1.When will I be eligible for a service retirement?
Please refer to our Benefit
Formula page.
2.What determines my benefit amount?
Please refer to My Retirement
Amount page.
3.How do I optimize my retirement?
For information, please refer to our Optimizing Your Retirement
page.
4.Can I change my mind after I have signed an option?
Signing for your retirement option is considered a binding
contract. After signing, your option selection is irrevocable and
will remain the same option you have selected for the duration of
your retirement. Please be sure that you have read and understand
about all of the options.
5. When will I receive my final options?
Options are usually mailed to your home address 2-4 weeks after
your payoff amounts have been paid in your final paycheck. If you
have established reciprocity it usually takes longer because your
wage verification information needs to be submitted to MercedCERA
from the other system before we can complete your options.
6.When will I receive my first retirement payment?
You usually receive your first retirement payment 4-8 weeks after
your retirement date, although it could take longer if you have
established reciprocity. Your first retirement check may be
slightly higher than your actual retirement benefit as it usually
includes any partial payments from the previous month.
7.How often will I get paid?
Retirement benefits are paid once a month on the last working day
of the month.
8.Can I change my beneficiary?
Option number 1 is the only option that allows you to change your
beneficiary after retirement. If you have selected Options No. 2,
3, or 4 you may not change your beneficiary at anytime. For those
options, the amount of your retirement allowance is set according
to both your age and the age of the beneficiary you select at
retirement.
9.What happens to my benefit if my beneficiary dies before I do?
You new survivor will only receive contributions that are left on
deposit (if any and if you selected the Unmodified or Option 1)
and the one time lump sum death benefit payment (if applicable).
He/she will not receive a continuance, nor will your benefit
increase.
10.What types of deductions are taken from my retirement check?
Please refer to our Deductions page.
