Returning To Work

As an SBCERA retiree, there are various factors to keep in mind when considering post-retirement employment. If you return to work for an employer not participating in SBCERA, your monthly retirement benefit will continue as-is, uninterrupted. However, if you return to work for an SBCERA employer your monthly retirement benefit may be impacted.
 
If you return to work for an SBCERA participating employer after you retire and want to continue to earn your monthly retirement benefit as is, you cannot be paid for your work unless you are working in the following capacity:

• in a position that requires your special knowledge and skills;

• as a juror;

• as an election officer;

• as a field deputy for registration of voters;

• as a member of the Board of Retirement, or,

• as an independent contractor.

Also, if you return to work for an SBCERA participating employer, you cannot work for more than 120 working days or 960 hours (whichever is greater) per fiscal year without your original retirement benefit being suspended.

If you return to work for an SBCERA participating employer and work beyond these limits, your monthly retirement benefit will be suspended. In addition, you will once again become an active member of SBCERA and you will have to pay contributions. Your contribution rate will be based on the same entry age as it was during your earlier employment.
 
When you decide to retire again, payment of your retirement benefit will resume. Your monthly benefit amount will be adjusted to include any COLAs from the time the benefit was suspended. In addition, you will receive an additional benefit amount for the period of reemployment. It will be based on the years of service credit earned during reemployment, age when you retire again and the highest earnable compensation during the reemployment period.

If you consider returning to work for an SBCERA participating employer after retirement, please contact SBCERA to determine if, and how, this may impact your retirement benefit. For information on what happens to your retiree health insurance coverage, contact the County of San Bernardino Employee Benefits & Services Division.