Member Education
While we're currently closed for in-person classes and appointments to protect the health and safety of our members and employees, we’re still open for business to serve you online, virtually, or by phone.
Take advantage of our free, virtual member events and classes to learn about your benefits and plan for retirement. Subscribe to our Member Education Bulletin to be notified of upcoming educational opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Our events are hosted online. Select the link to find more information and register.
| Event | Date & Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
|
CalPERS Benefits Education Events (CBEEs) Learn about CalPERS services and products available to members at any stage of their career. While our in-person CBEEs are currently postponed for the health and safety of our members, we’re moving classes to a virtual program. |
View CBEE Information | Virtual |
|
CalPERS Webcasts Whether you are new to the workforce, mid-career or nearing retirement, webcasts can help you plan ahead by better understanding your CalPERS benefits. |
View Calendar | Webcast |
Classes
The earlier you develop an understanding of your CalPERS benefits and other retirement income sources, the more prepared you’ll be to make informed career and life decisions.
Our virtual, interactive, instructor-led and self-paced online classes are based on your career stages, so you can select the class that best suits your needs.
How to Enroll
Log in to myCalPERS and select the Education tab to quickly and easily view dates and register. Since classes are offered virtually, you can enroll in any one that's offered by our eight Regional Offices, regardless of your location.
Still have questions after taking a class? Select the Appointment tab in myCalPERS to schedule a one-on-one phone appointment with one of our specialists. Learn about available appointment types by visiting our Make an Appointment page.
| Class Descriptions | Format |
|---|---|
|
Your CalPERS and You – For members who are new or midway through their career Get a basic understanding of your CalPERS benefits. Learn about how your retirement benefit is calculated, the options you have to set aside money for retirement in addition to your pension, what happens if you pass away or leave your employer before you retire, the importance of having a power of attorney on file, what you can find and do in your myCalPERS account and more. |
Virtual instructor-led or self-paced online |
|
Planning Your Retirement – For members within 10 years of retirement This is our most comprehensive benefits education class that provides a deeper understanding of your benefits as you begin to prepare for retirement. Learn how your pension is calculated, ways to increase it, and the payment options available upon retirement to provide for a beneficiary. Learn how to run estimates through your myCalPERS account. In this class, you’ll also learn about the CalPERS Special Power of Attorney, employer contracted CalPERS health benefits, and much more. |
Virtual instructor-led or self-paced online |
|
Your Retirement Application and Beyond – For members ready to apply for retirement If you've completed the Planning Your Retirement class and are ready to fill out your retirement application, then this class is for you. You’ll be guided through completing your application. This class provides important post-retirement information, such as how to ensure you receive your first check on time, how to change direct deposit, tax withholdings and lump sum beneficiary information after retirement. We will also cover continuation of employer contracted CalPERS health benefits into retirement. |
Virtual instructor-led or self-paced online |
|
Completing Your Disability Retirement Application Did you know that you or someone on your behalf, can file a Disability Retirement Election Application for your retirement? If you have a disabling injury or illness that prevents you from performing your usual job duties with your current employer, you may be eligible for disability retirement. In this class, you'll learn how and when to apply, which forms to complete based on your personal situation and the importance of having a power of attorney on file. |
Self-paced online |
|
Benefits Basics This class provides a general overview of your CalPERS benefits and the choices you have to maximize your retirement security. |
Employer requested virtual instructor-led only |
Meetings, Outreach, & Presentations
We conduct a variety of meetings, outreach, and presentations on your benefits and other member-related subjects. Select a topic to find more information and check back regularly to see what's happening in your area.
| Topic | Format |
|---|---|
|
Learn about this cost-free, preventative care program for members. |
In person |
|
Planning Your Financial Future Enhance your financial security by viewing our short video series and then using our Planning Your Financial Future Checklist. |
Online |
|
Social Security & Your CalPERS Pension Learn how the two retirement benefits relate and affect one another. |
Online |
Contact Us
Need assistance enrolling in an event, class, or making an appointment? Contact us.
Videos
Education Center
- Employer Education
- Member Education
- Using myCalPERS
Resources
- CalPERS Ambassador Program
- Diabetes Prevention Program
- Headquarters and Regional Offices
- Make an Appointment
- Member Education Resources (PDF)
- Planning Your Financial Future Checklist
- Retirement Benefits
- Working After Retirement
Forms & Publications
- Planning Your Service Retirement (PUB 1) (PDF)
- Retirement Allowance Estimate Request (PDF)
- Service Credit Purchase Options (PUB 12) (PDF)
- Service Retirement Election Application (PUB 43) (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cancel my enrollment in a class?
If you've received a confirmation email indicating you're enrolled in a class, visit myCalPERS to cancel your enrollment. You won't be able to cancel enrollment on the day of the class.
- If I plan to retire in less than five years, which class should I take?
The Planning Your Retirement class is for members who are nearing retirement and want to learn about the process of retiring. It covers service credit, options at retirement, how to choose your retirement date, the retirement application process, and more.
- When will I receive my class materials?
If you’ve enrolled into an in-person class, you'll receive the materials when attending. If you've enrolled into a virtual class, you'll receive the materials via email on the day of the class.
- Where can I find office locations and directions?
You can find contact information, locations, and directions on the Headquarters & Regional Offices page. Currently our offices are closed for in-person services.