For a regular service retirement, your benefit amount will be based upon:

• your plan formula (i.e. Plan 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,or 7);
• your years of service;
• your final average compensation;
• your age at retirement.

The most accurate way to estimate your future retirement pension benefit is to run an estimate on the MySamCERA member portal or mobile app. Disability retirements are calculated differently than regular service retirements. Please refer to the “Disability Retirement” guide for more information.

SamCERA has no role in health benefits, life insurance, or deferred compensation programs.

It is important for you to understand your health care, life insurance and deferred compensation options before you retire. Please contact your employer’s benefit division for information about your health benefits, life insurance and deferred compensation programs.

Preparing for retirement doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that should start well in advance of your anticipated retirement date.

To jump-start the retirement planning process and help you understand your SamCERA retirement benefits, read the Guide to Your SamCERA Benefits. It will help you understand the retirement process. It includes step-by-step instructions on the forms you will need to complete and when you need to get them submitted to SamCERA. It also provides an overview of what you need to do to get ready for retirement. You should also visit our Retirement Planning page for additional ideas.

You can change your tax withholding election at any time by completing a new Tax Withholding forms, which are available online on the Forms page or on the MySamCERA member portal and mobile app.

If you are unable to download or print the form, contact SamCERA to have a form mailed to you. Your completed Tax Withholding Form can be submitted to SamCERA by mail, uploading to MySamCERA, or faxing to our office. Requests to change tax withholding that are received by the 15th of the month are effective in that same month. Requests received after the 15th become effective the following month.

Learn more on the Tax Information page.

Have questions about the IRS Form W-4P? Learn more about the form and who to contact with questions here. Understanding the W-4P

Creating an online account to manage your pension will only take a few minutes. On a computer or laptop: Log in to the member portal at www.mysamcera.gov.

On a mobile device or tablet: When using a mobile device, download the MySamCERA mobile app. Available for both iPhone and Android.

Register for MySamCERA New Users – Click on the “New? Register Your Account” button on the MySamCERA log in screen.

To access MySamCERA for the first time, you’ll need your SamCERA ID.

If you can’t find your SamCERA ID, call (650) 599-1234 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Existing Users – Already have a MySamCERA login? You’ll use the same information to log in to the new member portal.

Quick reference guides are available on the MySamCERA page.