All SCERS’ COVID-19 updates for members are now compiled and located on this page. 

Retired Annuitant Limits Remain Suspended

ARTICLE AUGUST 19, 2021

On August 16, 2021, the Governor issued Executive Order N-12-21, reinstating the emergency waivers regarding post-retirement employment limits for public employees under Government Code section 7522.56.

Specifically, both the 180-day sit-out requirement and the 960 workhour limitation are suspended.

This action replaces SCERS’ prior direction to employers on June 15, 2021, regarding Executive Order N-08-21.

SCERS reserves the right to supplement or modify these statements upon receipt of further information and/or Executive Orders from the Governor’s Office.

SCERS Reopens to Members With Appointments

ARTICLE JULY 29, 2021

SCERS will be reopening to the public by appointment only, effective Monday, August 2nd.

If you would like to make an appointment, please call us at 916-874-9119 or email us at sacretire@saccounty.net.

Please note that face masks are required* to be worn by all visitors to the Park Tower building and the SCERS office. We appreciate your compliance.

*Per Sacramento County Order of the Health Officer dated July 29, 2021

SCERS Office Re-Opening to Members in August

ARTICLE JUNE 17, 2021

The SCERS’ office at 980 9th Street will remain closed through July for office renovations but will re-open for in-person member appointments on Monday, August 2. 

In-person meetings for members with retirement benefits specialists will be scheduled by appointment only.  Please contact us at (916) 874-9119 to schedule an in-person, video, or phone appointment with a SCERS team member.

New Executive Order Issued for Post-Retirement Employment

ARTICLE JUNE 15, 2021

On June 11, 2021, the Governor issued Executive Order N-08-21 lifting various state of emergency Executive Orders, including the waivers regarding post-retirement employment for public employees. Effective July 1, 2021, the reinstatement and work-hour limitations are no longer suspended for SCERS members.

Therefore, SCERS members and employers must adhere to the 960-hour work-hour limitation for retirees on July 1, 2021. Because SCERS utilizes a calendar-year measurement period to track hours worked for retirees, the 960-hour limit includes any work performed since January 1, 2021.

Retirees who exceed the 960-hour limit will have their pension suspended and be reinstated to active employment.

The 180-day “sit-out” period also resumes on July 1, 2021. Some retirees may currently be working for a participating employer without yet reaching the 180-day separation period. These employees also are working under employment agreements or contracts that were authorized under the prior Executive Orders. Therefore, SCERS interprets the new Executive Order as allowing these retired employees to continue to work in the same capacity without needing to “sit out” until the 180-period has lapsed. However, any new employment arrangements for retirees must comply with the existing statute.

This information is subject to change, based on further information and/or Executive Orders from the Governor’s Office. For more information, please call our main number: (916) 874-9119.

COVID-19 Paid Leave Counts Toward Pensions

Article | April 5, 2020

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is now in effect, which allows employees to take time off to address the impacts of COVID-19 using various types of new leave, including Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family and Medical Leave.

For pension purposes, SCERS intends to treat those new leave types for Legacy and PEPRA members consistently with the SCERS Final Compensation Review Policy.  Under the SCERS policy, “Leave Balance Usage” (defined broadly to include paid sick and vacation leave) is subject to retirement contributions and service credit when taken for authorized absences from work.

For more information, please see the SCERS employer memo.

Governor Relaxes Post-Retirement Employment Rules During Pandemic

Article | March 24, 2020

On March 4, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently issued Executive Orders N-25-20 and N-35-20 to ensure adequate staffing in state and local government to respond to the emergency. 

The Executive Orders suspend state laws that require a 180-day sit-out period for new retirees before returning to work and the 960-hour annual limit on work hours for retirees who are serving their former employers.

SCERS has notified participating employers that it is complying with the Executive Orders to waive the “retired annuitant” restrictions.  Please note that the rules are relaxed only for retired SCERS members who are helping a SCERS employer alleviate staffing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic response.  See letter to employers here

Retired members who have questions about their eligibility for a waiver should contact their employer.

Message to Members on COVID-19, updated March 22, 2020

Article | March 16, 2020

During this difficult time, we are aware that many of our members may have concerns and questions about the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic to your long-term retirement plans.

The health and well-being of our members is of the utmost importance and our goal is to continue to provide the same level of services as under normal conditions. However, these processes will require some modifications.

Member Services

In keeping in line with current recommendations from state and local public health agencies, we are implementing several actions in an effort to halt the spread of the virus:

Effective Monday, March 16, SCERS’ offices are closed to the public. 

In-person benefit planning sessions have been re-scheduled to telephone sessions.

Group retirement orientations are canceled until further notice.

Contacting SCERS

SCERS remains in full customer service mode with staff working remotely.

We can be reached at (916) 874-9119 or via email at sacretire@saccounty.net.

Current Retirees

We do not anticipate any delays or interruptions with your monthly pension payments. 

Pending and New Retirement Applications

SCERS will continue to accept and process retirement applications.  Due to staffing adjustments, you may experience some delays receiving your first retirement payment.

If you are planning to retire, please mail your completed retirement application to the address below. Please remember to sign and date your application.

SCERS
980 9th Street, Suite 1900
Sacramento, CA 95814-2739

Investment Portfolio Preparedness

Our members’ retirement benefits continue to be secure. The spread of COVID-19 has impacted global markets, as well as SCERS’ portfolio, over the short term. SCERS is a long-term investor, and we think in terms of decades—not days, weeks or months. The SCERS investment portfolio is broadly diversified in order to mitigate the effect of periods of market volatility and uncertainty.