Member Education
Take advantage of our free member events and training to learn about your benefits. Subscribe to our Member Education Bulletin to receive emails regarding educational opportunities.
One-on-one appointments are available to assist you. Before you Make an Appointment, we recommend you first attend a retirement education class. Log in to my|CalPERS to schedule your appointment.
Upcoming Events
Our events are located throughout the state or hosted online. Select the link to find more information, including how to register.
| Event | Date & Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
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CalPERS Benefits Education Events Learn about CalPERS services and products available to members at any stage of their career. These events are held regularly throughout the state. |
View Calendar | Seminar |
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CalPERS Webinars Whether you are new to the workforce, mid-career or nearing retirement, webinars can help you plan ahead by better understanding your CalPERS benefits. |
View Calendar | Webinar |
Classes
Our online and instructor-led classes are based on career stage. Instructor-led classes are hosted by our eight Regional Offices throughout the state. To view class dates and locations, log in to my|CalPERS. You can also enroll for classes in my|CalPERS or by calling the CalPERS Customer Contact Center at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377).
| Class | Format |
|---|---|
|
Benefits Basics This class provides a general overview of your CalPERS benefits and the choices you have to maximize your retirement security. |
Employer requested instructor-led only |
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New CalPERS Member This class is for new members who want to know about the programs and benefits we offer. Learn about service retirement, pre-retirement death benefits, leaving your employer, and more. |
Instructor-led and online |
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Continuing Member This class is for early to mid-career members who want to get a head start on understanding their retirement benefits. Topics include how your retirement allowance is calculated, service credit, power of attorney and more. |
Instructor-led and online |
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Your CalPERS and You — Coming Soon This soon to be released class combines and replaces our current New CalPERS Member and Continuing Member classes. This class is for new to mid-career CalPERS members who want to learn more about their CalPERS benefits and available programs. |
Instructor-led and online |
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Planning Your Retirement Are you near retirement? Learn how to plan for retirement and the process of retiring. Subjects include service credit, retirement formulas and benefit factors, final compensation, retirement calculation, survivor continuance, retirement payment options, health benefits, and much more. |
Instructor-led and online |
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Completing Your Retirement Application This class is for members who are ready to retire and want step-by-step instructions for filling out their service retirement application. It's an alternative to a one-on-one appointment. |
Instructor-led and online |
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Retired CalPERS Member Get information on the programs CalPERS offers, life events that can impact retirement or health benefits, as well as a refresher on how retirement works. |
Instructor-led and online |
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Your Retirement Application and Beyond — Coming Soon This soon to be released class combines and replaces our current Completing Your Retirement Application and Retired CalPERS Member classes. This class will provide step-by-step instructions for completing the Service Retirement Application, as well as information on programs and benefits available to retired members. |
Instructor-led and online |
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Completing Your Disability Retirement Application Learn how to complete the Disability Retirement Application forms and submit a complete application package. |
Online 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 |
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Planning Your Financial Future Enhance your financial security by viewing our short video series and then using our Planning Your Financial Future Checklist. |
Online |
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Social Security & Your CalPERS Pension Learn how the two retirement benefits relate and affect one another. |
Online |
Videos
Education Center
- Employer Education
- Member Education
- Using my|CalPERS
Resources
- CalPERS Ambassador Program
- Diabetes Prevention Program
- Headquarters and Regional Offices
- Make an Appointment
- Planning Your Financial Future Checklist
- Retirement Benefits
- Working After Retirement
Forms & Publications
- Guide to Web Resources (PDF)
- 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
- Can I bring a guest to class?
You can bring a guest to all classes held in a CalPERS office; however, this may not be an option at some employer-sponsored classes. Guests are linked to the member who enrolled, whether or not the guest is a member. If you change or cancel your enrollment, your guest's enrollment will also automatically change or cancel.
- How do I cancel my enrollment in a class?
If you've received a confirmation email indicating you're enrolled in a class, visit my|CalPERS 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?
You may download class materials online after you've enrolled in an instructor-led class. If you don't download the materials beforehand, you'll get them in class.
- Where can I find office locations and directions?
You can find contact information, locations, and directions on the Headquarters & Regional Offices page.