Latest News
OCERS Appoints Darren Dang as its Chief Technology Officer
May 2, 2025
Santa Ana, CA (May 2, 2025) – The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Dang as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective May 16, 2025. Mr. Dang brings over 25 years of leadership in technology, finance, and public-sector governance, with a distinguished track record of driving Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, cybersecurity modernization, and digital transformation.
Bring A Kid to Work Day 2025
April 22, 2025
Attention OCERS members: On Thursday, April 24, OCERS will be participating in Bring a Kid to Work Day!
If you’re visiting our headquarters, please be extra mindful—children and large equipment will be present throughout the building and parking lot.
Thanks for helping make this a fun and safe event!
Understanding Stock Market Volatility and Your Pension
April 18, 2025
What Stock Market Changes Mean for Your OCERS Pension Benefits
With recent headlines highlighting stock market ups and downs, it’s understandable to feel a little concerned. At OCERS, our message is simple: your pension is safe—just as it has been for the past 80 years.
Update: Social Security Fairness Act
February 27, 2025
On February 25, 2025, the Social Security Administration announced its plans to begin applying the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) to eligible recipients.
For eligibility and payment timelines, visit SSA Social Security Fairness Act.
Please note that this change does not impact your OCERS retirement benefit.
OCERS receives recognition from GFOA
February 26, 2025
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Orange County Employees
Retirement System for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Board Approves 3% COLA for 2025
February 19, 2025
This morning, the OCERS Board of Retirement approved a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all retirees and eligible beneficiaries, with an extra 0.5% credited to a “COLA Bank” for future use.
Under Government Code section 31870, COLAs are applied each April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as of January 1, with adjustments capped at 3.0% per year. For the LA Basin area, the CPI was reported at 3.3 and rounded to 3.5%, so the Board approved a 3% COLA, with the additional 0.5% credited to each payee’s COLA bank.
Update: Social Security Fairness Act
February 4, 2025
On February 3, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) posted updated details on the Social Security Fairness Act on their website. Discover the measures being implemented to enforce this new law by visiting their site: SSA Social Security Fairness Act.
Mary-Joy Coburn honored as Public Pension Communicator of the Year – Rising Star!
January 29, 2025
The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) has recognized Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications at the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), with the 2024 Public Pension Communicator of the Year – Rising Star award. Ms. Coburn is the inaugural recipient of this newly established award category, which recognizes an individual, across all funding categories, and has demonstrated exceptional potential and growth in public pension communications.
Social Security Fairness Act and Your Pension
January 24, 2025
Document:
As an OCERS member, you do not contribute to Social Security, so you are not earning Social Security benefits while working for an OCERS employer.
The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed into law on January 5, 2025. This legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduced Social Security benefits for people who also receive public pensions from jobs that did not pay into Social Security.
Iriss Barriga and Wayne Lindholm Officially Sworn In as OCERS Board Members
January 22, 2025
This morning at the Board of Retirement meeting, Board Member Iriss Barriga (General Board Member) and Board Member Wayne Lindholm (Public Member) were officially sworn in to serve on the OCERS Board. Ms. Barriga began her term this month following the July 2024 election, and Mr. Lindholm was reappointed by the Board of Supervisors earlier this year. The oath was administered by Orange County Clerk of the Board, Robin Stieler.
Benefit Verification Letter (Award Letter) Update
January 21, 2025
Attention Members:
A Benefit Verification Letter (also known as an “Award Letter”) can be generated using the myOCERS portal.
For more information please click on the following link: https://www.ocers.org/benefit-verification-letter
1099-R Forms Update
January 15, 2025
Attention Members:
Starting Friday, January 17, 2025, you can download your 1099-R form directly from your myOCERS account.
For those receiving a mailed copy, 1099-R forms will be sent out by Friday, January 31, 2025, and allow up to 5 business days for the mailed copy to arrive.
Assistance During California Wildfires
January 9, 2025
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent California wildfires. We know this is an incredibly challenging time for many of our members and colleagues in the area. We’re wishing for everyone’s safety and a swift recovery for the impacted communities.
If you’re having trouble accessing your funds due to the fires, please reach out to our dedicated OCERS staff — we’re here to help. Stay safe.
Address Update for 1099-R Mailing
January 8, 2025
If you are an OCERS payee and have recently moved, please make sure to submit an address change using your myOCERS account by Friday, January 10, 2025, to ensure the timely delivery of your 1099-R form. 1099s will be mailed out on Wednesday, January 31, 2025.
Update: The Social Security Fairness Act
January 7, 2025
The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed into law on January 5, 2025. This legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduced Social Security benefits for people who also receive public pensions from jobs that did not pay into Social Security.
Please note that this change does not impact your OCERS retirement benefit.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is evaluating how to implement the changes required by this Act.
Update: The Social Security Fairness Act
January 6, 2025
From SSA.Gov: The Social Security Fairness Act, HR 82, concerning the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, was signed into law on January 5, 2025. Upon implementation, the Social Security Fairness Act eliminates the reduction of Social Security benefits while entitled to public pensions from work not covered by Social Security. The Social Security Administration is evaluating how to implement the Act.
OCERS Celebrates 80 Years of Superior Pension Service
January 1, 2025
Happy 2025! OCERS is proud to celebrate a momentous milestone—our 80th Anniversary. Since our founding in 1945, we have built a reputation for delivering exceptional pension service, positively impacting countless lives across Orange County and beyond. As we reflect on our rich history and achievements this year, we’re also looking ahead with a renewed focus on excellence and innovation in public service.
Stay tuned for exciting events and initiatives as we honor 80 years of dedicated public service!
https://www.ocers.org/80th-anniversary
The Social Security Fairness Act
December 23, 2024
The Social Security Fairness Act was passed by the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by President Biden. It repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. . The bill eliminates the government pension offset, which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own.
OCERS CIO on 2024 Power 100 List
October 3, 2024
Congratulations to our Chief Investment Officer, Molly Murphy, for being included in the 2024 Power 100 list of CIOs.
Ms. Murphy and others listed are acknowledged for their ability to build strong teams that serve their mission and beneficiaries, regardless of the market or investment climate.
See the entire list here: https://www.ai-cio.com/lists/2024-power-100/
Wishing Strength and Healing to Injured OCFA Firefighters and Their Families
September 20, 2024
We extend our most profound support and prayers to the Orange County Fire Authority firefighters who were critically injured at last night’s rollover crash on the 241 Freeway. Our hearts go out to them and their families during this time.
Today marks the beginning of a challenging journey for these brave firefighters, their loved ones, and the OCFA community.
Our entire OCERS Team stand in solidarity with OCFA, wishing our courageous firefighters strength and healing in the days ahead.