When You Are Hired

Overview

When you become a member of the Merced County Employees’ Retirement Association (MercedCERA) you are earning a lifetime benefit. MercedCERA is a defined benefit plan which means that based on your final salary, years of service, age at retirement and retirement benefits, a monthly annuity will be calculated upon your retirement.  This benefit will be paid for your lifetime and can be left to a person with an insurable interest in your life  such as a child, spouse or partner.

Overview

Plan Membership

Membership in MercedCERA is effective upon appointment to an eligible full time position with the County of Merced, Superior Court of California (County of Merced) and the Merced Cemetery District. 

Overview

Eligibility Requirements

Tier I eligibility requirements for general and probation members hired prior to June 13, 1994 and some A Level Managers. For safety members, those that are hired prior to July 1, 1998.

Overview

Contributions

MercedCERA is funded by investment earnings, employee (member) contributions and employer contributions. Together, these funding sources enable MercedCERA to offer its members lifetime retirement benefits.

Overview

Benefit Formulas

General and Safety Members

The following tables outline the benefits for both Miscellaneous and Safety at Merced County Employees’ Retirement Association (MercedCERA) members.

Overview

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries are individuals designated by a MercedCERA member or retiree to receive survivor and/or death benefits after his or her death.

Overview

Purchasing Service

Several types of prior service may be purchased and included in your total years of service credit. Purchasing service credit can increase your retirement benefit and, in some cases, allow you to retire earlier.