The Retired Employees of San Bernardino County (RESBC) and Pacific Group Agencies (PGA) have recently sent letters to some retirees regarding changes to their VSP vision coverage. Since SBCERA does not administer health or vision coverage and simply facilitates the deduction, our staff cannot answer specific questions regarding these changes.  For more information on VSP, please contact PGA at (800) 511-9065 or RESBC@pgagencies.com.

The SBCERA Board of Retirement has approved a 2.00% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for retirees and beneficiaries, effective April 1, 2019. Any members who retire on or before April 1, 2019 will receive the COLA and the increase will automatically be included in SBCERA benefit payments beginning April 30.

As a result of new federal and California state tax withholding rates, you may see a change in your net benefit amount, beginning with January 2019 benefit payments. If you wish to revise your tax withholding elections, you can do so at any time by mailing SBCERA a completed and signed Tax Withholding Election form.

To our over 40,000 members and beneficiaries and 18 participating employers, thank you for entrusting us to serve you during 2018. This year saw SBCERA reach new highs, and we invite you to view our fiscal year performance in Journey to the Top, our 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and condensed Popular Annual Financial Report.

SBCERA is pleased to unveil the second issue of Employer News, our online newsletter for participating SBCERA employers. Through this newsletter, we aim to provide valuable education, important updates and technical assistance.

As part of our ongoing Retirement 101 Series, SBCERA has created an animated video explaining Reciprocity. Please visit our YouTube Channel to watch this new video and the many others we have available.