The retiree cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is determined annually based on increases in the Annual Average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Customers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area. The ratio of annual average CPI is calculated and rounded to the nearest one-half percent.
2025 COLA
The CPIs described above were 332.194 and 321.583 for calendar year 2024 and 2023, respectively. This represents an increase of 3.30%, which is rounded to 3.5%.
All Retirees Not in General Plan 2, General Plan 7, and Some General Plan 8*
Retirees – with the exception of members of General Plan 2, General Plan 7, and some General Plan 8* – are subject to an annual COLA limit of 3.0%. Therefore, these members are expected to receive a 3.0% increase in their monthly benefit, based on the change in the CPI. The excess COLA, 0.5%, will be “banked” and available for use in the future when the COLA is less than 3.0%.
* General Plan 8 members whose employer had implemented General Plan 7 prior to January 1, 2013
Retirees in General Plan 7 and 8
General Plan 7 and remaining General Plan 8 retirees are subject to an annual COLA limit of 2.0%, according to section 31870 of the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL). As of April 1, 2025, retired members under Section 31870 are expected to receive a 2.0% increase in their monthly benefit, based on the current year change in the CPI. The excess COLA, 1.5%, will be “banked” and available to use in the future when the COLA is less than 2.0%.
Retirees in General Plan 2
Retirees in General Plan 2 do not receive any COLA.
