What happens to my CalPERS benefits if I change employers?

When an individual changes employers, their CalPERS benefits are not automatically lost. CalPERS is designed to provide retirement benefits to members throughout their careers, regardless of employment changes. If a member leaves a job where they were covered by CalPERS and moves to a new employer that is also a CalPERS agency, their service credit will continue to accrue without interruption. This allows members to build upon their retirement benefits and strengthens their overall pension. However, if an individual changes employers to one that is not part of the CalPERS system, they have a few options regarding their accumulated benefits. They may choose to leave their benefits with CalPERS, where they will remain until they reach retirement age and can access them. Alternatively, individuals may be able to withdraw their contributions, though this would generally result in the forfeiture of pension benefits associated with those contributions. It is important to note that withdrawing benefits can impact long-term retirement income. When contemplating a change in employment, it is advisable for members to review their specific situation, as factors such as years of service, vesting status, and benefits continuity will vary. For personal guidance tailored to individual circumstances, it may be beneficial for members to consult the resources available on the CalPERS website. Current information and contact details can often be found there, ensuring that individuals have the most accurate and relevant details regarding their benefits.