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Know your benefits

Picture Your Retirement

Mar. 8, 2010 CalSTRS-ca
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Follow Your Dreams

Ask yourself what you want and need for a comfortable retirement. Visualize what you expect in retirement so that you can develop a plan that will provide you with the information you need to achieve your goals.

Are You Counting on Social Security?

Sep. 14, 2011 Chad Christman
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If you expect a Social Security benefit - through other employment or a spouse - to supplement your CalSTRS benefit, two Social Security provisions may apply to you. These provisions are the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

Fiction vs. Fact

May. 31, 2011 William Yee
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There are a lot of questions and concerns during these tumultuous economic times. This section will separate fact from fiction. 

Actions for Success

Mar. 11, 2010 CalSTRS-ca
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Since 2006, the Teachers’ Retirement Board has been talking to our stakeholder groups—active members, retired members, administrators, school districts and the Legislature—about the need to address the funding shortfall. Unlike other pension systems, the Legislature and the Governor determine CalSTRS pension contribution rates and local employers determine health benefit support.

Current News

Questions Answered on Post-Retirement Earnings Changes

Jan. 27, 2012 Chad Christman
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EdCal asked Ed Derman of the California State Teachers Retirement System to respond to a number of frequently asked questions concerning the June 30 sunset date of exemptions for post-retirement earnings limitations.

Read more at the Association of School Administrators.

CalSTRS Calendar Year-End Investment Returns Show Slight Gains

Jan. 24, 2012 Chad Christman
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Tumultuous 2011 Ends With CalSTRS Investments Returns Slightly Positive

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – Investment returns for the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) ended the 2011 calendar year posting a 2.3 percent gain, in a year of extreme market volatility.

A Glance at Governor Brown's Twelve-Point Pension Plan

Jan. 23, 2012 Jack Ehnes
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Jack EhnesOn October 27, 2011, Governor Brown unveiled his 12-Point Pension Plan. As the debate around pension reform continues, it’s important to emphasize that the most pressing need facing CalSTRS was not included in the Governor’s proposal: A plan of action to address the long-term funding needs of the system. To be clear, the authority and responsibility for this action rests with the Governor and the Legislature.

CalSTRS Poll

Of the following, which do you find the most helpful in understanding your CalSTRS benefits?

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CalSTRS Helps Educators Make Sense of Investment Options

Dec. 30, 2011 William Yee
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In this video interview from Pensions & Investments, Julia Durand, director of the CalSTRS Pension2 program and president of NAGDCA, discusses innovations introduced by CalSTRS, including the Pension2 "Easy Choice Portfolios" and the "403(b) + 457(b) Information Portal."

Ask Jack: Member Questions

Can you explain what CalSTRS is doing about reports of pension spiking?

Jan. 17, 2012 Jack Ehnes
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CalSTRS takes pension spiking very seriously, which is why we have, and continue to aggressively pursue instances of suspected spiking. Our internal controls and processes to identify and resolve instances of spiking include regularly conducting school district audits and analyzing employer compensation reports to identify excessive increases that could affect the member’s final compensation factor.

Could the Governor’s 12-Point proposal reduce benefits for current retirees or reduce anticipated benefits for members?

Jan. 10, 2012 Jack Ehnes
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There are two provisions that may impact current retirees or reduce anticipated benefits for members and one that deals with contributions paid by members.

What is the earliest Governor Brown's 12-point pension reform proposal could be implemented and where can I find the proposal?

Jan. 3, 2012 Jack Ehnes
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No one can predict the outcome or precise timing of any potential pension reform measures. As meaningful discussions on pension reform take shape, it’s important to remember that the Governor’s 12-Point proposal must work its way though the legislative process before anything is official.

Join the Conversation

Have Questions?

Jan. 25, 2010 admin
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What has happened with public pensions and how will it affect me? Will CalSTRS be there when I retire? If you have questions, this is your opportunity to ask and get answers. Start today.

Ask Jack »

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Mar. 10, 2010 CalSTRS-ca
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