Latest News
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