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Working after Retirement

Retired CalPERS employees can work as a retired annuitant in a temporary position and continue to receive retirement benefits. Employees do not need CalPERS approval. However, the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) has the following restrictions which apply to CalPERS retirees returning to a CalPERS covered employer:

  • In general, employees are limited to working 960 hours or less within a fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Faculty are subject to work restrictions set by collective bargaining agreement.
  • No other compensation or benefits in addition to the pay rate can be paid.
  • Employees must wait 180 days after their retirement date before returning to work for a CalPERS employer (exceptions apply to public safety and faculty participating in the Faculty Early Retirement Program).
  • No service credit is accrued or any additional retirement rights or benefits are available.
  • The position must be classified as a temporary retired annuitant position (not a permanent, full-time or part-time position).
  • Salary paid must be within the salary schedule for the position.

If employment does not meet all of the retired annuitant requirements, it can lead to a mandatory reinstatement from retirement. Also, the employee may be required to reimburse the amount of retirement allowance received while unlawfully employed.