Changes in Your Life

Overview

Changes in Your Life

As changes in your job or your life occur, you may need to make decisions about your OCERS retirement benefits.

This section is designed to help you navigate through these events. It highlights what you need to do, when you need to take action, and the types of changes you can make. The forms you need to submit, if any, are clearly identified.

At any time, if you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.

Overview

Change of Address

Whether you are active, deferred or retired, having your correct address, phone number and email address is very important to us so we can keep in contact with you.

Overview

Beneficiary Changes

Beneficiaries are individuals designated by a OCERS member/retiree to receive survivor and/or death benefits after his or her death. It is important for members to keep their account updated, including beneficiary information.

If you have a life change, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth/adoption of a child, review your beneficiary designations.

Overview

Work After Retirement

Notice to retirees who are considering returning to work after retirement:

After your retirement, you may work in any occupation or employment outside of OCERS-covered employment and there is no effect on your OCERS retirement benefit.

You may work for the County of Orange or any of OCERS’ participating employers without interruption of your retirement benefits as:

Overview

Survivor Benefit Information

Benefits Upon Your Death

When you become a member of OCERS, you will be asked to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries, who may be entitled to receive lifetime and/or lump sum benefits that may be payable upon your death.

Survivor benefits are based on the retirement option selected, status at the time of your death, and designated beneficiaries. For specific information or to report a death, please call OCERS at (714) 558-6200.

Overview

Divorce After Retirement

All or part of an OCERS retirement benefit may be subject to California’s Community Property laws. It is important to remember that the Board of Retirement and OCERS staff cannot give legal advice as to how a divorce may impact a retirement benefit. In fact, it will be up to the Family Court to decide what interest a member’s spouse and a former spouse have in any retirement allowance and other OCERS benefits.