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<p>Plan 3 is SamCERA’s “non-contributory” plan, which means that members do not pay contributions to SamCERA.</p>



<p>Plan 3 is closed to new and incoming reciprocal members and existing members cannot transfer into Plan 3.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Retirement Eligibility</h3>



<p>Plan 3 members are eligible to retire at age 55 with 10 years of SamCERA or reciprocal system service credit. SamCERA will need a copy of your Social Security retirement estimate before you can retire.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Calculating Your Plan 3 Benefits</h3>



<p>Plan 3 members should contact SamCERA to get a retirement estimate. Plan 3 benefits are based on your Final Average Compensation (FAC), years of service, and age. By law, Plan 3 retirement benefits are reduced by your Social Security benefits. A copy of your Social Security estimate must be submitted to SamCERA before you can get an estimate of your pension benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>If you retire before age 65</strong>, SamCERA must use the estimated Social Security amount based upon your age and salary as of your date of termination of employment with the County.<br><br><strong>Important:</strong> If you leave County employment before age 65 and choose to not retire right away it is in your best interest to obtain a Social Security estimate right away and submit it to us immediately.</li>



<li><strong>If you retire at age 65 or above,</strong>&nbsp;we will use your actual Social Security benefit amount calculated at the time of your retirement.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)</h3>



<p>There is no COLA for Plan 3&nbsp;members.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disability</h3>



<p>Plan 3 members are not eligible for Disability Retirement Benefits. However, Plan 3 members may be eligible for the County’s Long Term Disability Program if they are current&nbsp;active County employees.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Transferring Out of Plan 3</h3>



<p>Active Plan 3 members can transfer out of Plan 3 into a contributory plan after 5 years of service. Depending upon your date of hire, you can transfer into Plan 2, Plan 4, or Plan 5. The terms of the transfer and upgrade of Plan 3 service credit differ depending upon eligibility of your plan transfer. Contact SamCERA for your plan transfer eligibility and cost estimates.</p>



<p>Inactive Plan 3 members returning to active County service should contact SamCERA regarding plan options.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Divorce</h3>



<p>If you’ve gotten divorced either before or after retirement, make sure to notify SamCERA. Your Plan 3 retirement benefits are subject to community property law. Visit SamCERA&#8217;s <a href="https://content.samcera.gov/members/active-inactive-members/life-changes/divorce/">Divorce page</a> for more information.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Death During Active Membership</h3>



<p>If a Plan 3 member dies after they are eligible to retire (age 55 with 10 years of service credit), then there is a lifetime survivor benefit provided through the County for the surviving spouse or minor. Otherwise, there are no survivor benefits. For more information, contact the County’s Human Resources Department.</p>


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