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San Mateo County Employees' Retirement Association
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MySamCERA

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Are you getting ready to retire?
There are some important things inactive members should know about retirement

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Learn more about your COLA
Get this year's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), plus find out how COLA is calculated

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Get an accurate retirement benefits estimate
Login to MySamCERA for the most accurate look at your future pension

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do I change my address?

You can change your address by completing an Address Change Form, which is available online on the Member Forms page or on the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app. 

If you are unable to download or print the form, contact SamCERA to have a form mailed to you. Your Address Change Form can be submitted to SamCERA by mail, uploading it to MySamCERA, or faxing it to our office. 

Note: If you move out of state, SamCERA will no longer withhold California income tax on your monthly benefit payment.

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How do I change my direct deposit account?

You can change your direct deposit information by completing a Direct Deposit Form, which is available online on the Member Forms page or on the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app. 

If you are unable to download or print the form, contact SamCERA to have a form mailed to you. Your completed Direct Deposit Form can be submitted to SamCERA by mail or faxing it to our office.

FAQ

How do I change my tax withholding elections?

You can change your tax withholding election by completing new Tax Withholding forms, which are available online on the Member Forms page or on the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app.

If you are unable to download or print the form, contact SamCERA to have a form mailed to you. Your completed Tax Withholding Form can be submitted to SamCERA by mail, uploading it to MySamCERA, or faxing it to our office.

FAQ

How do I update my beneficiary(ies)?

Retirees may only change certain beneficiary designations for those persons who are to receive a lump sum payment. 

To change your beneficiary(ies) download the Beneficiary Designation Form on the Member Forms page or update your beneficiaries on the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app. 

FAQ

How do I update or get information about my retiree health, dental and vision benefits?

SamCERA does not administer your retiree health, dental or vision benefits. If you have questions regarding the amount of the deduction in your monthly retirement check for any of these benefits, please contact your former employer or human resources department as noted below.

FAQ

How can I get a copy of my monthly benefit statement?

Your monthly benefit statement can be viewed and printed in the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app. After logging in, click on “Your Plan” in the navigation menu, then click on “Benefit Statements”. On the next screen, you can view and download your benefit statements. 

FAQ

How can I get a copy of my 1099-R tax document?

Each January, most retirees will receive an IRS 1099-R form in the mail. This form can also be viewed and printed in the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app. After logging in, click on “Your Plan” in the navigation menu, then click on “1099R Tax Information”, and from there you have the option to view or print a copy of current and past 1099-Rs.

FAQ

How can I get a Pension Income Verification letter?

Pension Income Verification letters (also known as an “award letter”) can be obtained on the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app. After logging in, click on “Your Plan” in the navigation menu, then click on “Pension Verification.” 

To request a new pension income verification letter, click on the “Request Pension Verification” button on the next screen. You can also view and download past pension income verification letters on this screen.

FAQ

How do I create an online account?

Creating an online account to manage your pension will only take a few minutes.

On a computer or laptop: Log in to the member portal at www.mysamcera.org.

On a mobile device or tablet: When using a mobile device, download the MySamCERA mobile app. Available for both iPhone and Android.

Register for MySamCERA

FAQ

How do I retrieve my password?

To retrieve your password for MySamCERA, use the “Forgot Username/Password” helper on the MySamCERA log in screen. Follow the prompts or use this quick reference guide for step-by-step help. https://www.samcera.org/sites/main/files/mysamcera_quick_reference-all_members_forgot_username_password_20230613_final.pdf​

FAQ

What is SCORPA?

SCORPA (San Mateo County Retired Personnel Association) is a separate entity from SamCERA. It was established in 1975 to provide a representative voice for all San Mateo County retirees before the Board of Supervisors, the SamCERA Retirement Board, and the California Retired County Employees Association (CRCEA). Learn more about SCORPA here.

 

FAQ

How can I cancel my SCORPA membership?

SCORPA (San Mateo County Retired Personnel Association) is a separate entity from SamCERA. If you would like to reach SCORPA to make changes to your membership, please email scorpa09@yahoo.com.

FAQ

What is PGA?

PGA is Pacific Group Agencies. You may see this deduction on your monthly benefit payment if you opted into insurance through SCORPA (San Mateo County Retired Personnel Association.) PGA is a separate entity from SamCERA and your former employer. If you have questions, please contact PGA directly at 800-511-9065. 

FAQ

Where can I find the pay day schedule?

The payment dates for retirees and beneficiaries can be found on our website here: https://www.samcera.org/payment-dates.

FAQ

How do I know if there is a COLA increase?

COLA increases will be announced on the SamCERA website, and you can find the dollar amount of your COLA on your benefit statement in the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app. 

The COLA is effective April 1, and any adjustments will appear on your April benefit made at the end of the month.

The most recent COLA information can be found here: https://www.samcera.org/cost-living-adjustment-cola 

FAQ After Retirement

Can I work after I retire, and what effect will it have on my retirement?

There are certain restrictions for post-retirement employment with a SamCERA employer. If you are considering returning to work in any capacity (permanent position, extra help, or as a contractor), please read the information available on our website (https://www.samcera.org/post-retirement-employment) and the Guide to Your SamCERA Benefits. 

FAQ

How do I submit completed forms to SamCERA?

Completed forms or documents that you would like to submit to SamCERA can be mailed, uploaded to MySamCERA, or faxed to our office.

Mail:
San Mateo County Employees’ Retirement Association
100 Marine Parkway, Suite 125
Redwood City, CA 94065

Online:
www.mysamcera.org

Fax:
(650) 591-1488