Question 1

What is the difference between School and State formulas?

Accepted Answer

School formulas apply to employees of K-12 school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education who are members of CalPERS. State formulas apply to state government employees. The benefit factors and retirement age ranges may differ between categories.

Question 2

What are the survivor benefit options?

Accepted Answer

CalPERS offers four retirement options: Unmodified (no survivor benefit, highest monthly payment), 100% Survivor (your beneficiary receives the same monthly benefit after your death), 75% Survivor, and 50% Survivor. Choosing a survivor option reduces your monthly pension. The reduction depends on your age and your beneficiary's age at retirement.

Question 3

What is a replacement rate?

Accepted Answer

The replacement rate is the percentage of your final compensation that your pension replaces. For example, a 2% benefit factor with 30 years of service gives you a 60% replacement rate, meaning your pension would be 60% of your final compensation.

Question 4

How accurate is this calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator uses the official benefit factor tables published by CalPERS and CalSTRS. The benefit factor lookup is verified against official PDF documents. However, your actual pension may differ due to factors not included in this estimate, such as exact survivor actuarial reductions, reciprocity, disability retirement, or employer-specific rules. For an official estimate, log in to myCalPERS or contact your retirement system.

Question 5

What is service credit?

Accepted Answer

Service credit is the years (and partial years) you have worked under a CalPERS or CalSTRS covered position. One year of full-time employment equals one year of service credit. Part-time employees earn proportional service credit.

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