Retirement Planning

Regardless of age, it is never too early to begin thinking about one’s financial security after retirement. A crucial component of SBCERS mission is the commitment to assist our members as they make informed decisions about their financial future, at each stage of their career.

REVIEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP STATEMENT

Active and Deferred SBCERS Members receive a Member Statement in the mail every February. Active and Deferred Members can also view their Member Statement online at MySBCERS, by clicking “Statements” under “Communications.”

PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOPS

PLANNING TO RETIRE WITHIN TWO TO FIVE YEARS? SBCERS hosts Pre-Retirement Workshops for our members who are planning to retire within two to five years of the workshop date. The 2 hour workshops include presentations by:

  • Santa Barbara County Employees’ Retirement System: retirement eligibility, the retirement process, required documentation, payment options, insurance, and more.

  • Social Security Administration

  • Empower – Deferred Compensation Plan service provider

  • Retired Employees of Santa Barbara County (RESBC)

Q & A SESSIONS

It’s never too soon to learn about your retirement benefits.  Whether you are a new Retirement Plan member or you’ve been a member for a while, if you are interested in learning more about your retirement benefits, you are invited to attend a Question and Answer (Q&A) Session, held in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc. During these informal sessions which run approximately 1-1/2 hours, information will be presented about the various retirement plans and benefits and attendees will have ample opportunity to ask questions. No reservations are required for Q&As.  These sessions are designed for new members and long-time members alike.

Watch the Retirement Basics Workshop: Best Practices for Retirement Planning (May 2019)

Click the links below to view a 2-hour workshop designed for members 3 -20 years from retirement who want to learn about your valuable SBCERS pension benefit:

Introduction
SBCERS CEO’s Message
What benefits are available through SBCERS?
What happens to my Retirement account if I leave employment?
What is Reciprocity?
What are Service purchases?
Domestic Relations Orders: How does divorce impact my retirement?
Best Practices for Retirement Preparedness
How to use the SBCERS Retirement Benefit Estimator
Social Security and Medicare Information
How do I start the retirement process?
Question and Answer session