave my contributions on deposit, when am I eligible for LACERA retirement benefits?
A: If you are a vested member of Plan A, B, C, or D (five years of County retirement service credit) and terminate County service prior to meeting age and service credit eligibility for retirement, you may apply to receive your deferred retirement allowance when you reach age 50 and reach the date on which you would have earned ten years of service credit as a County employee.

If you are a vested member of Plan E (ten years of County service retirement credit), and terminate employment, you may apply for your retirement allowance when you reach age 55. (9-25-06)

5. Q: At what age is distribution mandatory for a deferred member?
A: LACERA is required by law to begin paying a deferred retirement allowance to any deferred member (who is not a member of a reciprocal retirement system) on April 1 of the year following the year in which the member attains age 70-1/2. For additional information, refer to your Summary Plan Description brochure or contact a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist at 1-800-786-6464. (1-3-07)

6. Q : If I terminate from the County, can I roll my LACERA contributions over to an IRA?
A: Yes, but choose carefully. CAUTION: If you elect to withdraw or roll over your contributions and interest, you will forfeit (give up) your right to any future retirement benefits from LACERA, including disability and retiree health care benefits.

If you choose to withdraw your contributions and interest when you terminate, you may elect to roll over to an IRA or other qualified employer plan. A surviving spouse or ex-spouse may also elect a rollover of the member's contributions and interest. Tax laws governing rollovers are complex, so consult your tax advisor for detailed information. Note: Certain restrictions may apply; check with the Plan Administrator. (12-20-06)

7: Q: How do I roll over an existing retirement account into a 457 Horizons account?
A: Contact your financial institution or Great West at 1-800-947-0845. (3-3-08)

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Section VI: FINAL COMPENSATION
1. Q: What is final compensation?
A: Final compensation is one factor used to determine a member's monthly retirement allowance. It is an average of the member's highest monthly pensionable income during any one-year or three-year period. Generally, if you are a member of Plan A, B, C, or D, your final compensation will be based on one year (12 consecutive months).

If you are a Plan E member, your final compensation will be based on three years (either 36 consecutive months or three separate 12-consecutive-month periods). (7-18-06)

2. Q: Are overtime pay and excess vacation pay included in final compensation?
A: No, overtime is not considered “pensionable earnings;” therefore it is not included in final average compensation. The amount you receive upon termination for unused vacation and sick leave, also called “termination pay,” is not pensionable earnings. Active employees may be eligible to receive compensation for excess vacation, holiday, or sick leave (also called “buy-back”); up to certain maximums. This compensation is included in your final compensation.

If you have questions about buy-back eligibility, contact your personnel/human resources department. You can learn more about how to maximize your final compensation by attending LACERA's Pre-Retirement Workshop. (7-18-06)

3. Q: Which pay items are pensionable under the Ventura Decision?
A: A list of pensionable items is located within our retirement calculator section. Click here to see the Ventura Decision pay items. (6-26-06)

You may also request an official retirement estimate by calling us at 1-800-786-6464. (6-04-08)

4. Q: How much sick leave will I be paid for if I terminate County service?
A: If you are a permanent full-time employee who terminates with at least five years of continuous service, the County will pay you for ("buy back") accumulated sick leave at full pay to a maximum of 720 working hours, or in the case of employees assigned to a 56-hour workweek schedule, to a maximum of 1,080 working hours. The 720 hours and 1080 hours stem from 50% of the maximum 1440 hours and 2160 hours. (8-06-08)

Note: Compensation for unused leave which is paid to the employee upon termination (also known as "termination pay") is not included in final compensation and therefore, not pensionable. (4-3-08)

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Section VII: PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT
1. Q: Why should I attend a Pre-Retirement Workshop?
A: Pre-Retirement Workshops provide the essential information you need to know to maximize your retirement benefits. Each pre-registered attendee receives a personalized estimate of their retirement benefits, along with recommendations on the most advantageous retirement dates. All members within five years of retirement are strongly encouraged to attend a Pre-Retirement Workshop. Call 1-800-786-6464 to reserve your spot. (6-27-06)

2. Q: How can I determine my most advantageous date to retire?
A: If you are within five years of retirement, register for a free LACERA Pre-Retirement Workshop. You'll receive a personalized estimate of your retirement benefits, including customized recommendations on selecting the retirement date that is most advantageous for you. At the workshop, you'll be able to review your estimate, one-on-one, with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist, who can offer recommendations on how to maximize your personal retirement situation. Call 1-800-786-6464 to RSVP. (9-14-06)

3. Q: What is the minimum age I can begin receiving a retirement allowance?
A: General members of Plans A, B, C, or D are eligible to receive a retirement allowance at:

• Age 50 with at least 10 years service credit, or
• 30 years service credit, regardless of age, or
• Age 70, regardless of service credit

General Members of Plan E are eligible to receive a retirement allowance at:

• Age 55 with at least 10 years service credit
• Age 70, regardless of service credit

Safety members of Plans A or B are eligible to receive a retirement allowance at:

• Age 50 with at least 10 years service credit, or
• 20 years service credit, regardless of age (1-3-07)

4. Q: I plan to retire at age 50. When and how should I contact LACERA to begin the process?
A: If you are in Plan A, B, C, or D, you are age-eligible to retire at 50. If you are in Plan E, you are not eligible to retire until you reach age 55. If you are 50, you may choose to terminate and defer your retirement until you are 55.

We suggest you attend a Pre-Retirement Workshop at least five years prior to your retirement, and again two years prior.

Four to six months before you plan to retire, contact LACERA for a Retirement Estimate. This estimate will show your personal retirement options in detail. Plan to visit LACERA to discuss your retirement options with a Retirement Benefits Specialist. You may elect your retirement option up to 90 days before your retirement date (no sooner).

If you choose to apply in person at LACERA's Public Counter, you will need to bring the following items: your signed Election to Retire form, original marriage or domestic partnership certificate, original birth certificate for your eligible spouse or domestic partner if you elect Option 2, 3, 4 or Unmodified+Plus, and your checkbook (to establish Direct Deposit for your retirement allowance). (11-2-07)

5. Q: Am I eligible to retire now, or am I too young? Can I stop working now and then start receiving my retirement benefits in a few years?
A: Each LACERA plan has minimum age and service credit requirements. See the Retirement Eligibility page for your plan details and try the Retirement Calculator to compare benefit estimates based on different ages and years of service credit. You need five years of service credit to be vested in Plans A, B, C, and D and ten years of service credit to be vested in Plan E. Vesting means that you will be eligible for a future retirement benefit even if you leave County employment before you retire. If you are vested, you may “defer” (postpone) your retirement and retire at a later date, subject to the requirements for deferred members. (4-6-07)

6. Q: What Retirement Options do I have when I retire?
A: When you get ready to retire and meet the requirements, you may select from several Retirement Options for your retirement allowance:

• Unmodified: Provides member the highest monthly retirement allowance available.
• Unmodified+Plus: Allows member to provide survivor a customized percentage of member's reduced allowance.
• Option 1: Allows member to provide a single lump-sum payment to beneficiary. Member receives slightly reduced unmodified allowance.
• Option 2: Allows member to provide survivor 100% of member's reduced allowance.
• Option 3: Expanded beneficiary eligibility. Member receives reduced unmodified allowance. Beneficiary cannot be changed after retirement.
• Option 4: Can be customized to provide for multiple beneficiaries. Member receives reduced unmodified allowance. (8-7-06)

7. Q: How can I find out when LACERA presents Pre-Retirement Workshops in different areas?
A. Check our Pre-Retirement Workshop Calendar to see when workshops are scheduled in different areas. To reserve a space in the Pre-Retirement Workshop, call 1-800-786-6464. (5-27-08)

8: Q: When will a LACERA representative be visiting the High Desert Health System again?
A: A Retirement Benefits Specialist from LACERA will be available at the benefit table in your cafeteria conference room to answer any questions you have on the 4th Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (3-18-08)

9. Q: Are the Pre-Retirement Workshops held on Saturdays?
A. Yes. LACERA offers Pre-Retirement Workshops on the first Saturday of each month. Check our Pre-Retirement Workshop Calendar to see which Saturdays are scheduled. To reserve a space in the Pre-Retirement Workshop, call 1-800-786-6464. Attend a workshop and learn how to maximize your retirement. (5-12-08)

10: Q: If I retire on or before March 30 will I be eligible for the cost-of-living adjustment on April 1?
A: Yes. Many members take advantage of the April 1 COLA by retiring on or before March 30. It is best to consult with a Retirement Benefits Specialist as factors like birth date and age are also important in choosing a retirement date. (3-3-08)

11. Q: What documents do I need to apply for retirement?
A: There are several documents you will need to initiate the process of retirement. First, you should contact LACERA six months before you plan to retire at 1-800-786-6464 and request a Retirement Benefit Estimate. Or, you can create your own preliminary Retirement Benefit Estimate if you register on MY LACERA at lacera.com. This estimate will show your personal retirement options in detail.

Plan to visit LACERA to discuss your retirement options with a Retirement Benefits Specialist. You will need to bring the following documents to apply for retirement: your signed Election to Retire form, original birth certificate for your eligible spouse or domestic partner if you elect Option 2, 3, 4 or Unmodified+Plus, and your checkbook (to establish Direct Deposit for your retirement allowance). We also suggest that you attend a Pre-Retirement Workshop at LACERA where we will review all the forms and information necessary to help you plan your retirement.

Another good reference for you is our  The Process of Retiring web page which includes a Checklist for Retirement Planning to review all the necessary steps in applying for retirement.  (6-11-08)

12. Q: When I become eligible to retire, will LACERA automatically retire me?
A. No. You must contact LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 to initiate your application for retirement. LACERA does not automatically retire employees.*  We recommend you contact LACERA to attend a Pre-Retirement Workshop five years prior to retirement. Another source of information about the retirement process is our The Process of Retiring web page. (6-10-08)

*One exception is members with double accounts. They may retire at age 50 for Plan D and then be automatically retired at 55 for Plan E.

13. Q: If I provide a certified copy of my marriage certificate, will I get it back?
A: LACERA does require original certified marriage certificates, domestic partner registration, and birth certificates for dependent children that have been recorded by the county, state, or country of residence for our files. Once we receive your original certificates, we will scan copies into our files and return the original certificate to you in the mail. (5-12-08)

14. Q: Should I report for work on my retirement date?
A. No. Don't report to work on your retirement date. For example, if your effective retirement date is September 10, you don't have to report to work on that day. You are retired! (5-12-08)

15. Q: Once I retire, can I return to work for the County?
A. An eligible retiree may return to work for the County for a period of up to 120 days (960 hours in any 12-month period) and continue to receive his/her retirement allowance. During this post-retirement employment, however, the member will not accrue any additional LACERA pension benefits, nor will the member or the employer pay contributions for this service.

There is a 90-day waiting period following retirement for retirees under Normal Retirement Age who are returning to work.

Normal Retirement Age for members of LACERA:

• Age 57 for general contributory members
• Age 65 for general noncontributory members
• Age 55 for safety members

IRS penalties may apply to retirees under age 59.5 who have not had a "bona fide" separation (90-day waiting period) from service and are engaged in post-retirement work with the County. For information pertaining to your individual situation, consult with a professional advisor; LACERA does not offer tax or legal advice. (5-27-08)

16. Q: I'm going to retire soon, and I would like information about the health care plans available to retired members.
For a list of current LACERA-Administered Retiree Health Care information online, visit our Retiree Health Care section. (3-3-08)

17. Q: I am an active County employee, and I do not carry my wife on my health insurance. If I retire, can I add her as a dependent on my LACERA-Administered Health Care Plan?
A. Yes. Once you retire, you can enroll in a LACERA-Administered Health Care Plan and include your spouse on your health care coverage. Eligible dependents for your LACERA-Administered Health Care Plan include:

• Your spouse
• Your eligible domestic partner
• Your unmarried natural or legally adopted children or stepchildren, under 19 or up to 23 who are enrolled as full-time students and depend on you for financial support
• Your unmarried dependent children over 19 who are incapable of self-support due to a physical or mental handicap and meet specific requirements (6-09-08)

18. Q: I'm an active County employee and will turn 65 in a few months. Should I apply for Medicare?
A. If you are still an active County employee at age 65, you should contact the County Employees Benefits Office at (213) 388-9982 to inquire about Medicare eligibility and enrollment. If you retire at age 65 and you are eligible for Medicare, you can enroll in a LACERA-administered Medicare Plan. (5-27-08)

2. Q: Are there different types of disability retirement?
A: Yes. There are service-connected and nonservice-connected disability retirements. Service-connected disability retirement is based upon a disability caused by an illness or injury related to the member's employment. Nonservice-connected disability retirement is based upon a disability caused by an illness or injury not related to the member's employment. (12-6-07)

3. Q: Do all LACERA plans include disability retirement?
A: No. Only contributory plans A, B, C, and D include disability retirement; members of those plans who meet certain eligibility requirements may apply for disability retirements. Plan E does not include disability retirement. Information on applying for disability retirement is available in the Benefits section. Disability brochures and forms are available on the Brochures & Forms page. (12-6-07)

4. Q: How does my Prospective Transfer to Plan D affect my eligibility to apply for disability retirement?
A: If you transfer prospectively to Plan D you are eligible to apply for a service-connected disability retirement (regardless of the date of injury) when either of the following conditions is met:

• Two continuous years of active service completed as an active Plan D member after your most recent effective date of transfer (service without medical leave specifically related to a pre-existing disability, injury, or disease).
• If service has not been continuous, five years of service credit earned as an active Plan D member after your most recent effective date of transfer.

To apply for a nonservice-connected disability retirement, Plan D members must have earned a minimum of five years of County service credit. The credit may include Plan D, Plan E, or reciprocal service credit, but must include one of the Plan D service credit options listed above. (12-6-07)

5. Q: How does my Open Window Transfer to Plan D affect my eligibility to apply for disability retirement?
A: Under an Open Window Transfer, you remain in Plan E until your transfer contract is paid in full. Your eligibility to apply for disability retirement begins on the first day your Open Window transfer contract is fulfilled. (12-5-07)

6. Q: I transferred prospectively from Plan E to Plan D. Am I permitted to purchase Plan E time to meet the two-year or five-year eligibility requirement to apply for a service-connected disability retirement?
A: No. A member who has transferred prospectively to Plan D must complete two continuous years of active service after his or her most recent effective date of transfer date or earn five years of retirement service credit under Plan D; the time cannot be purchased. (12-6-07)

7. Q: How is "active service" defined?
A: Government Code Section 31494.5 (g) defines active service as "time spent on active, on-the-job performance of the duties of a full-time or part-time position and on any authorized paid leaves of absence; provided, however, that any authorized paid leave of absence or part-time service shall not constitute active service if the leave of absence or part-time service is necessitated by a preexisting disability, injury, or disease." (12-6-07)

8. Q: How is "pre-existing" defined in matters relating to service-connected disability retirement?
A: Pre-existing refers to any disability, injury, or disease that existed prior to the date a member transferred prospectively from Plan E to Plan D. (12-6-07)

9. Q: In service-connected disability cases, who determines if a leave of absence or part-time service is necessitated by a preexisting disability, injury, or disease?
A: The determination is made by the Board of Retirement, based upon evidence presented by the employer and by the member, if requested by the board. (12-6-07)

10. Q: Does the Worker's Compensation process affect the granting of a Disability Retirement?
A: No. The Board of Retirement makes independent findings; its decision whether or not to grant a member's disability retirement application is completely independent of the Worker's Compensation process.

11. Q: Are any disability benefits available to Plan E members?
A: Plan E has no LACERA disability benefits. The County Long-Term Disability Plan (LTD) is designed to provide certain disability benefits to Plan E general members. For information on LTD, call the County Employee Hotline at 213-388-9982.

FAQs on General ARC, Contributory ARC, and Plan E ARC (6-29-07)

ARC for Contributory Plans A, B, C, D

ARC for Non-Contributory Plan E

SECTION I: GENERAL ARC INFORMATION
1. Q: What is Additional Retirement Credit (ARC)?
A: ARC is credit that may be purchased to increase your service credit total. It is not based on actual employment. (6-15-07)

2. Q: What are advantages of purchasing ARC?
A: Adding years of service credit by purchasing ARC will increase your total years of service credit. Since years of service credit is one of the factors used to calculate your retirement allowance, increasing your service credit through ARC will increase your monthly retirement allowance.*

*In certain circumstances, this may not apply to a service-connected disability. For more information, call 1-800-786-6464.

3. Q: Are there limitations to ARC?
A: Additional Retirement Credit (ARC) adds to your total retirement service credit for purposes of calculating your retirement allowance only. However, regardless of ARC, the retirement allowance of a contributory member cannot exceed 100 percent of his or her final compensation. The allowance of a Plan E member cannot exceed 80 percent of final compensation.

• Minimum eligibility requirements for a service or disability retirement
• Retiree health care benefits
• Cancellation of contributions for members who attain 30 years of service credit

*Disability retirement and 30-year cancellation of contributions do not apply to Plan E.

4. Q: Who is eligible to purchase ARC?
A: An active member in any LACERA retirement plan with at least five years of actual County service may purchase ARC. County service may include Plan E service, dual account service (safety and general), and PERS transfer credit. Reciprocal service and purchased temporary time are not included. Deferred members are not eligible to buy ARC. (1-9-09)

5. Q: How much ARC may I purchase?
A: The minimum ARC purchase is one year; the maximum purchase is a total of five years under any plan or combination of plans. For example, suppose you buy three years of ARC while you’re a member of Plan E and later transfer to Plan D. The maximum amount of ARC you would be eligible to purchase in Plan D would be two years. In that case you would have purchased a total of five years of ARC, which is the maximum purchasable amount. (6-29-07)

6. Q: How is the cost of ARC calculated?
A: The cost of ARC is calculated using a "present value formula," which represents the value of the increased retirement income you will receive during retirement, computed in today’s dollars. In other words, the member pays the full actuarial cost of the additional future retirement benefit. By law, ARC cannot place any additional financial burden on the retirement system. The formula factors in your current age, retirement plan, and salary, along with actuarial assumptions for salary increases, age at retirement, and life expectancy.

Using the online ARC Calculator in the lacera.com Benefits section will enable you to get an idea of your cost to purchase ARC. The calculator allows you to enter different determining figures to decide if you’d like to proceed with an ARC purchase. To determine the exact cost of your ARC purchase, you must request an official Cost Notification from LACERA. (6-15-07)

7. Q: What types of funds may I use to purchase ARC?
A: Under federal law, ARC may be purchased with any of these types of funds:

• Payroll Deductions (using before or after-tax dollars)
• Qualified Plans: 401(k)/401(a)/KEOGH
• 457 Plan Fund Transfer: In-Service or After Termination
• IRAs: Non-Roth/Non-After Tax
• 403(b)
• After-Tax Dollars

LACERA does not accept termination pay for the purchase of ARC.

8. Q: What payment options are available?
A: You have a choice of three payment options: lump-sum payment, payroll deductions, or a combination of both.

• Lump-Sum Payment: a single payment for the total cost of your ARC, including interest calculated through the contract expiration date.
• Payroll Deductions: automatic monthly deductions from your paycheck, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of your contract by the term (number of months) of your contract. Interest is calculated over the term of the contract; therefore, the total amount you pay through payroll deductions is greater than it would be through a lump-sum payment. You designate whether you want the deductions taken on a before or after-tax basis.
• Combination Lump-Sum Payment/Payroll Deductions: allows you to pay an amount of your choice in a single upfront payment and pay off the balance of the contract through monthly payroll deductions. (6-20-07)

9. Q: What is the significance of before-tax and after-tax dollars?
A: Before-tax dollars are funds that are not subject to income tax at the time they are earned; rather, they become taxable when you retire, terminate County service, or when your beneficiary receives them upon your death. Payroll deductions and rollovers from your County 457 plan and/or other tax qualified plans are examples of before-tax dollars. The benefit of before-tax payroll deductions is that it reduces your taxable income.  

After-tax dollars are funds — such as proceeds from mortgage refinancing or savings accounts — that were subject to income tax at the time they were earned. Since they have already been taxed, they are not subject to income tax at retirement, termination, or death. However, the interest earned on your contributions is taxable.

If you use after-tax dollars for a lump-sum payment, a portion of your retirement allowance equal to the amount of after-tax dollars you paid will be considered non-taxable income. That portion will be excluded from taxability until you have recovered the full amount of your non-taxable payment.

Consult with a professional advisor regarding tax and legal matters pertaining to your individual situation; LACERA does not offer tax or legal advice. (6-27-08)

10. Q: What contract terms are available?
A: Contract terms (payment periods) range from one month to 120 months (ten years).

11. Q: Will I be permitted to change or revoke my contract after I sign it?
A: The ability to change or revoke your contract hinges on the type of payment method you select:

• Once you sign a contract that includes payroll deductions and/or payments using other before-tax funds, the contract is irrevocable.
• Only contracts based on payments made exclusively with after-tax dollars may be revised or revoked.

If you revoke your after-tax dollar contract before it is paid in full, LACERA will prorate the amount you have paid and credit your account for years/months of ARC accordingly. LACERA cannot refund the money you already paid until you terminate County service; if you die, the money will be paid to your beneficiary. (6-12-07)

12. Q: When do I begin making payments?
A: If you select monthly payroll deductions, your deductions will begin on the 15th of the month, within 60 days of LACERA’s receipt of your signed Payment Contract.

13. Q: How do I initiate a lump-sum payment for an ARC purchase?
A: To make a lump-sum payment, you must include your check or money order with your signed ARC Payment Contract. If you use a rollover or transfer for a lump-sum payment from a Horizons 457 Plan or County 401(k) Plan, you must call 1-800-947-0845 to request a rollover/transfer form from Great-West and send the signed form to LACERA. For rollovers of other before-tax funds, you must sign and complete the member section of a LACERA Rollover/Transfer Certification Form and send the form to your plan administrator to complete, sign, and return to LACERA. LACERA must receive a completed and signed Rollover/Transfer Certification Form directly from the Plan Administrator before your rollover or transfer can be accepted. (6-12-07)

14. Q: What happens if I retire or terminate County service before completing my ARC Payment Contract?
A: If you retire or terminate County service and defer your retirement (leave your contributions on deposit with LACERA) before your contract is paid in full, you may complete the contract within 120 days after your effective date of retirement or termination. If your contract is not paid in full, your retirement allowance will be prorated to include ARC for whole months already paid.

SECTION II: ARC FOR CONTRIBUTORY PLANS A, B, C, D
1. Q: How will my ARC contract affect my monthly plan contributions?
A: Any payroll deductions for ARC will be made in addition to your current retirement contributions. (6-29-07)

2. Q: I’m in a contributory plan., When I retire, will cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments apply to the ARC I’ve purchased?
A: Yes. The annual April 1 COLA percentage is applied to a retiree's total monthly retirement allowance, which includes any ARC purchased. (COLA increases are subject to annual approval by the Board of Retirement.) (6-12-07)

3. Q: What happens if I receive a disability retirement before completing my ARC Payment Contract?
A: If you are granted a disability retirement before completing your Payment Contract, your account will be credited for the years/months of ARC paid up to the date your disability retirement was granted. If you elect to complete the Payment Contract, you must do so within 120 days of the date your disability was granted. (6-12-07)

4. Q: What happens if I die before completing my Payment Contract?
If you are in a contributory plan and you die before paying your contract in full, your eligible surviving spouse or domestic partner (or minor child) would be eligible to complete payment within 120 days after the date of death.

If your contract is not paid in full, the survivor allowance will be prorated to include ARC for whole months already paid.

SECTION III: ARC FOR NON-CONTRIBUTORY PLAN E
1. Q: If I buy Plan E ARC now and later transfer to Plan D, can my Plan E ARC be converted to Plan D?
A: No. If you transfer to Plan D, your Plan E ARC will remain as Plan E service credit; you will have double accounts. At retirement, you will receive a combined allowance: a Plan E retirement allowance based on your previous period of Plan E service credit (including Plan E ARC) and a Plan D retirement allowance based on your Plan D service credit (including Plan D ARC). (Retirement eligibility rules apply.) (6-29-07)

2. Q: When I retire, will cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments apply to the Plan E ARC I’ve purchased?
A: Yes. The annual April 1 COLA percentage will apply to Plan E ARC service credit and any Plan E service earned after June 4, 2002. (COLA increases are subject to annual approval by the Board of Retirement.) (6-20-07)

3. Q: What happens if I terminate County service prior to becoming vested?
A: If you terminate County service before earning ten years of service credit (vested), LACERA will refund the amount you paid on your ARC contract. (6-29-07)

4. Q: What is the maximum percentage of my final compensation that I can receive when I retire?
A: The retirement allowance of a Plan E member cannot exceed 80 percent of final compensation, regardless of ARC. (6-29-07)

5. Q: Will my years of service affect my cost to purchase Plan E ARC?
A: After 35 years of service the cost of Plan E ARC is greatly reduced, so if you currently have 30 or more years of service credit, it may be advantageous for you to delay purchasing Plan E ARC until you reach 35 years of service. To find out the particulars regarding your situation, call 1-800-786-6464 to speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist. (7-16-07)

6. Q: Will my years of service affect the benefit I will receive from Plan E ARC?
A: Just as the cost of Plan E ARC is reduced after 35 years of service, so is the benefit it provides. Therefore, depending on the age of the member and the length of his or her County career, there are scenarios where a member could buy Plan E ARC at the full rate, but receive the benefit at a reduced rate. If you currently have 30 or more years of service credit, or if you believe you will work 30 or more years before you retire, call 1-800-786-6464 to speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist before you purchase Plan E ARC. (7-20-07)

2. Q: If I transfer prospectively from Plan E to D and don’t buy all of my E time, which plan will my retirement be based on?
A: When you retire, you will have service credit in both plans, so your retirement benefit will be a combined allowance. First, your retirement allowance under each plan will be calculated separately, based on the service credit you earned under that plan. Then, the two amounts will be added together to determine your total monthly allowance. You may retire from each plan when you meet the minimum retirement age (age 50 for Plan D; age 55 for Plan E) and service credit requirements (10 years of combined Plan D and Plan E service credit).

If you become vested in Plan D and leave your contributions on deposit (deferred membership) when you terminate, you will be eligible to retire from D on the date you would have earned the required service credit had you remained in a full-time County position. (8-31-06)

3. Q: If I transfer prospectively, when can I transfer back?
A: If you transfer prospectively, you must remain in your new plan for three years. After three years, you may choose to transfer back.

NOTE: If you transfer from Plan D to Plan E and, after three years, you elect to transfer back to Plan D, your cost for monthly Plan D contributions will be higher (based on your age at the time you transfer back to Plan D). (10-24-06)

4. Q: I want to transfer prospectively to Plan D now and retire at age 50. When will I get my Plan E benefits?
A: You will be age-eligible to retire from Plan D at age 50. If you choose to retire at age 50, you will be eligible to receive only your Plan D benefit at that time. You may apply to receive your Plan E benefit when you reach age 55.

5. Q: With a Prospective transfer, may I use money from my 401(k) plan to purchase service credit?
A: Yes, LACERA accepts rollovers of before-tax funds from 401(k) plans for purchase and conversion of Plan E service credit. Contact Great-West at 1-800-947-0845 to determine the amount you are eligible to roll over from the County 401(k) Savings Plan. The amount an active employee may roll over is limited by age, years in plan, and contribution type. (10-24-06)

6. Q: If I transfer prospectively to Plan D, how much Plan E service credit can I purchase?
A: You may opt to purchase and convert any or all of your Plan E service credit. The minimum amount is one year, unless you have less than one year of Plan E service credit. In that case, your purchase must convert all of your Plan E service credit to Plan D. (10-24-06)

For a cost estimate, try our Plan Transfer Calculator.

8. Q: In a Prospective Transfer, how is the cost to purchase prior Plan E service credit calculated?
A: Your cost is the amount you would have paid in contributions if you had been a Plan D member for the period of Plan E service credit you are purchasing; monthly contributions are based on your age at the birthday nearest the first date of the period to be purchased, plus interest. (9-6-06)

9. Q: If I transfer prospectively from Plan E to Plan D, what types of funds may I use to purchase my service credit?
A: Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, prior service may be purchased using any of the following types of funds:

• Payroll Deductions
• Qualified Plans: 401(k)/KEOGH
457 Plans In-Service
• 457 Plans After Termination
• IRAs: Non-Roth/Non-After Tax
• 403(b)
• After-tax dollars (including savings, funds from mortgage refinance, cash-on-hand, etc.) (12-30-06)

10. Q: What payment options are available?
You have a choice of three payment options: lump-sum payment, payroll deductions, or a combination of both.

• Lump-Sum Payment: a single payment for the total cost of your service credit, including interest calculated through the contract expiration date.
• Payroll Deductions: automatic monthly deductions from your paycheck, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of your contract by the term (number of months) of your contract. Interest is calculate dover the term of the contract; therefore, the amount you pay through payroll deductions is greater than it would be through a lump-sum payment.
• Combination Lump-Sum Payment/Payroll Deductions. allow you to pay an amount of your choice in a single upfront payment and pay off the balance of the contract through monthly payroll deductions. (3-26-07)

11. Q: What are the payment terms on a Prospective Transfer contract?
A: You may choose a contract term (payment period) from one month to 10 years (120 months). Generally, your payment contract must be completed before you retire or terminate County employment. However, if you terminate County service or retire earlier than anticipated, you may pay the balance due within 120 days after your effective date of retirement or termination. (4-6-07)

12. Q: If I transfer prospectively and purchase some of my prior service, can I terminate my contract if I change my mind?
A: The ability to change or revoke your contract hinges on the type of payment method you select. Once you sign a contract that includes payroll deductions and/or payments using other before-tax funds, the contract is irrevocable. Only contracts that indicate your payments will be made exclusively with after-tax dollars may be revised or revoked. (3-19-07)

13. Q: How does my Prospective Transfer to Plan D affect my eligibility to apply for disability retirement?
A: If you transfer prospectively to Plan D you are eligible to apply for a service-connected disability retirement (regardless of the date of injury) when either of the following conditions is met:

• Two continuous years of active service completed as an active Plan D member after your most recent effective date of transfer (service without medical leave specifically related to a pre-existing disability, injury, or disease).
• If service has not been continuous, five years of service credit earned as an active Plan D member after your most recent effective date of transfer.

To apply for a nonservice-connected disability retirement, Plan D members must have earned a minimum of five years of County service credit. The credit may include Plan D, Plan E, or reciprocal service credit, but must include one of the Plan D service credit options listed above. (3-19-07)

14. Q: What happens if I stop working, retire, or die before I complete payment for my prospective transfer service credit purchase?
A: If you terminate employment or retire before your contract is paid in full, you may complete payment within 120 days after your termination or retirement date. If you die, your eligible surviving spouse or domestic partner (or minor child) would be eligible to complete payment within 120 days after the date of death. If not paid in full, the retirement allowance or survivor allowance would be prorated to include service credit for whole months already paid. (10-24-06)

15. Q: I transferred prospectively from Plan E to Plan D and I have double accounts with LACERA. Can I withdraw my Plan D retirement contributions and keep my vested Plan E service credit?
A: No. If you withdraw your Plan D contributions, you will forfeit all your future retirement benefits, including any disability or vested Plan E benefits. LACERA is a single-plan benefit administrator. A double account status reflects one active and one inactive plan. You cannot terminate and withdraw some of your plan benefits without losing all your future benefits. (4-10-07)

Pension Reserve - This portion of your allowance is taxable. It is derived from contributions made by the County or district.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment - Represents the accumulated cost-of-living (COLA) increase granted by the Board of Retirement each April 1. Once granted, the dollar amount is permanent and cumulative. Contributory plan members (Plans A, B, C, or D) and Plan E members who earned service credit on and after June 4, 2002 are eligible to receive the April 1 COLA. Click here to read about the current year's COLA. (2-24-09)

Supplemental Targeted Adjustment for Retirees (STAR COLA) - Represents the cost-of-living benefit granted by the Board of Retirement on January 1 for those members who have lost more than 20 percent of the value of their retirement allowance to inflation. Only contributory plan members are eligible for STAR COLA.

2. Q: Is LACERA still offering Savings Bonds purchases?
A: No. The United States Department of the Treasury has converted its Savings Bond program to a paperless web-based arrangement, where Bond purchases may be made by individuals over the internet, rather than by employer-administered payroll deduction. To purchase Savings Bonds, visit the U.S. Treasury web site. (2-3-06)

3. Q: What is STAR COLA, and how is the benefit determined?
A: The Supplemental Targeted Adjustment for Retirees (STAR) Program is designed to ease the effects of inflation for a retiree whose retirement allowance has lost more than 20 percent of its purchasing power since retirement. Eligible retirees are determined by plan and retirement date. Each year, the Board of Retirement determines whether a STAR benefit is due to any LACERA retirees based on inflation experienced over their retirement years, offset by April 1 COLAs the retirees have already received. Inflation is measured by increases in the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Board also determines whether the benefit should be an ad-hoc benefit (paid for one year only) or a permanent benefit (added to the base retirement allowance for the member’s life). (7-18-06)

4. Q: I am the survivor of a Plan D member. Are the benefits I’m receiving affected by the amount my deceased spouse (or domestic partner) already received?
A: Survivor benefits are determined by the retirement option the member chose at retirement. If a Plan D member selects Option 1, upon the member’s death, his/her named beneficiary will receive a lump-sum payment equal to the remaining balance of the member’s retirement contributions, if any. The amount paid to the beneficiary under this option is affected by the amount the member received in retirement.

If a plan D member selects the Unmodified Option or the Unmodified+Plus Option, the eligible surviving spouse or domestic partner will receive a monthly allowance for the rest of his/her life. This benefit amount is not affected by the amount the member received in retirement. (2-3-06)

5. Q: With the Unmodified Retirement Option, what will my spouse receive under the survivor continuing allowance?
A: The percentage is based on your retirement plan and date. Generally, if you are in Plan A, B, C, or D and choose the Unmodified Option, your spouse or domestic partner will receive 65 percent of your monthly allowance; 55 percent if you are in Plan E. (For members who retired before June 4, 2002, the percentages were 60 percent and 50 percent.) (6-26-06)

6. Q: How has LACERA changed its tax reporting on Service-Connected Disability (SCD) Retirement allowances?
A: In response to IRS requirements, LACERA now (2006) determines the taxable amount on SCD allowances, and identifies it accordingly in the Total Taxable YTD category on your check stub or automatic deposit receipt (ADR). Previously, LACERA reported SCD income as “Taxable Amount Not Determined.”) These changes will also be reflected on the annual Form 1099R that LACERA is required to send each retiree and file with the IRS. For more information, call 1-800-786-6464 and speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist. (6-27-06)

7. Q: How can I sign up for Direct Deposit?
A: You can enroll or make changes by phone or by mail. To enroll by phone, call 1-800-786-6464 and have your bank account number and bank routing number handy. To enroll by mail, send your completed LACERA Direct Deposit Authorization Form to LACERA. The form is included in the Direct Deposit brochure, which can be accessed on our Brochures and Forms page. (7-14-06)

8. Q: What is COLA?
A: “COLA” is a cost-of-living adjustment for your retirement allowance. This benefit aims to reduce the impact of inflation for retirees. Adjustments are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and are approved by the Board of Retirement each year. (8-1-06)

9. Q: I'm in Plan E. Do I get a cost-of-living adjustment?
A: As a Plan E member, you are eligible for Automatic COLA on the portion of your retirement allowance based on service credit earned on and after June 4, 2002. This annual adjustment can result in an increase up to a maximum of 2%. The actual percentage may vary each year based on inflation rates.
For more information see our COLA web page. (2-24-09)

10. Q: I'm interested in the special LACERA hotel rates. How can I prove I’m a retired County employee?
A: You can present the pay stub from your LACERA retirement allowance check to verify you are a retired County employee. LACERA doesn’t issue membership cards; membership numbers and other personal information are kept private. Click here for additional information on hotels discounts.

11. Q: I'm retired. What are my restrictions if I decide to work for the County part time?
A: To remain eligible to receive your retirement allowances, you would be restricted to working 120 days (960 hours each fiscal year, July 1 - June 30).
Working after Retirement (3-27-07)

12. Q: I am retired, but wish to return to full-time County service. What should I do?
A: To return to work with the county and active membership in LACERA, a retired member must fulfill the following conditions:

• Submit an application for reinstatement to the Board of Retirement
• Be determined by the Board of Retirement not to be incapacitated for assigned duties, based on medical examination
• Be hired by the County as a permanent employee working at least three-quarter time (1-3-07)

13. Q: Where can I find a Payday Planning Calendar for retired members?
A: A Payday Calendar displaying mailing dates for LACERA retirement checks, direct deposit dates, and all LACERA holidays can be accessed in our Retired Member's section of our web site. Payday Calendar (1-3-07)

14. Q: I'm retired and just got divorced. Will this affect LACERA sending my monthly retirement allowance?
A: If you divorce after retirement, LACERA will continue paying your full monthly allowance until we receive a conformed copy (with the court clerk's filing date stamp and the judge's signature) of the final Judgment of Dissolution directing a split of your allowance with your ex-spouse.

15. Q: I'm retired and just got divorced. Will LACERA automatically remove my ex-spouse from my Retiree Health Care coverage?
A: No. You must notify LACERA to remove your ex-spouse from your Retiree Health Care coverage. However, in some cases, the court will order continuation of an ex-spouse's health insurance and will hold you financially responsible for that coverage. (2-5-07)

16. Q: When do we find out about the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?
A: Each year, before April, the Board of Retirement evaluates the inflation experienced during the past year and determines the percentage increase, if any, for LACERA allowances paid to retirees, survivors, and beneficiaries. This adjustment becomes effective each April 1st, so the increase will be reflected in your April 30th check. (3-29-07)

17. Q: I’m a retiree, and I'm getting divorced soon. What will happen to my monthly check?
A: If the Court determines that your LACERA benefits are community property, a court order will direct the division of your monthly allowance. Please contact LACERA as soon as possible to notify us of the divorce so that we can update your records. When the dissolution is final, LACERA will require a conformed copy (with the court clerk’s filing date stamp and the judge’s signature) of all the pages of your Judgment of Dissolution and, if applicable, a copy of the Domestic Relations Order (DRO). Our Legal Division will review the documents to ensure that they conform to LACERA’s plan.

LACERA will continue to pay your monthly allowance until all the final documents are received and reviewed. Then, any division will be applied to your allowance. In addition, you must contact LACERA in writing to remove your former spouse/partner from your LACERA-administered retiree health care coverage within 30 days after the date of dissolution. (4-6-07)

18. Q: How can I change the tax withholding for my check?
A: If you are a retiree, survivor, or beneficiary who receives a monthly allowance from LACERA, you may change your federal tax withholding at any time. Print the form from the Brochures & Forms page, complete and sign it, and mail it to LACERA. Your new tax withholding will be reflected on the check that is issued at least 30 days after we receive your form. (4-6-07)

19. Q: I am the spouse of an LA County retiree. Am I eligible for part of his benefit if he dies before I do?
A: If you were married/registered partners at least one year before the member retired (or, in the case of a service-connected disability retirement, any time prior to the retirement date), you are an eligible surviving spouse/partner and you may be eligible for a benefit upon the member’s death. The benefit depends upon the member’s plan, retirement option, and other factors. (4-6-07)

20. Q: What if I marry after retirement? Will my new spouse be eligible for any LACERA benefits?
A: If you marry or enter into a registered domestic partnership after you retire, your new spouse/partner will be an eligible dependent under the LACERA-administered retiree health care program. You must add your new dependent within 30 days after the date of marriage/registration. Generally, a spouse/partner added after retirement is not eligible for a continuing monthly allowance after the member’s death. Also, you may name him or her as your beneficiary for the $5,000 death benefit. (4-6-07)

21. Q: I'm a new retiree. What information resources do I have?
A: Our Retired Member section, under Benefits, offers retirement information. You will receive our quarterly newsletter, Spotlight on Retirement, which includes information on legislation, the LACERA-administered health care program, and more. Once a year, you’ll receive a package with updated information on the medical and dental/vision plans. (4-6-07)

22. Q: When will I get my Form 1099?
A: LACERA mails a Form 1099-R at the end of January to each retiree, survivor, and beneficiary who received a benefit from LACERA in the previous year. This form indicates the total income you received from LACERA and should be used to file your income tax return. (4-6-07)

23. Q: How is the Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied each year to my retirement allowance?
A: The Board of Retirement determines whether there will be an increase or decrease in the COLA based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI). The COLA is cumulative. Once approved by the Board, the COLA becomes a permanent part of your retirement benefit. (3-3-08)

24. Q: Will the COLA be applied to my deferred retirement?
A: No. The annual COLA benefit will be applied to your retirement benefit after you have retired. (3-3-08)

25. Q: As a retired member, when I am deceased, will my retirement benefits stop or will they go to my survivor?
A: Survivor benefits vary according to the Retirement Option you elected. Under the Unmodified option, Unmodified+Plus option, and Options 2, 3, and 4, upon your death, your eligible survivor is entitled to a continuing monthly allowance. The allowance is based on a percentage of the monthly allowance you received during your lifetime; that percentage is determined by the option you elect at retirement. Under Option 1, your named beneficiary receives a lump-sum payment (NOTE: Option 1 is not available under Plan E). See Service Retirement for more information.

When a member in Plan A, B, C, D, or E dies after retirement, the surviving spouse, or the named beneficiary or estate, is entitled to receive a one-time $5,000 death/burial benefit from LACERA. (5-27-08)

When a member in Plan A, B, C, D, or E dies after retirement, the surviving spouse, or the named beneficiary or estate, is entitled to receive a one-time $5,000 death/burial benefit from LACERA. (5-27-08)

26. Q: As a retiree, I take extended vacations. Should I make arrangements to ensure I continue receiving my retirement checks while I'm away?
A: It is important to notify us when you have an extended travel schedule, when you will be spending time at a second home or vacation home, or when you have other temporary address changes. If, for some reason, your retirement check is returned to LACERA while you are away, we will stop payment on the check for your protection. (6-12-08) 

27. Q: My LACERA "New Retiree Package" included information on Employee Unions/Senior Associations. Is LACERA affiliated with these organizations?
A: These organizations are not affiliated with LACERA. As a courtesy, LACERA occasionally enables them to send you material. We do not provide your address to these organizations. LACERA does not endorse these groups or the services they offer. You may wish to review their information and consider whether their services are of interest to you. When you receive the mailings, call the organizations directly if you have any questions about their services. Please note: LACERA is unable to answer questions regarding these organizations or their programs. (6-05-08)

28. Q: I am living outside California in another country, and I cannot use the toll-free number for LACERA. Is there another phone number I can call?
A: You can call LACERA at (626) 564-6132. Unfortunately, it will not be a free phone call, but this phone number will take you directly into the Call Center at LACERA. (6-09-08)

29. Q: If I remarry after retirement, will my new spouse be eligible to receive a continuing allowance if I predecease him/her?
A: No. A surviving spouse or a registered domestic partner is eligible to receive a continuing monthly survivor allowance if he or she married the member or registered as a domestic partner at least one year prior to the member's date of retirement. You can name your new spouse/partner as your beneficiary for the $5,000 death/burial benefit. (6-10-08)

30. Q: I'm retired and thinking of relocating to another state. How would this affect my retirement benefits?
A: If you move from California to another state, LACERA will stop the withholdings for California State taxes on your monthly retirement checks. State tax requirements on retirement income differ from state to state. You should consult with your own tax advisor and contact the appropriate state tax authority for its rulings. Be sure to contact LACERA and notify us of your address change so that you will continue to receive your retirement checks once you relocate. You can make changes to your address over the phone by calling LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 or (626) 564-6132.

Health care plans will probably change if you move out of state, or the country. Contact the insurance company for specific information about coverage differences. Phone numbers for your insurance companies can be found at Contact Health Care Insurance Companies. Notify LACERA before you cancel your current health plan coverage. (6-10-08)

31. Q: I have direct deposit for my monthly retirement checks. I did not receive my receipt for my last check. What should I do?
A: Contact LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and let us know you did not receive your direct deposit receipt in the mail. We will send you a duplicate receipt.

If you get a monthly paper check and you do not receive it by the fifth working day after the date payable, you may request a duplicate check. The duplicate check will be mailed to you within three to five days of your request. If you do eventually receive the original check, do not cash or deposit it. Write "VOID" on it and return it to LACERA. (6-10-08)

32. Q: I found an uncashed check payable to me from LACERA, and it is six months old. How long is the check valid for cashing?
A: LACERA will stop payment on checks one year after they have been issued. After one year, you must contact LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 regarding reissuance of the check. (6-10-08)

33. Q: Will my monthly retirement allowance stay the same if certain months have 30 days instead of 31 days?
A: Yes. Your monthly retirement allowance is based on a monthly amount which will remain the same each month. For example, if the calculation for your monthly allowance is $5,000, your monthly gross payment will be $5,000 whether there are 28, 29, 30, or 31 days in the month.

If your effective retirement date is after the first of the month, i.e. – May 15 – your first retirement check will be prorated based on a daily amount. Thereafter, your retirement checks will be a fixed monthly amount.

Your monthly retirement allowance will remain the same until April 1 each year if you are eligible for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). (6-11-08)

Retiree Health Care

1. Q: When I retire, how much of my health care premium will be subsidized by the County?
A: The general rule is that if you have 10 years of retirement service credit, the County contributes 40 percent of your health care plan premium or 40 percent of the benchmark plan rate (Anthem Blue Cross Plans I and II), whichever is less. For each year of retirement service credit beyond 10 years, the County contributes an additional 4 percent per year, up to a maximum of 100 percent for a member with 25 years of service credit.

The County contribution can never exceed the premium of the benchmark plan. If the premium for the plan and coverage option you have chosen exceeds the benchmark premium, you are required to pay the difference, even if you have 25 years of service. If you have 25 years of service and your plan premium is less than the benchmark rate, the County contributes 100 percent of your plan premium only, not the benchmark plan rate. (7-18-06)

2. Q: I'm a new retiree. When will my health insurance begin?
A: LACERA coverage is coordinated to begin on the first day of the month after active County health coverage ends. For this to occur, your enrollment form must be received by LACERA within 60 days from the date of your retirement, or within 60 days from the date your name appears on the Board of Retirement agenda. Late enrollment rules apply if LACERA does not receive your enrollment form in a timely manner.

3. Q: I'm a retiree. How do I enroll my new partner on my medical insurance?
A: To add your new spouse or domestic partner you must fill out a Change/Cancellation Form and send it to LACERA within 30 days from your date of marriage or domestic partnership registration. You must also provide an original certified marriage license or Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership, which will be copied and returned to you. If LACERA receives the required items by the 15th of the month, coverage begins on the first day of the month following the date of the qualifying event. If any dependent is added later than 30 days from the date that he/she becomes an eligible family member, late enrollment rules apply. (6-26-06)

4. Q: How does turning 65 affect my medical insurance?
A: If you're eligible to receive Medicare Part A and B when you turn 65, you may elect a Medicare HMO Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans are designed to coordinate payment of insurance claims with Medicare and are less expensive than the standard HMO or fee-for-service plans. LACERA currently offers three Medicare HMO plans: Kaiser Senior Advantage, SCAN Health Plan, Secure Horizons, and one Medicare Supplement Plan - Anthem Blue Cross III.

5. Q: How does the new Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage affect my prescription drug coverage?
A: Your prescription drug coverage through any LACERA-administered medical plan is what Medicare calls “creditable,” meaning it is as good as or better than any individual prescription drug coverage offered by any Medicare Part D plan.

If you want to keep your LACERA-administered coverage, DO NOT ENROLL in an individual Medicare Part D plan. If you do, you may jeopardize your coverage in the LACERA-administered health care benefits program and you may not get it back until later.

You can find the “Creditable Coverage Notice” online on the Brochures & Forms page, in the Retiree Health Care section. If you decide to enroll in an individual Part D plan, you can show this notice to Medicare and avoid a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty. (2-7-08)

6. Q: I am getting ready to retire. How do I enroll in a LACERA-administered health care plan?
A: If you visit LACERA's Public Counter to apply for retirement, a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist will meet with you and assist you in preparing your retirement paperwork.  The specialist will provide you with enrollment forms for LACERA-administered retiree medical and dental insurance and direct deposit.

Once you retire, you will receive an Exploring Your Health Care Benefits Through LACERA package in the mail which contains information describing your retirement health care options. Also enclosed within the mailer will be a postcard to be filled out and returned to us for specific information about any of the plans.

The enrollment process involves two steps.
1. Read your LACERA Exploring Your Health Care Benefits booklet regarding all the various medical options.  Fill out the card enclosed to request specific information and enrollment forms for the plans you have selected.
2. Within ten working days you will receive an envelope containing the information that you requested.  Please note that you must select a health care plan within 60 days of your retirement date.

If you enroll after the 60-day deadline, you must complete a six-month waiting period from the date your enrollment form is received by LACERA.

You should also refer to The Process of Retiring web page which includes a Checklist for Retirement Planning to review all the necessary steps in applying for retirement. See the Pre-Retirement Guide on the Brochures and Forms page for additional information. (5-28-08)         

7. Q: How can I switch my LACERA-administered medical plan?
A: You must complete a Medical and Dental/Vision Change Form. The form is available on the Brochures & Forms page. Or you can call LACERA's Retiree Health Care Division at 1-800-786-6464 and press 1 to request a form or receive more information.

Generally, a one-year waiting period from LACERA’s receipt of your signed Dental/Vision Change form applies when switching LACERA-administered dental/vision plans. Coverage is continuous and no evidence of insurability is required. NOTE: The waiting period is waived if you move out of your HMO's designated service area. See the Out of State Move page for more information. (6-11-08)

8. Q: Are there exceptions to the six-month waiting period?
A: Yes. Exceptions include:

• Moving out of your plan’s service area (you must notify LACERA within 30 days)
• Changing from Anthem Blue Cross Plan I, Anthem Blue Cross Plan II, CIGNA, Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Plan, or Kaiser Permanente to Kaiser Senior Advantage, Secure Horizons, or SCAN
• Changing from Anthem Blue Cross I to Anthem Blue Cross II
• Changing from Anthem Blue Cross I, II, Prudent Buyer Plan to Anthem Blue Cross III
• Changing from any LACERA-administered medical plan to SCAN (11-19-08)

9. Q: How can I switch my LACERA-administered dental/vision plan?
A: You must complete a Medical and Dental/Vision Change Form. The form is available on the Brochures & Forms page. Or you can call LACERA's Retiree Health Care Division at 1-800-786-6464 and press 1 to request a form or receive more information.

Generally a one-year waiting period from LACERA’s receipt of your signed Dental/Vision Change form applies when switching LACERA-administered dental/vision plans. Coverage is continuous and no evidence of insurability is required. NOTE: The waiting period is waived if you move out of your HMO's designated service area. (6-11-08)

10. Q: Where do I get a Change Form for the LACERA-Administered Health Care Plans?
A: Medical and Dental/Vision Change Forms are available on the Brochures & Forms page . Or call LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and press 1 to request a form or get more information. (3-19-07)

11. Q: I’m a retiree and I have a question about health care. How can I find the answer?
A: Visit our Retiree Health Care section for enrollment information, plan phone numbers and web sites, and more about the LACERA-administered health care program, including medical and dental/vision plans. Our Brochures & Forms page includes printed materials and forms. If you cannot find the answer to your question by using these online resources, call us at 1-800-786-6464 and press 1 to speak with a Health Care Benefits Specialist. (4-6-07)

12. Q: I am a retiree. If I die, will health care coverage extend to my eligible survivors?
A: If a retired member dies while covered by a LACERA-administered health plan, the eligible survivors may continue coverage. Following are the administrative rules.

• When an eligible survivor notifies LACERA of a member's death, we will mail an information packet to the survivor. LACERA must be notified within 30 days of the event; otherwise Late Enrollment rules apply.
• Late Enrollment rules include a six-month wait for medical and a one-year wait for dental/vision coverage, from the date LACERA receives the enrollment form. Benefits for eligible dependents are continuous, provided they were covered under the deceased member's plan.
• If a survivor is not eligible for continuing health care benefits, but has been continuously covered under your plan, LACERA will mail the survivor a COBRA packet with information on continuing health care coverage.
• If a survivor is eligible for continuing health care benefits, but was not continuously covered under your plan, late enrollment rules will apply.
• If a survivor is covered under a LACERA-administered health care plan and remarries, the survivor's eligible new dependents can be added to the plan, provided LACERA is notified within 30 days of the date of acquisition (i.e. marriage, birth, adoption, etc.). However, when the eligible survivor dies, the dependents will no longer be eligible for continued coverage through LACERA, except for a limited period of time through COBRA.
• If your eligible survivors are required to pay premiums for coverage, they will be notified accordingly.

13. Q: I'm a retiree. Who qualifies as a dependent on my retiree health insurance?
A: Eligible dependents include your spouse, eligible Domestic Partner, unmarried children under 19 or up to 23 if enrolled in school, and/or your unmarried dependent children over 19 who are incapable of self-support due to physical or mental handicap. (3-3-08)

14. Q: My wife is a retired LACERA member. Would I still be eligible for health insurance coverage if she pre-deceases me?
A: Yes, an eligible surviving spouse or domestic partner of a retired member qualifies for the same health benefits they received while the member was alive. (3-3-08)

15. Q: I'm going to retire soon, and I would like information about the health care plans available to retired members.
A: For a list of current LACERA-Administered Retiree Health Care information online, visit our Retiree Health Care section. (3-3-08)

16. Q: I am a retiree. How do I apply for the LACERA-sponsored Long-term Care plan underwritten by MetLife?
A: To obtain an application, receive more information, or to make a reservation to attend a long-term care plan seminar, please call 1-800-207-9883. The seminars are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at LACERA - Gateway Plaza. (6-12-08)

17. Q: If I retire and have dependent children, will the LACERA-administered Health Care plans cover my children?
A: Yes. Your eligible dependents include:

• Your spouse (unless legally separated)
• Your registered domestic partner, provided you both filed a California Declaration of Domestic Partnership
• Your unmarried natural or legally adopted children or stepchildren, up to age 19 or 23 if they are enrolled as full-time students in an accredited institution and depend on you for financial support
• Your unmarried dependent children over 19 who are incapable of self-support due to a physical or mental handicap and meet specific requirements. (For details, call Retiree Health Care at 1-800-786-6464 and press 1.) (5-22-08)

18. Q: How can I qualify for the Medicare Part B Reimbursement and when will I receive the reimbursement money?
A: The County may* reimburse members for the amount of their Medicare Part B premiums on a tax-free basis if the following conditions are met:

• You are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
• You are enrolled in a LACERA-administered Medicare HMO plan or Medicare supplement plan.
• You are paying for your Medicare Part B premium yourself.
• You are not being reimbursed for your Medicare Part B Premium by another agency, for example: other employer or State.

Each month after you have paid the Medicare Part B Premium, LACERA will include the reimbursement on your monthly retirement check.

*This reimbursement program is subject to annual review by the Board of Supervisors. (5-27-08)

19. Q: Does LACERA still have annual Retiree Health Fairs?
A:No. In lieu of the annual health fair, we now have a retiree health improvement program entitled Staying Healthy Together: Focus on Wellness which provides health information via three sources: 1) Newsletters, 2) Web, and 3) Workshops. With this program, we can provide information on staying healthy to all our retired members. Every six months, the program will focus on a new health-related topic. Your quarterly Spotlight newsletter includes informative Staying Healthy Together articles for you to read. You can also visit the Staying Healthy Together web section on lacera.com to access links to health-related web sites and find information on upcoming workshops. (6-23-08)

20. Q: Do all LACERA plan members qualify for retiree health care benefits?
A: You are eligible to enroll in the LACERA-administered Health Care Benefits Program if you are a member of LACERA and retire from the County of Los Angeles or outside district; including the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the Little Lake Cemetery District, the Local Agency Formation Commission, and the County Superintendent of Schools. Even if you did not have medical coverage under an employee health care program while you were an active County employee, you are eligible to participate in the program. (5-28-09)

Section I: Information for All Contributory Members

Section II: Former Plan E Members

Section III: Initiating Your Service Credit Purchase – All Contributory Plans

SECTION I: INFORMATION FOR ALL CONTRIBUTORY MEMBERS
1. Q: What types of service credit can be purchased?
A: Several types of previous County service and certain other government service may be purchased. Note: various eligibility requirements apply.

Previous County service may include:

• Temporary County service
• Permanent County Time prior to LACERA membership
• Redeposit of Withdrawn Contributions
• Sick Without Pay (SWOP)
• Conversion of prior General service to Safety service

Other government service may include employment with:

• U.S. military
• U.S. government (Federal)
• State of California
• Other public agencies within California

2. Q: I have three years and five months of prior service. May I purchase that exact amount of service credit?
A: Yes. The purchase of prior County and/or non-County service is permitted on the basis of full-time months (provided eligibility requirements are met).

NOTE: The amount of service credit you purchase cannot exceed the length of the time period during which the service was performed. For example, not more than 12 months of credit shall be allowed for all service in any one period of 12 consecutive months.

 3. Q: Where can I find the full descriptions, eligibility requirements, contract terms, and calculation methods that apply to each service credit category?
A: Those details can be viewed in the Benefits section of lacera.com, or type Purchasing Service Credit in the Search box.

 4. Q: What are the advantages of purchasing service credit?
A: LACERA retirement benefits are based, in part, on service credit; the more years of service credit you have, the higher your monthly retirement allowance will be.

5. Q: How can I determine how a purchase of service credit will affect my monthly retirement allowance?
A: Your retirement allowance will be based upon four factors: retirement plan, retirement age, years of service credit, and final compensation. In Plans A, B, C, and D, final compensation is an average of your highest monthly compensation during any one year. (Certain restrictions may apply to deferred members.)

Tip: LACERA offers interactive online tools that project how the addition of service credit will affect your retirement allowance.*

Retirement Calculator (in the Benefits section)

• Allows you to enter your own data (including your years and months of service credit).
• Uses current actuarial tables to approximate your monthly retirement allowance.
• Displays Unmodified and Unmodified+Plus Options allowances only.

Create Your Own Retirement Benefit Estimate (in the My LACERA section)

• Most accurate, detailed, and personalized Retirement Benefit Statement you can create on your own.
• Uses your data currently on file as the basis of its calculations.
• Allows you to create multiple estimates based on different scenarios.

* The calculations generated by LACERA online tools are non-binding and are intended for planning purposes only.

6. Q: Does service credit affect the cost of LACERA-administered retiree health insurance?
A: Yes. The County subsidizes retiree medical/dental insurance based on a member’s years of service credit; the more service credit you have, the more the County pays toward your premiums. For a member with ten years of service credit, the County contributes 40 percent of the selected plan premium or 40 percent of the benchmark plan premium, whichever is less. For each additional year of service credit, the County contributes an additional four percent, up to a maximum of 100 percent for a member with 25 years of service credit.

Other conditions may apply; for more information call 1-800-786-6464 and press 1 to speak with a LACERA Health Care Benefit Specialist. The percentage paid by the County is subject to change.

7. Q: I terminated service, withdrew my contributions, spent time in the military, then returned to County Service. May I redeposit my withdrawn contributions and purchase my military service?
A: You may either redeposit your withdrawn contributions or purchase your military service; you may not do both. We recommend you compare the benefits of each situation to determine which purchase is more advantageous. A LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist can assist you in understanding the differences.

8. Q: Do special rules apply to service credit for military service?
A: In most cases, you may purchase service credit for time spent in active military service. However, under certain conditions, such as being called to serve during a time of war or national emergency, the County may award you service credit (at no cost to you) for military service that interrupts your County employment. If you are eligible for a military pension now or will be in the future, you cannot purchase credit for that service. Contract terms for the purchase of credit for military service vary depending on certain eligibility requirements. For additional information speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist at 1-800-786-6464.

9. Q: How much does the service credit cost?
A: The cost of your eligible service varies depending on your date(s) of membership in LACERA, the type of service credit purchased, and your prior and/or current retirement plan. The actual cost can’t be calculated until LACERA receives your Application to Purchase Retirement Service Credit and verifies your service. The total lump-sum cost, including interest, is calculated through the expiration date on the Payment Contract.

If you choose to purchase service credit through monthly payroll deductions, the purchase amount will include interest that is calculated and applied over the entire term of the contract.

10. Q: I'm purchasing service credit. What payment options are available?
A: You have a choice of three payment options: lump-sum payment, payroll deductions (on a before or after-tax basis), or a combination of both.

• Lump-Sum Payment: a single payment for the total cost of your service credit, including interest calculated through the contract expiration date.
• Payroll Deductions: automatic monthly deductions from your paycheck, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of your contract by the term (number of months) of your contract. Interest is calculated over the term of the contract; therefore, the total amount you pay through payroll deductions is greater than it would be through a lump-sum payment.
• Combination Lump-Sum Payment/Payroll Deductions: allow you to pay a single up-front payment (in an amount you determine) and pay off the balance of the contract through monthly payroll deductions.

11. Q: What contract terms are available for purchasing service credit?
A: Terms vary according to the type of service credit; some types must be purchased within five years and others may be purchased within ten years. Terms on purchases of temporary service or periods of absence without pay due to illness are limited to the number of months you are purchasing. The Payment Contract you receive from LACERA will indicate your options regarding the length of your contract.

12. Q: How is interest calculated on my Payment Contract?
A: The formulas used vary according to the type of service you are purchasing, the date you entered membership, and your current and prior retirement plan. (For formula details, visit the Benefits section of lacera.com)

On purchases of previous County service, the cost includes the interest your contributions would have earned had they been on deposit with LACERA from the date you became a member (or from the date you withdrew your funds) to the expiration date on your Payment Contract.

The cost to purchase other types of service credit is based on the present value of the retirement benefits you will receive (and not on back interest). Your current age and salary are factors that most affect the purchase cost.

If you choose payroll deductions, your monthly deduction will be calculated using a projected semi-annual interest crediting rate, set by the Board of Investments, for the term of the contract. At the end of your contract, LACERA will reconcile your balance and adjust your deductions to prevent any over or underpayment.

13. Q: What is a semi-annual interest crediting rate?
A: According to the law, interest is credited (at a rate set by the Board of Investments) to member contributions on deposit in the retirement fund. Interest crediting is applied twice a year (semi-annually) on June 30 and December 31 to all member contributions that have been in the retirement fund for at least six months immediately prior to the date of credit.

14. Q: What types of funds may I use to purchase service credit?
A: Under the Pension Protection Act, service credit may be purchased with any of these types of funds:

• Payroll deductions (using before or after-tax dollars)
• Qualified Plans: 401(k)/401(a)/KEOGH
• 457 Fund Plan Transfers: In-Service or after Termination
• IRAs: Non-Roth/Non-After Tax
• 403(b)
• After-Tax Dollars

15. Q: What is the significance of before-tax and after-tax dollars?
A: Before-tax dollars are funds that are not subject to income tax at the time they are earned; rather, they become taxable when you retire, terminate County service, or when your beneficiary receives them upon your death. Payroll deductions and rollovers from your County 457 plan and/or other tax qualified plans are examples of before-tax dollars. The benefit of before-tax payroll deductions is that it reduces your taxable income.  

After-tax dollars are funds — such as proceeds from mortgage refinancing or savings accounts — that were subject to income tax at the time they were earned. Since they have already been taxed, they are not subject to income tax at retirement, termination, or death. However, the interest earned on your contributions is taxable.

If you use after-tax dollars for a lump-sum payment, a portion of your retirement allowance equal to the amount of after-tax dollars you paid will be considered non-taxable income. That portion will be excluded from taxability until you have recovered the full amount of your non-taxable payment.

Consult with a professional advisor regarding tax and legal matters pertaining to your individual situation; LACERA does not offer tax or legal advice. (6-27-08)

16. Q: Will I be permitted to change or revoke my contract after I sign it?
A: The ability to change or revoke your contract depends on the type of payment method you select:

• Once you sign a contract that includes before-tax payroll deductions and/or payments using other before-tax funds, the contract is irrevocable.
• Only contracts based on payments made exclusively with after-tax dollars may be revised or revoked.

If you revoke your after-tax dollar contract before it is paid in full, LACERA will prorate the amount you have paid and credit your account for years and months of service credit accordingly. This does not apply if you are redepositing withdrawn contributions. If you do not complete the redeposit of your withdrawn contributions, your prior County service will not be restored.

In either case, LACERA cannot refund the money you already paid until you retire or terminate County service; if you die, the money will be paid to your beneficiary.

17. Q: Will the years and months of service credit I purchase count toward meeting the minimum service credit requirement to retire?
A: If you are currently a member of Plan A, B, C, or D (and have never been in Plan E), service credit you purchase for prior County service will count toward the 10-year service credit minimum required for a service retirement. It will also count toward the five years required for a nonservice-connected disability retirement, pre-retirement survivor benefits, or to defer your retirement.

18. Q: What happens if I receive a disability retirement before completing my Payment Contract?
A: If you are granted a disability retirement before completing your Payment Contract, your account will be credited for the years and months of service credit paid up to the date your disability retirement was granted. If you elect to complete the Payment Contract, you must do so within 120 days of the date your disability was granted.

SECTION II: FORMER PLAN E MEMBERS
1. Q: Under what circumstances are former Plan E members permitted to purchase credit for service prior to LACERA membership?
A: As a former Plan E member, you may purchase certain types of prior service listed in Question 2, provided:

• You completed a transfer to Plan D from Plan E, or
• After a prior period of LACERA membership totaling less than ten years (non-vested), you returned to County service and reentered LACERA as a Plan D member.

 2. Q: I was previously a Plan E member. What type of service credit am I eligible to purchase?
A: The following types of service credit may be purchased by former Plan E members, subject to eligibility:

• Temporary County service performed before you became a LACERA member.
• Non-vested Plan E service if you worked less than ten years as a Plan E member, then terminated County service.
• Prior Plan A, B, C, or D service if you terminated County service, withdrew your retirement contributions, later returned to County service as a Plan E member, and subsequently became a Plan D member.
• Non-County Service: Employment, prior to the date you became eligible for LACERA membership, by any of the following agencies:
  • U.S. government, including military service
  • State of California
  • Any public agency in California

NOTE: These purchases of service credit will increase your total years of service credit, but will not count toward meeting the minimum service credit requirement to retire.

SECTION III: INITIATING YOUR SERVICE CREDIT PURCHASE – ALL CONTRIBUTORY PLANS
1. Q: How do I initiate a service credit purchase?
A: Review the details on the various types of service credit and the qualifications for purchase in this brochure and online in the Benefits section of lacera.com. If you believe you qualify, complete an Application to Purchase Retirement Service Credit and return it to LACERA. The application can be accessed on the Brochures & Forms page of lacera.com, or can be ordered by calling 1-800-786-6464.

2. Q: What happens after I submit my purchase application to LACERA?
A: After verifying your service and calculating the cost to purchase it, we will send you a Cost Notification Letter, along with a Service Credit Payment Schedule and Payment Contract.

3. Q: When do I begin making payments?
A: If you select monthly payroll deductions, your deductions will begin on the 15th of month, within 30-45 days of LACERA’s receipt of your signed Payment Contract. On some contracts (depending on the type of service credit you are purchasing) you may choose the month your deductions begin, provided the month you select is prior to the contract expiration date. For additional information, call 1-800-786-6464 to speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist.

On lump-sum payments, you must include your check or money order with your signed Payment Contract. If you use a rollover or transfer for a lump-sum payment from a Horizons 457 Plan or County 401(k) Plan, you must call Great-West at 1-800-947-0845 to request a rollover/transfer form and send the completed and signed form to LACERA. For rollovers of other before-tax funds, you must sign and complete the member section of a LACERA Rollover/Transfer Certification Form and send the form to your plan administrator to complete, sign, and return to LACERA. We must receive a completed and signed Rollover/Transfer Certification Form directly from the Plan Administrator before your rollover or transfer can be accepted. An interactive Rollover/Transfer Certification Form is available online on the Brochures & Forms page of lacera.com.

4. Q: What happens if I retire, terminate County service, or die before completing my Payment Contract?
A: If you terminate employment or retire before your contract is paid in full, you may complete payment within 120 days after your termination or retirement date. If you die, your eligible surviving spouse or domestic partner (or minor child) would be eligible to complete payment within 120 days after the date of death. If not paid in full, the retirement allowance or survivor allowance would be prorated to include service credit for whole months already paid.

2 Q: Why is LACERA's Power of Attorney called a Special Durable Power of Attorney?
A: Special refers to the fact it can only be used for LACERA retirement matters. (6-27-08)

3 Q: Does LACERA accept Power of Attorney designations that are not on the LACERA form?
A: Yes. However, the main advantage in executing the LACERA Special Durable Power of Attorney is that it contains the durable clause and specifically shows your intent to have your Attorney-In-Fact conduct your retirement business with us. (6-27-08)

4 Q: Does LACERA charge a fee for the Power of Attorney service?
A: No. (6-27-08)

5 Q: Can I still handle my own retirement affairs with a Power of Attorney on file?
A: Yes. With any type of Power of Attorney form on file, you may still take care of your own retirement affairs. If you become too ill to handle your own affairs, your designee will be able to handle them for you if you have executed a durable Power of Attorney. (6-27-08)

6 Q: When should I send my Power of Attorney to LACERA?
A: You can send in your Power of Attorney form once it is completed or your Attorney-In-Fact may send it to us when the need first arises to transact business on your behalf. You do not have to file your Power of Attorney with LACERA before it is necessary to use it.

TIP: LACERA recommends you keep your completed Power of Attorney form where it is accessible to your Attorney-In-Fact. This can ease distress for you and your family if there comes a time when you are not able to handle your own retirement affairs. We advise keeping a photocopy of the original form for your records. (6-27-08)

7 Q: Can I use the LACERA Special Durable Power of Attorney to appoint an administrator of my estate prior to my death?
A: No. You cannot use the LACERA Special Durable Power of Attorney to appoint an administrator of your estate prior to your death. (6-27-08)

8 Q: Would it be practical to have my spouse or domestic partner (my named beneficiary) execute the LACERA Special Durable Power of Attorney form?
A: Yes. It be a good idea to have your spouse or domestic partner (named beneficiary) execute the LACERA Special Durable Power of Attorney form. (6-27-08)

9 Q: Can I terminate my LACERA Special Durable Power of Attorney?
A: Yes, as long as you are still competent and you submit written notification to LACERA directing the document to be revoked or terminated. (6-27-08)

10 Q: Can I execute the Special Durable Power of Attorney outside of California?
A: Yes, as long as it is properly notarized or witnessed as required on the form. (6-27-08)

11 Q: Can I use my California Power of Attorney for Health Care for LACERA retirement matters?
A: No. That document applies to health care matters only. (6-27-08)

12 Q: Why does Section 6: Notice to Person Executing This Document on the LACERA Power of Attorney form seem to contradict information in the brochure?
A: California Probate Code §4128 requires the warning in Section 6 to be included on all pre-printed Power of Attorney forms that may extend authority to the Attorney-In-Fact beyond the time in which an individual becomes disabled or incapacitated.

NOTE: The information in the brochure is accurate as it applies to LACERA's Special Durable Power of Attorney; LACERA's Special Durable Power of Attorney only deals with your retirement benefits and does not cover your real or personal property. (6-27-08)

13 Q: How can I change my Power of Attorney?
A: If you want to change your Power of Attorney:

• Complete a new Power of Attorney form reflecting the changes you wish to make.
• Inform everyone who has a copy of your previous Power of Attorney that it is no longer valid. Ask them to return copies of the outdated form to you so you can destroy them.
• Give copies of your updated Power of Attorney to the people who may need them to carry out your wishes. (6-27-08)

14 Q: If I designate my spouse or domestic partner as my Attorney-in-Fact and I become incapacitated, what actions is he or she permitted to take on my behalf?
A: If your spouse or domestic partner is your Attorney-in-Fact, he or she is permitted to:

• Elect any retirement option on your behalf, including the Unmodified Option or Unmodified+Plus Option
• Designate any beneficiary(ies) on your behalf, including your minor child(ren)
• Make address changes
• Make tax withholding elections
• Access information regarding your benefit payments
• Endorse checks (6-27-08)

15 Q: If I designate a non-neutral person as my Attorney-in-Fact and I become incapacitated, what actions is he or she permitted to take on my behalf?
A: If your Attorney-in-Fact is your child, grandchild, or other blood relative, or is related to you through marriage, or is a named beneficiary, he or she is permitted to:

• Elect either the Unmodified Option or Unmodified+Option on your behalf
• Designate your minor child(ren) as your beneficiary(ies)
• Make address changes
• Make tax withholding elections
• Access information regarding your benefit payments
• Endorse checks (6-27-08)

16 Q: If I designate a neutral person as my Attorney-in-Fact and I become incapacitated, what actions is he or she permitted to take on my behalf?
A: If your Attorney-in-Fact is not related to you and not your beneficiary, he or she is permitted to:

• Elect any retirement benefit option on your behalf, provided he or she does not benefit from it
• Designate any beneficiary your behalf, provided he or she does not benefit from it
• Make address changes
• Make tax withholding elections
• Access information regarding your benefit payments
• Endorse check (6-27-08)

My LACERA General Information

My LACERA Registration

SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Q: What is "My LACERA"?
A: My LACERA is a web feature on lacera.com that provides members with secure 24-hour access to their personal retirement benefit information. It serves as your personal online file cabinet for all things LACERA, including your membership information, retirement plan information, annual benefit statement, and history of your LACERA interactions. My LACERA also allows you to create your own Retirement Benefit Estimate, a personalized, preliminary online calculation of the benefits you will receive when you retire.

My LACERA continues to expand. Interactive features that will allow you to adjust your personal information online are currently under development. You can access the My LACERA icon from the lacera.com home page, or the left side bar of each web page to register. You can also read more about this feature at About My LACERA. (9-11-08)

2. Q: Can I use My LACERA to find out how much money I have in my retirement account?
A: Yes. My LACERA displays the current total of your retirement contributions and interest. Your contributions are updated each month, and interest is accrued at the end of June and December. If you haven't already, click here to register on My LACERA. (9-11-08)

3. Q: Can I get a Retirement Benefit Estimate on My LACERA?
A: Yes. Once signed in to My LACERA, click on Retirement Benefit Estimate on the navigation bar located on the left margin of each page. An online "wizard" takes you step by step through the variables involved in estimating your retirement allowance.

If you are an active member, My LACERA will display your current retirement plan, your contributions (not applicable to Plan E) and service credit, your average monthly salary, and more! You can also read more about this feature at About My LACERA. (9-9-08)

4. Q: What's the difference between the Retirement Calculator and the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature on My LACERA?
A: The Retirement Calculator is an interactive planning tool that uses the data you enter to create projections of the monthly allowance you will receive when you retire. The Retirement Calculator will not automatically retrieve your personal data as the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature does. To use the Retirement Calculator, you must provide the following information:

• Your plan
• Your age at retirement
• Your years and months of service credit at retirement
• Your final monthly compensation

The Retirement Calculator can only create projections based on the Unmodified and Unmodified+Plus options. The Retirement Benefit Estimate feature on My LACERA allows you to adjust years of service, salary, and other information to find the best retirement options for you. (9-4-08)

5. Q: How does the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature on My LACERA work?
A: The Retirement Benefit Estimate feature contains an online "wizard" that takes you step by step through the variables involved in estimating your retirement allowance. The wizard shows you:

• The date you first become eligible to retire
• How specific retirement dates and the value of additional service credit can increase your retirement allowance
• The various retirement options available to you (6-25-08)

6: Q: I don't understand some of the retirement terms used on My LACERA. Are these terms explained any where?
A: When you use the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature on My LACERA, each page includes retirement tips and definitions of terms to help you through the process. Here are a few of the tips you will find:

• Most advantageous dates to retire
• Reduce the cost of retiree health care insurance with full years of service credit
• Documents you will need to submit to LACERA prior to retiring
• Maximizing your retirement benefits by purchasing previous service credit (military, County temp, etc.) or Additional Retirement Credit (ARC) prior to your retirement (9-5-08)

7: Q: I'm eligible to retire now. How do I use the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature on My LACERA?
A: Click on Retirement Benefit Estimate on the navigation bar located on the left margin of each page. You will see two paths:
1) The Quick Calculation option provides the quickest route to create your estimate if you are eligible to retire now or within six months.
2) The Calculation with Bonus Tips takes you step by step through the process with helpful tips along the way. (9-11-08)

8. Q: Will the Retirement Benefit Estimate feature on My LACERA show me what Retirement Options are available?
A: Yes. The Retirement Benefit Estimate feature on My LACERA will outline the retirement options available to you.

Within the program, you can enter different percentages for your survivor or beneficiaries and the RBE results will display how each scenario will affect the amount you and your survivor/beneficiaries will receive. It also displays a detailed description of each of the retirement options. (9-4-08)

9. Q: I recently contacted LACERA to request a change of address. Can I see documentation of this interaction on My LACERA?
A: Yes. Once you're signed in on My LACERA, any interactions you've had with LACERA will be displayed on your "My LACERA PAGE" under "Interaction History." (9-11-08)

10. Q: I am currently purchasing previous service credit. Can I see how much I have left to pay on my contract?
A: Yes. On your "My LACERA PAGE," you can see the amount you have already paid on your previous service contract and the amount of payments and months you have remaining on your contract. (9-4-08)

11. Q: I'm a contributory member. Where can I see my retirement contribution rate/percentage?
A: On My LACERA, your contribution rate is displayed in the Retirement Plan Information section.
You can also see the amount of your total contributions. (9-4-08)

12. Q: Can I make changes to my personal information on My LACERA?
A: Not yet. However, this is in the works. Soon we will be adding interactive features to My LACERA to allow you to make changes directly online to your personal information, such as address changes, beneficiary changes, and retiree tax withholdings. (9-11-08)

13. Q: Is My LACERA a secure site?
A: Yes. We have excellent security devices and precautions in place to protect your member information. The protections include our authorization process and firewalls as well as encrypted coding for both receiving and sending information. You may view our Entrust Secure Server Certificate online, by clicking on the padlock in the bottom right corner of your My LACERA web page. Additionally, My LACERA undergoes routine security audits by a professional third-party security firm. An extra security feature called Safe2Login is in place, as well. The Safe2Login box appears when you sign in. Registering on this added security feature provides another layer of protection for your private information. (9-11-08)

SECTION II: REGISTRATION
1. Q. Who can register for My LACERA?
A. Both active and retired members can access their personalized retirement information on My LACERA. Currently, access for deferred members and survivors is not available. (9-11-08)

2. Q: How can I sign up for "My LACERA"?
A: To register, go to the home page of lacera.com or look to the left side bar of each web page and click on the My LACERA icon. There you will first register on Safe2Login, a newly-added security safeguard designed to protect your private retirement information on your My LACERA account. Once your Safe2Login registration is complete, you will create your My LACERA account using an email address and password. For more information about Safe2Login, click here. You can also check out our Safe2Login FAQ. (9-11-08)

3. Q: What information should I have handy in order to successfully register on My LACERA?
A: During the My LACERA registration process, you will be asked different types of questions about your Retirement Plan, your latest contributions or tax amounts, and other personal identifying information. If you are an active member, it will be helpful to have your latest paycheck on hand. The questions you are prompted to answer during the registration process are established to increase the security and protection of your personal information. (9-11-08)

4. Q: What happens if I can't register on My LACERA?
A: Don't worry. You have two attempts to register online. After that you may call LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and one of our Retirement Benefits Specialists will assist you. Our Call Center hours are 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM PST Monday through Friday. (6-25-08)

5. Q: After I register on My LACERA, what if I try to sign in but can't remember my password?
A: You will have three attempts to sign in. If that doesn't work give us a call at 1-800-786-6464 and we will help you with the process. (9-11-08)

6. Q: My wife and I both work for the County and share the same email account. Is this going to cause a problem with registering our "My LACERA" accounts?
A: Yes. One of you will have to create another email account. Our system is set up to register only one individual per email address. (9-11-08)

1. Q: Does LACERA pay a death/burial benefit to the beneficiary of a retired member?
A: Yes. All LACERA retirement plans include a lump-sum death/burial benefit of $5,000 payable to the beneficiary upon the death of a retired member. (3-21-08)

2. Q: I am the spouse of a deceased member, but I am not the named beneficiary. Am I eligible to receive death benefits?
A: The rights of a surviving spouse or domestic partner of an active member who dies before retirement may take precedence over the rights of any other named beneficiary.  For additional information, call 1-800-786-6464 to speak with a LACERA Retirement Benefits Specialist. (7-26-06)

3. Q: How long will I have to wait to receive my survivor benefits?
A: Death benefit payments to survivors begin one payroll cycle after LACERA has been notified of the member's death. Death benefit payments to named beneficiaries begin 30 days from the date all required documents have been received by LACERA. Required documents are: claim forms, death certificate, original certified marriage license or Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership, and original certified birth certificates. (9-8-06)

4. Q: Do I have to provide the Social Security Number of the person I wish to name as beneficiary?
A: A Social Security Number (or Tax Identification Number) is required before any benefits can be paid. If a member doesn't have a number at the time of beneficiary designation, LACERA must receive this information when the death claim is processed. (6-26-06)

5. Q: I am the survivor of an active Plan E member who just died. Who do I contact?
A: Since Plan E does not provide pre-retirement death benefits, the spouse or domestic partner of a deceased active Plan E member should contact the County's Long-Term Disability and Survivor Benefits Plan representative at 213-351-6404. (6-26-06)

6. Q: I am the widow of an LA County employee, and I receive a monthly check from LACERA. Will I lose any of that benefit if I decide to remarry?
A: No, you will not lose any of your benefit. Your survivor allowance is paid for the rest of your life, regardless of any change in your marital status. (3-29-07)

7. Q: Are taxes withheld from the $5,000 death/burial benefit which is provided for retired members?
A. Yes. LACERA is required to withhold 20 percent in federal income tax, and if you reside in California, LACERA must withhold an additional 2 percent in state tax.

However, your benefit payment may be eligible for rollover by you or LACERA to a traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan which would allow you to postpone taxation of that benefit until it is paid to you. You have 60 days after you receive the Benefit Payment to roll over all or part of it to a traditional IRA or to an eligible employer plan that accepts your rollover.

Please Note: Your payment cannot be rolled over to: Los Angeles County's 401(k) Savings Plan and Horizons 457 Plan, a Roth IRA, a SIMPLE IRA, or a Coverdell Education Savings Account (formerly known as an education IRA).

More specific information on the tax treatment of payments from qualified employer plans is available in IRS Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income, and IRS Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements. These publications are available from your local IRS office, online at www.irs.gov, or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORMS. (5-12-08)

1. Q: How can I speak in person with a LACERA Retirements Benefits Specialist?
A: One-on-one consultations with a Retirement Benefits Specialist are available at our Public Counter on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointments may also be scheduled by calling 1-800-786-6464. (6-27-06)

2. Q: Where is LACERA located?
A: LACERA is located in Gateway Plaza at 300 N. Lake Avenue, in Pasadena. (6-27-06)

3. Q: How can I get LACERA brochures or forms?
A: LACERA brochures and forms can be conveniently accessed for viewing, printing, and/or ordering on our Brochures & Forms page. (6-27-06)

4. Q: What is “My LACERA”?
A: My LACERA is a web feature that provides members with secure 24-hour access to their personal information. It serves as your personal online file cabinet for all things LACERA, including your membership information, retirement plan information, annual benefit statement, and recap of your recent LACERA interactions. You can register for My LACERA from the lacera.com home page. (6-27-06)

5. Q: How can I sign-up for “My LACERA”?
A: To register, go to the home page of this web site and click on the My LACERA icon. When registering, it will be helpful to have your most recent paycheck stub handy. Once you're registered, you will only need to enter your email address and password to enter. (6-27-06)

6: Q: How do I advise LACERA of my new address?
A: Active County employees should report a change of address to their department personnel office. Your Personnel Office will forward the information to LACERA.

Retired and deferred members may report the change by calling LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 or by completing a change of address form and returning it to LACERA. You can download a copy from our Brochures & Forms page. (12-21-06)

7: Q: How does a Defined Benefit plan differ from a Defined Contribution plan?
A: In a Defined Benefit plan, the employer promises to pay a specified benefit upon the plan holder's retirement. That benefit is a lifetime benefit, paid to the recipient for the rest of his or her life. The employer invests the funds in a defined benefit plan and bears the risk of adverse investment performance.

Defined Contribution plans, such as 401(k) and 457 plans, are savings accounts. Benefit payments (withdrawals) under these plans stop when your money runs out. In these types of plans the employee decides how to invest the funds, and bears the risk of adverse investment performance. Benefit amounts in defined contribution plans are determined by investment performance and amount of contributions.

LACERA's retirement plans are defined benefit plans and provide a guaranteed monthly allowance paid for the rest of the member's life. LACERA benefits are based on your final average salary, retirement age, and years of service. (6-26-06)

8: Q: Which member services can be done over the phone?
A: The Retirement Benefits Specialists in LACERA's Call Center will assist you in completing the following procedures over the phone. Give them a call at 1-800-786-6464.

• Retired Members, Survivors: Enroll in Direct Deposit
• Retired and Deferred Members, Survivors: Change of Address
• Active and Retired Members: Change of Beneficiary(ies)
• Active, Retired, Deferred Members, and Survivors: Name Change  (10-2-06)

9: Q: Where can I find information about the 457 and 401(k) plans?
A: The Los Angeles County 401(k) Savings Plan and Horizons 457 Plan are defined contribution (DC) savings plans sponsored by Los Angeles County and administered by Great-West Retirement Services. For enrollment and account information, visit www.countyla.com or call 1-800-947-0845. (3-29-07)

10. Q: I worked for LA County many years ago. Am I eligible for a retirement benefit?
A: If you are wondering about your eligibility, call us at 1-800-786-6464. Our Retirement Benefits Specialists can access your records with your Social Security Number or Employee Number. (3-29-07)

11. Q: I need to report the death of a relative who worked for LA County. What information does LACERA need?
A: If your deceased loved one was an LA County employee or LACERA retiree, please contact LACERA at 1-800-786-6464. Our staff will provide the information you need to know about required documents and any available death benefits. (3-29-07)

12. Q: Can I do any retirement transactions online?
A: Your personal retirement information is available on My LACERA, including your service credit, contributions, annual benefits statement, and recent contacts with LACERA. You can create your own preliminary Retirement Benefit Estimate online. Registration is easy, and accessing your information is safe and secure. New interactive features will be released soon, after passing a rigorous security audit. Meanwhile, call 1-800-786-6464, and our staff will process your address change, beneficiary change, and direct deposit requests by phone. (3-29-07)

13. Q: I want to file my taxes early this year. When will I get my information from LACERA?
A: LACERA mails a Form 1099-R to all retirees, survivors, and beneficiaries each year by the end of January. The Form 1099-R reports all the income you received from LACERA during the previous year. (3-29-07)

14. Q: Who is on the LACERA's Boards?
A: We provide bios for LACERA's Board of Retirement and Board of Investments members in the About LACERA Board section. In addition, you can see photos of each board member and access the agenda and minutes of each board and committee meeting. (4-6-07)

15. Q: I am looking for something I read in a recent newsletter. Where can I find it?
A: You can find past issues of our LACERA newsletters – PostScript and Spotlight – in the Communications section. A list of the topics addressed in each newsletter will help you find the article you want. (4-6-07)

16. Q: How can I keep track of LACERA’s financial situation?
A: Our Investments section includes our annual reports, which provide information about LACERA’s investments as of the fiscal year end, June 30th. Our fund is very healthy. You may choose the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for a quick overview, or the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for a complete report with all the pertinent statistics and actuarial information. This section also includes actuarial and corporate governance reports, plus detailed information about LACERA’s real estate investments. (4-6-07)

17. Q. I am currently working, what section of the web site should I look at for information?
A: On lacera.com, go to the Benefits tab and visit our Active Member section. You’ll find information about plan transfer, service credit purchase, or ARC purchase. In the Calculators section, try the Plan Transfer, ARC, and Retirement calculators for instant cost and benefit estimates. You may also read about the process of applying for retirement and view the Pre-Retirement Workshop schedule. (4-6-07)

18. Q: Why is there a wait at certain times to talk to someone in the call center regarding benefit questions?.
A: LACERA is committed to providing you with the best customer service possible. However, there are times when our call center staff is inundated with member questions on new retirement legislation or policies that are periodically enacted.

You can also email your questions to us at welcome@lacera.com or visit our Public Counter (no appointment required, first come-first served), 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

You can also find answers to many retirement benefit questions here in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. (5-12-08)

19. Q. I have been away from the County for a while. How do I find out my retirement benefits with the County?
A. If you have questions about what retirement plan you are in or your retirement benefits with LACERA, call us at 1-800-786-6464. If you terminated County service and deferred your retirement or established reciprocity with another agency, please keep LACERA informed of any address changes. If you are a deferred member, your most recent Annual Benefits Statement includes your service credit and, if you are eligible to retire now, an estimate of your allowance. (5-27-08)

20. Q. I’m having trouble accessing the My LACERA page. How can I get assistance?
A. For assistance in registering for My LACERA or accessing your information on My LACERA, please contact a Retirement Benefits Specialists at 1-800-786-6464. (5-28-08)

21. Q. When I email questions or send correspondence to LACERA, should I provide my social security number?
A. For safety purposes you should not include your social security number on any emails or correspondence you send to LACERA. We only need your first and last name to access your retirement information and respond to your questions. You can also call LACERA at 1-800-786-6464 and address your questions to a Retirement Benefits Specialist. (6-09-08)

22. Q. Who can register for My LACERA?
A. Only active and retired members can register. If you are an active member, you can create your preliminary Retirement Benefit Estimate on My LACERA. The Retirement Benefit Estimate feature will provide a personalized estimate (based on your actual data) of the benefits you will receive when you retire. You can access the My LACERA icon from lacera.com to register. You can also read more about this feature at About My LACERA.

Currently, access for deferred members and spouses is not available. (6-11-08)

23. Q. What are the Call Center hours?
A. Our Retirement Benefit Specialists in our Call Center are available to assist you and answer your questions from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at 1-800-786-6464. (10-24-08)

24. Q. How long will LACERA keep my employment and retirement information on file?
A. LACERA has your County employment and retirement plan information stored in secure computer systems, and we will keep your records on file forever. Therefore, it is important to notify LACERA if you have a change of address so we can contact you regarding your retirement benefits if necessary. (10-24-08)