• New Members - Welcome to SamCERA!
• Retirement Application Reminders for Those Retiring Soon
• Board Member Spotlight - Meeting Elaine Orr
• 2021 Financial Reports
• Financial Planning Classes in 2022
• Access Your Account Anytime

If you have recently started a regular position with the County of San Mateo, the San Mateo County Superior Court, or the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District, you're also a SamCERA member. SamCERA is a defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement, disability, and death benefits for eligible members and beneficiaries. There are different plans, and we determine your plan placement based upon your date of hire and job classification.

As a new member, there are a few things you should do right away:

1. Create a MySamCERA online account - Set up your online account to receive important notices, verify your account information, and much more! Step-by-step instructions are available here. Your MySamCERA username and password can be used to login to the member portal as well as the mobile app which you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.


2. Download, complete, and return a Beneficiary Designation form - Beneficiary information is not automatically transferred from any of your employer benefit elections to your SamCERA account, and it's important to keep this information up-to-date on your retirement account with us. Print and complete a Beneficiary Designation form for active members from www.samcera.org/forms, and easily submit it by mail/PONY or upload it using the MySamCERA member portal or mobile app.


3. Get to know your retirement pension benefit - As a new member, it's important to read the "Welcome to SamCERA" guide to learn more about your contributions, establishing reciprocity, and understanding how your retirement benefit is calculated.


4. Visit the SamCERA website - The SamCERA website has the most up-to-date information about your membership, and it's also the place to find forms, publications, and important news.

You can reach us the following ways if you need your SamCERA ID or have any questions:

• Send an email to samcera@samcera.org
• Send us a secure message on the MySamCERA member portal or mobile app
• Call us Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at 650-599-1234

Planning to retire soon?
Here are a few reminders as you prepare your retirement application:

• Your Retirement Date Is The First Day You Want To Begin Retirement: Many members use their last working day as their retirement date, but that's not correct. Your retirement date is the first day you want to begin retirement, not the last day you are in a paid status. If your last day in a paid status is January 31, then the earliest date you can retire is February 1.


• Submit A Copy Of Your Marriage Certificate: If you are married, please submit a copy of your marriage certificate with your retirement application. Double check to make sure you have this handy ahead of time because we cannot accept other versions, such as a ceremonial certificate that was provided by your officiant.


• Retirement Applications Should Be Submitted No More Than 60 Days Before You Retire: Please submit your retirement application within 60 days of your retirement date.


• Include A Voided Check With Your Application: Attaching a voided check to your application is important to prevent any delays when requesting direct deposit benefit payments. We cannot accept a deposit slip.


• Sign Both Sections Of The Tax Withholding Form: The tax form has two sections - one section is for federal withholdings, and the other section is for CA state withholdings. We're unable to process your withholding elections without your signature in both sections.


• If Your Marital Status Has Changed Since You Became A Member, Notify SamCERA ASAP: If SamCERA is not notified of a change in martial status (such as divorce) in a timely manner, it could cause delays with processing your retirement application. Learn more in the "Divorce and Your Benefits" guide.

If you need assistance with your application, please email samcera@samcera.org or call us at (650) 599-1234.