Member Education

Take advantage of our free member events and training to learn about your benefits. Subscribe to our Member Education Bulletin to discover what educational opportunities are available.

How to Enroll

Log in to my|CalPERS to quickly and easily view dates, enroll in upcoming classes and events, or schedule a one-on-one appointment to assist you with your questions^*. You can also enroll by calling the CalPERS Customer Contact Center at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377).

^*Before you Make an Appointment, we recommend you first attend a retirement education class. These classes contain valuable information about CalPERS benefits that may answer your questions.

Upcoming Events

Our events are located throughout the state or hosted online. Select the link to find more information.

Event	Date & Time	Format
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
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 your career stages, so you can select the class that best suits your needs. 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. Instructor-led classes are hosted by our eight Regional Offices throughout the state.

Class	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 my\|CalPERS account and more.	Instructor-led and 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 my\|CalPERS account. In this class, you’ll also learn about the CalPERS Special Power of Attorney, employer contracted CalPERS health benefits, and much more.	Instructor-led and 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 will complete your retirement application and have your signature witnessed during this class. This class also 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.	Instructor-led and 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.	Online only
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

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
Diabetes Prevention Program 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

Videos

View CalPERS Videos

Education Center

Resources

Forms & Publications

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 will receive them onsite when you attend the class.
Where can I find office locations and directions?
You can find contact information, locations, and directions on the Headquarters & Regional Offices page.