Reciprocity allows members who transfer from one retirement
system to another to maintain earned retirement benefits;
allowing members to link service credit and highest average
compensation between reciprocal systems. Establishing
reciprocity may enhance total retirement benefits, and
in some situations, reduce contribution costs as well.
With reciprocity, membership is retained in the first system and
also established in the second system (and any subsequent
systems). You’ll then be a member of each retirement system.
Reciprocity Works Both Ways
Reciprocity applies to members entering
membership in SamCERA from a reciprocal system. Reciprocity also
applies to members leaving a SamCERA employer to
enter service with an employer in a reciprocal system.
If you’re entering SamCERA from another system, download the
Reciprocity Request Form on the Member
Forms page.
If you’re leaving SamCERA refer to the Leaving Employment page for more
information.
Retire From All Systems on the Same Date
If you’re getting ready to retire, you must retire from all
systems on the same date. Here are some additional requirements:
- Submit a separate retirement application for each system.
- Tell each system you have reciprocity, and let them know your
effective retirement date.
- If you are applying for a disability retirement, let each
system know.
Learn More
You can learn more about reciprocity by reading the Reciprocity
Guide.
