Latest News
“Alameda” Decision Update
September 30, 2022
On September 30, 2022, OCERS began mailing letters to retirees and other payees affected by the “Alameda” Decision that require recalculations on their monthly benefit. The letters were delivered to our mailing house for processing and are going out today first class via the U.S. Postal Service.
“Alameda” Decision Update
July 27, 2022
On July 27, 2022, OCERS began mailing letters to active and deferred members affected by the “Alameda” Decision who are eligible for a refund of member contributions and interest. The letters were delivered to our mailing house for processing on July 18, and are going out today first class via the U.S. Postal Service.
Preliminary May/June Pension Benefit Payments
April 29, 2022 Update
A special note to those members receiving their first benefit payment on May 1st or June 1st. You will receive your benefit payment as expected. Due to an all-time record of number of retirements that first payment will represent an estimate of your basic benefit and you will receive a final updated benefit later this summer with any retroactive catch up.
This is not our normal process. Normally we wait until all financial records are received and pay a “final” benefit based on your final average salary. This is not a normal year.
“Alameda” Case Update
May 19, 2022
OCERS is in the process of mailing letters to members impacted by the California Supreme Court in Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs’ Assn. v. Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Assn. (2020) 9 Cal. 5th 1032 (“Alameda”). The OCERS Board of Retirement gave OCERS’ staff several directives that went into effect on July 15, 2021 and our team has been working on the steps necessary to fully implement the Board directives.
“Alameda” Case Update
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Supreme Court’s “Alameda” decision do?
The “Alameda Decision” established the legal standard that Standby/On-Call types of pay must be excluded from compensation earnable when calculating a legacy member’s retirement benefit, unless it is established that the time was regularly scheduled, required to be work and ordinarily worked by all members of the same grade or classification.
Customer Service Update
March 14, 2022
The last two years have been a challenging time for all our members, including the dedicated staff here at OCERS. Throughout the two-year pandemic, our team has continued to serve members via the myOCERS member portal, over the phone, as well as using tools such as the website, online seminars, email and traditional mail.
Even as the nation slowly returns to normal, OCERS’ staff has been faced by another challenge – a record-setting number of retirements.
OCERS’ Human Resources Team Brings ‘Goodwill’ To Area Veterans
April 14, 2022
As part of OCERS’ Talent Management Strategy to “recruit, retain and inspire a high performing workforce,” OCERS’ Human Resources department is sharing its message with the community about how the $22.5 billion retirement system is a great place to embark on a career in public service.
Alameda Case Update
Outcomes from the June 21, 2021 Board of Retirement meeting
The Board of Retirement adopted all of the Staff recommendations as presented at its regular meeting, with an implementation date of July 15, 2021.
As part of the Alameda Case implementation, certain identified pay items are not pensionable. This includes On Call Pay, Sheriffs Canine Pay, Attorney Special Duty Pay and other specific pay items as outlined in the June 21, 2021 Board of Retirement meeting agenda.
Alameda Case Update
May 18, 2021
At its regular meeting held on May 17, 2021, the OCERS Board of Retirement heard several staff recommendations related to the resolution and implementation of the Alameda Decision (Agenda Item A-2 Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Assoc. et al., v. Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Assn., et al). This was a first reading and no formal action was taken.
Amended Board Meeting Agenda / Alameda Case
May 14, 2021
OCERS has posted an amended agenda for the May 17, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting.
As it relates to item A-2 (Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Assoc. et al., v. Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Assn., et al – Staff Recommendations Regarding Resolution and Implementation of the Alameda Decision), there will be a first reading only on May 17, 2021; a second reading and action on the item will be taken at the June 21, 2021 meeting of the Board of Retirement.
Alameda Case Update
April 21, 2021
On March 15, 2021, the OCERS Board of Retirement took steps related to the implementation of the “Alameda” case (Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs Association et al v. Alameda County Employees Retirement Association and Board of Retirement of ACERA (S247095)).
The Board of Retirement approved a test and definition of normal working hours for the purposes of determining whether certain items of pay can be included in compensation earnable under the terms of the plan.
Secure Drop Box Installed In OCERS Lobby
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, OCERS’ staff is working remotely and is available during all regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), Monday-Friday. The OCERS team is assisting members with all their retirement needs over the phone during this period.
Additionally, OCERS has installed a secure Drop Box for your convenience. You can now drop off paperwork, correspondence, and parcels that are within 11.5 x 7.3 x 9.3 inches in size
A few helpful notes
Alameda Case Update
August 19, 2020
The California Supreme Court issued an opinion on July 30 in what is known as the “Alameda” case (Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs Association et al v. Alameda County Employees Retirement Association and Board of Retirement of ACERA (S247095).