Cash Balance Benefit Program:
A Retirement Plan for Part-Time and Adjunct Educators
. Table of Contents
Choose a Plan That Works for You ______________________________ 4
Understand the Cash Balance Benefit Program___________________ 6
Evaluate the Experiences of Other Educators____________________ 12
The Extras You Get With CalSTRS______________________________ 15
Cash Balance Forms_________________________________________ 17
CalSTRS is governed by the Teachers’ Retirement Law, available at CalSTRS.com.
If there is a conflict between the law and this booklet, the law prevails.
. Your Future Guaranteed by a Sound,
Secure System
As a part-time or adjunct educator, you
can choose the CalSTRS Defined Benefit
Program, or an alternative retirement plan
like the CalSTRS Cash Balance Benefit
Program, depending on your employer.
Established in 1913, CalSTRS is the largest
teachers’ pension fund in the U.S. It provides
retirement, disability and survivor benefits
to California’s public school educators and
their families.
CalSTRS also offers a voluntary defined
contribution plan called CalSTRS
Pension2®, which offers 403(b), Roth
403(b) and 457 investment plans for
additional retirement income.
Your income in retirement is a
shared responsibility between
CalSTRS and you.
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
3
. Choose a Plan That Works for You
Choose the CalSTRS Defined
Benefit Program if you:
Choose the Cash Balance
Benefit Program if you:
•• lan to work as a California educator long
P
enough to become vested (five years of
service credit). This could take up to
10 years of half-time employment.
•• ant a monthly benefit that provides a
W
specific amount that is known in advance
and payable for life, and that’s not based
on the amount of funds in your account.
•• re comfortable contributing 8 percent of
A
your pay toward your retirement.
•• ant a program that provides immediate
W
vesting.
•• ant a lump-sum payment or lifetime
W
monthly benefit based on contributions
credited to your account with a
guaranteed interest rate.
•• re comfortable with the contribution
A
rate, which is typically 4 percent of
your earnings, depending on your local
bargaining agreement.
Questions
to Ask
If your employer offers an alternative program other
than the Cash Balance Benefit Program, ask:
•
Do you plan to be a career educator?
•
Does teaching provide supplemental
income or is it your primary source
of income?
•
Before teaching, did you have
employment that required you to pay
into Social Security?
•
•
4
What is the contribution rate for the
plan and does your employer also
make contributions?
Is there a minimum requirement to be
eligible for benefits?
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
•
Does the plan offer a monthly retirement
benefit for life, or is it a non-lifetime
benefit based on contributions and
interest?
•
Does the plan charge administrative fees?
•
Is there a guaranteed annual interest
rate?
•
Does the plan have a sound investment
record?
•
When does the plan permit distribution of
your account?
. Why Add the Cash Balance
Benefit Program to Your
Retirement Planning?
You may have a retirement goal, but reaching
it requires many resources. The Cash
Balance Benefit Program should be viewed as
one facet in a multi-faceted retirement plan.
The plan is simple, freeing up your time and
giving you peace of mind because you have
secured a portion of your retirement.
The Cash Balance Benefit Program is
composed of:
•• small portion of your earnings,
A
tax deferred.
•• Your employer’s contributions.
•• Compounded interest on the full amount.
•• Occasional additional earnings credits.
•• A guaranteed rate of return.
The Cash Balance Benefit
Program should be viewed as
one facet in a multi-faceted
retirement plan.
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
5
. Understand the Cash Balance Benefit Program
You have needs that differ from those of full-time educators. We
understand this and designed the Cash Balance Benefit Program
with you in mind.
Eligibility
Your district must decide formally if it will
offer the Cash Balance Benefit Program
as an alternative program. Cash Balance
may be offered exclusively or along with
other retirement programs or Social
Security. Eligibility depends on your basis of
employment, not the actual hours you work.
The Cash Balance Benefit Program is
available to:
•• PreK–12 part-time teachers who:
»» re employed for less than 50 percent
A
of each full-time position.
»» igned a district contract for less than
S
a 50-percent commitment.
•• ommunity college employees who:
C
»» re part-time or temporary instructors
A
or adult education instructors.
»» re adjunct or hourly faculty members
A
hired semester to semester to work
67 percent or less of the weekly hours
required for a full-time assignment.
If
an annual district contract is signed, it
must be for no more than a 67-percent
time commitment for each full-time
position.
•• ndividuals who serve as trustees for an
I
employer that offers the Cash Balance
Benefit Program.
6
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
New Hires or Educators Not in the
Defined Benefit Program
If you are newly hired or you are not a
member of the Defined Benefit Program
and your employer offers an alternative
retirement plan in addition to the Cash
Balance Benefit Program, you must formally
elect a plan within 60 days of becoming
employed in a CalSTRS-covered position.
If you do not make a choice, you
automatically become a Cash Balance Benefit
Program participant. If you choose an
alternative retirement plan or Social Security,
you can elect to switch to the Cash Balance
Benefit Program at any time, as long as the
program is offered by your employer and
you are eligible to participate. Also, you can
choose membership in the Defined Benefit
Program at any time.
.
Current Defined Benefit
Program Members
For current Defined Benefit Program
members who are eligible for the Cash
Balance Benefit Program, once your district
offers the Cash Balance Benefit Program, you
have 60 days to decide which program you
prefer. If you are a part-time employee in the
Defined Benefit Program and teach part time
for more than one district, you can choose
the Cash Balance Benefit Program with any
new employer that offers it.
If you do not make a choice, you
automatically continue with the Defined
Benefit Program.
End of Eligibility
Your Cash Balance Benefit Program eligibility
ends with your employer when any of the
following occurs:
•• ou accept a position via written contract
Y
or employment agreement on the basis of:
»» 50 percent or more time
A
commitment of a full-time equivalent
position with a K–12 school district.
»» ore than a 67-percent time
M
commitment of a full-time equivalent
position with a community college
district.
•• ou work in a full-time position
Y
performing creditable service for
your employer.
•• ou elect the Defined Benefit Program
Y
with your employer.
If you retire from the Defined Benefit
Program, you cannot contribute to the Cash
Balance Benefit Program.
Your Contributions
With the Cash Balance Benefit Program,
your employer matches your contribution
at least dollar for dollar. Typically, you
contribute 4 percent of your salary and
so does your district. This combined
contribution usually will total 8 percent.
Alternative rates may be set, depending on
your collective bargaining agreement, but
your employer must contribute at least
4 percent, and the combined contribution
must total at least 8 percent.
For example,
in some school districts, participants pay
3 percent and districts pay 5 percent.
Your contributions are made on a pre-tax
basis, reducing the amount of your
taxable income.
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
7
. Guaranteed Interest Rate
Your contributions and your employer’s
contributions earn a guaranteed interest rate.
The current rate is 3.75 percent through
June 30, 2013. The interest rate is set
annually by the Teachers’ Retirement Board
and is based on the 12-month average of the
30-year U.S. Treasury rate.
At the end of each fiscal year, the Teachers’
Retirement Board may credit your account
with additional earnings credits if the actual
earnings exceed the board-set interest rate.
Rollovers Into Cash Balance
You may roll over funds from other qualified
retirement plans to the Cash Balance Benefit
Program, as long as the transfers meet
federal and state laws.
Your Retirement Benefit
You have an immediate vested right to your
retirement benefit, equal to the balance of
your contributions and your employers’
contributions plus any compounded interest
and additional credits.
Retirement Eligibility
You may retire as early as age 55. You must
terminate all CalSTRS creditable service to
apply for a retirement benefit.
You must take
a distribution of your retirement benefit by
age 70½, unless you are still working.
Annuities
You can receive your retirement funds as a
lump-sum payment, which may be rolled
over into a qualified retirement plan, or as
an annuity if you have an account balance of
$3,500 or more when you retire.
You can choose one of five annuities:
•• Participant-Only Annuity
•• 100% Beneficiary Annuity
•• 75% Beneficiary Annuity
•• 50% Beneficiary Annuity
•• Period-Certain Annuity 3–10 Years
You can receive your retirement
funds as a lump-sum payment,
which may be rolled over into
a qualified retirement plan, or
as an annuity if you have an
account balance of $3,500 or
more when you retire.
8
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
. Early Withdrawals
CalSTRS is required to withhold 20 percent
federal income tax on all rollover-eligible
payments distributed directly to you. If you
choose to have state income tax withheld,
CalSTRS will withhold at 10 percent of
your federal withholding, or 2 percent. You
may be subject to an additional 10 percent
federal and 2.5 percent state tax if you take
an early withdrawal before age 59½ and do
not roll over the funds to another eligible
retirement plan.
Working After Retirement
You may return to work in a CalSTRScovered position, but you cannot make
contributions to a CalSTRS plan.
Separation-From-Service Requirement
If you are under age 60 and return to
work in a CalSTRS-covered position while
receiving a Cash Balance annuity, your
annuity will be reduced dollar for dollar by
the amount earned during the first 180 days
after retirement or until your 60th birthday,
whichever comes first.
Reinstatement From Retirement
Cash Balance annuitants are not required to
reinstate to perform CalSTRS-covered duties.
I
f you return to work and perform creditable
service while receiving a Cash Balance
annuity, you may voluntarily terminate your
annuity and make contributions to CalSTRS,
as long as you are age 60 or older and have
received your annuity for at least one year. A
credit balance will be added to your account.
To terminate your Cash Balance annuity,
send a written request to CalSTRS.
When you are ready to retire again, you
must reapply for retirement.
Cash Balance Benefit
Lump Sum
Annuity
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
9
.
Disability Benefit
You may apply for disability at any time. You
must meet all disability benefit requirements,
and CalSTRS must determine that you
have a total and permanent disability. All
creditable service subject to coverage by the
Cash Balance Benefit Program and Defined
Benefit Program must be terminated before
receiving a disability benefit.
The benefit amount is equal to the balance
of your contributions and your employers’
contributions plus any compounded
interest and additional credits. The benefit
is distributed as a lump-sum payment, or
you can choose an annuity if the balance is
$3,500 or more.
Death Benefit
If you die before retirement, the balance
of your contributions and your employers’
contributions plus any compounded
interest and additional credits will be paid
to your designated recipient.
The benefit is
10
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
distributed as a lump-sum payment, or your
beneficiary can choose an annuity if the
balance is $3,500 or more.
If you did not designate a recipient, a
lump-sum payment will be paid to
your estate.
Reporting a Death
Contact CalSTRS as soon as possible to
notify us of the death of a Cash Balance
Benefit Program recipient. You can report
a death online at CalSTRS.com/contactus
(select Notification of Death).
We will need the following information:
•• eceased person’s name and Social
D
Security number or Client ID.
•• Date of death.
•• eceased person’s status immediately
D
preceding death: retired, disabled, a
member in active teaching status, option
beneficiary or other benefit recipient.
•• ame, address and telephone number of
N
a contact person.
. Termination Benefit (Refund)
If you end all CalSTRS creditable service
subject to coverage by the Cash Balance
Benefit Program and the Defined Benefit
Program for any reason other than death,
disability or retirement, you may apply
for a lump-sum termination benefit. The
benefit amount is equal to the balance of
your contributions and your employers’
contributions plus any compounded interest
and additional credits as of the date the
benefit is paid.
Waiting Period
The termination benefit is payable after
six consecutive months following the
date of termination of employment. The
application for the termination benefit
will be automatically canceled if you
perform creditable service within six
months following the date of termination
of employment.
Five-Year Rule
You may not apply for a termination
benefit if fewer than five years have elapsed
following the date that the most recent
termination benefit was distributed to you.
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
11
. Evaluate the Experiences of Other Educators
Maria Makes a Choice
Early in Her Career
Just starting out as a part-time
third-grade teacher, Maria, age 28,
hopes to move on to a full-time
position. She knows she should
save for retirement while she is
young, but money is tight. Maria
likes the security and stability that
CalSTRS offers through its Defined
Benefit Program. At the same time,
however, it will take her many years
to qualify for the Defined Benefit
Program benefits.
Plus, she’ll have
to contribute 8 percent of her salary.
As Maria reviews both the Cash
Balance and Defined Benefit
programs, she notes that Cash
Balance offers CalSTRS sound
financial history and requires
a 4 percent salary contribution
matched by her district.
12
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
If Maria attains her career goal of
full-time teaching, she automatically
becomes a member of the Defined
Benefit Program and she can
choose how her Cash Balance
funds are used. They can remain
secure in her Cash Balance
account, accumulating interest
without fees, until she retires or
terminates all creditable service, or
she may purchase Defined Benefit
Program service credit for eligible
service covered under the Cash
Balance program if she no longer is
performing service under the Cash
Balance Benefit Program.
. Evaluate the Experience of Others
Kevin Considers
a Change to
Cash Balance
Kevin, age 53, is an adjunct
community college instructor who
has belonged to the Defined Benefit
Program for five years. He earns just
0.4 years of service credit annually.
He won’t be vested in the Defined
Benefit Program and qualify for a
monthly benefit until he has five
years of service credit. As part-time
faculty, putting 8 percent of his
earnings in the Defined Benefit
Program, it will take another sevenand-a-half years of earned service
credit before he is vested. He’d like
to retire before this, but without
being vested in the Defined Benefit
Program, he would receive only a
lump-sum payment equal to his
contributions and interest, but not
his employers’ contributions.
If, however, Kevin elects the Cash
Balance Benefit Program when his
district offers it, his contribution
is reduced to 4 percent or less of
his earnings and is matched by
his employer.
Immediately vested,
Kevin can maintain this contribution
for five years, keep teaching at the
same level, and see his investment
and interest grow. With at least
$3,500 in his Cash Balance
account, he can choose one of
five annuities, three of which are
beneficiary annuities.
At retirement, Kevin receives
a lump-sum benefit from his
earlier Defined Benefit Program
contributions, plus his monthly Cash
Balance payment. If he dies after
choosing a survivor annuity, his
designated beneficiary will receive a
monthly payment for life.
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
13
.
How Do I Know If This Is the Best Program for Me?
Q & A About the Cash Balance Benefit Program
Can I easily move my funds to another
retirement plan?
Yes, if you quit teaching or retire, you can roll over
your funds into another qualified retirement plan. Any
funds remaining in your Cash Balance Benefit Program
account will continue to grow, tax deferred.
What if I begin teaching full time?
You automatically become a member of the Defined
Benefit Program and can choose how your Cash
Balance Benefit Program funds are used. The funds
remain secure in your Cash Balance Benefit Program
account, accumulating interest without fees, until
you retire or terminate all creditable service. Or you
can choose to convert your eligible Cash Balance
Benefit service covered under the Cash Balance
Benefit Program to Defined Benefit Program service
credit.
You may request a consolidation if you are a
contributing Defined Benefit Program member and
no longer perform service under the Cash Balance
Benefit Program.
14
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
Can I remain in the program if
I’m hired by an employer who
doesn’t offer it?
Yes, you can keep your Cash Balance
Benefit account with your current
district even if you are hired by another
district not offering the Cash Balance
Benefit Program, but you cannot make
contributions from your new employment.
The contributions remain secure in your
Cash Balance Benefit Program account,
accumulating interest without fees,
until you retire or terminate all
creditable service.
Does the Cash Balance Benefit
Program affect any Social
Security benefits I have earned?
If you perform work not covered by Social
Security but covered by an alternative
retirement plan such as the Cash
Balance Benefit Program, the Social
Security benefits you receive for your
work or as a spouse may be reduced.
For more information, see the Social
Security, CalSTRS and You fact sheet at
CalSTRS.com/publications or contact
the Social Security Administration at
socialsecurity.gov or 800-772-1213.
. The Extras You Get With CalSTRS
As a participant in the CalSTRS Cash Balance Benefit Program,
you are eligible to receive a wide range of services available to all
CalSTRS members.
CalSTRS Pension2
Retirement Progress Report
Pension2 is CalSTRS voluntary defined
contribution plan, which offers 403(b),
Roth 403(b) and 457 investment plans
with low fees and expenses for additional
retirement savings.
You will have a CalSTRS account and receive
an annual statement in your Retirement
Progress Report each year showing the
balances of your contributions, your
employers’ contributions and interest
credited to your account.
You can choose an Easy Choice Portfolio—
designed to match your risk tolerance with
your time horizon—or build your own
from more than 20 professionally selected
investments. For more information, call
888-394-2060 or visit Pension2.com.
Pension2.com
Learn more about Pension2
plans and low fees.
yourplan.CalSTRS.com
Find complete information
about the plans offered by
your employer.
CalSTRS Connections
Newsletter
This twice-a-year newsletter provides
information about CalSTRS programs and
services, retirement and financial planning,
legislative news and more. Mailed or emailed
directly to you, CalSTRS Connections often
contains information pertaining to part-time
or adjunct educators.
403bCompare.com
Compare fees charged by
different mutual funds and
insurance products.
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
15
. CalSTRS Workshops
myCalSTRS
CalSTRS offers regional workshops and
group counseling sessions for each stage
of your career. For more information,visit
CalSTRS.com/workshops.
myCalSTRS at CalSTRS.com is your online
resource for managing your personal
information, with secure and convenient
access to your CalSTRS accounts and forms.
CalSTRS Customer Service
CalSTRS.com
CalSTRS trained staff will answer your
emails, telephone calls and written inquiries.
Find out more information about
CalSTRS benefits and services, workshops,
publications, videos, forms and more at
CalSTRS.com.
You can email from CalSTRS.com/contactus
or call 800-228-5453. You can write to
CalSTRS at P Box 15275, Sacramento, CA
.O.
95851. Please include your name, current
address, daytime telephone number and
Client ID.
16
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
Stay Connected
.
Cash Balance Forms
The following pages contain the forms you need to begin
your participation in the Cash Balance Benefit Program.
•• Employee Notification and Election
•• Rollover Certification
•• Recipient Designation
•• Trust as Named Beneficiary
•• Justification for Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
17
. 18
Cash Balance Benefit Program 2012
. Cash Balance Benefit Program
Employee Notification and Election–Instructions
CB 533 rev 8/12
• Complete the Employee Notification and Election form
to elect membership in the CalSTRS Cash Balance
Benefit Program.
• Print clearly in dark ink or type all information
requested.
• If you make a mistake, initial corrections or
complete a new form.
• Sign and date the form.
• In order for your election to be processed, this form
must be submitted to your district office on or before
the date specified by your employer. Keep copies for
your records.
• If your employer offers Social Security or an
alternative retirement plan and you do not elect to
continue coverage in one of these plans, you will
automatically become a participant of the Cash
Balance Benefit Program.
QUESTIONS
Contact us from your myCalSTRS account or at
CalSTRS.com/contactus or call 800-228-5453.
This form is available at CalSTRS.com/forms.
Return your completed form to:
CalSTRS
P.O. Box 15275, MS 17
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
The Cash Balance Benefit Program is an optional
program for school districts, community college
districts or county offices of education as an
alternative retirement plan for part-time employees.
Employers must first elect to provide the Cash Balance
Benefit Program.
If an employer elects to provide the Cash Balance
Benefit Program, it must be available to all employees
who are hired to perform creditable service by a:
1) school district or county office of education, on an
hourly or daily basis, or employed or contracted for
less than 50 percent for each full-time position; or
2) community college district, on a part-time or
temporary basis (semester to semester), or for not more
than 67 percent of the hours per week considered a
regular full-time assignment; or 3) governing body of
an employer, as a trustee member.
The basis of employment determines an employee’s
eligibility to participate in the Cash Balance Benefit
Program, not the actual number of hours or days
worked or the aggregation of contracted positions.
Your employer will provide you with materials along
with this form describing both the CalSTRS Cash
Balance Benefit Program and the CalSTRS Defined
Benefit Program.
If you are a current member of the CalSTRS Defined
Benefit Program, you will have a 60-day election
period, determined by your employer, in which to
notify your district office of your election choice. Refer
to section 2 of this form for your election rights.
If you are an employee new to CalSTRS, or an
employee contributing to Social Security or another
retirement plan offered by your employer, except for
the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program, refer to section 3
of this form for your election rights.
If you have any questions concerning your eligibility for
this election, contact your employer.
. This page intentionally left blank.
. Cash Balance Benefit Program
Employee Notification
and Election
California State Teachers’ Retirement System
P.O. Box 15275, MS 17
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
800-228-5453
CalSTRS.com
CB 533 rev 8/12
Please read instructions on the previous page before completing this form.
This document must be completed and returned to your employer within the 60-day election period defined by
your employer. Your employer must keep a copy of this document on file and mail the original to CalSTRS.
Section 1: Employee Information
NAME (LAST, FIRST, INITIAL)
CLIENT ID OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
MAILING ADDRESS
(
CITY
STATE
ZIP CODE
EMAIL ADDRESS
)
HOME TELEPHONE
SCHOOL DISTRICT NAME
Section 2: For Employees Currently Members of the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program
As a current CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program member, you are eligible to participate in the Cash Balance
Benefit Program if you are employed to perform creditable service by one of the following:
• School district or county office of education on an hourly or daily basis, or contracted for less than
50 percent for each full-time position.
• Community college district on a part-time or temporary basis (semester to semester), or for not more than
67 percent of the hours per week considered a regular full-time assignment.
• Governing body of an employer as a trustee member.
You will retain your Defined Benefit Program membership with your employer unless you elect the CalSTRS
Cash Balance Benefit Program using this document, within the election period identified by your employer.
ELECTION CHOICE
n
I am currently a member of the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program and hereby elect to participate in the
CalSTRS Cash Balance Benefit Program for service performed with this employer only.
n
I am currently a member of the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program and hereby waive my right to participate in the
CalSTRS Cash Balance Benefit program with this employer only.
PAGE 1 OF 2 • CASH BALANCE EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION AND ELECTION • REV 8/12
. Cash Balance Benefit Program
Employee Notification and Election continued
Section 3: For Employees Not Currently Members of the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program
You may elect an alternative retirement plan other than the CalSTRS Cash Balance Benefit Program if one
is offered by your employer. The 60-day election period is your only opportunity to choose an alternative
plan other than the Cash Balance Benefit Program. Once the election period expires, and if you become a
Cash Balance Benefit Program participant, you will not be allowed to change to a different alternative plan.
However, if you choose an alternative plan other than the Cash Balance Benefit Program, you may elect the
Cash Balance Benefit Program at any time. If your employer subsequently offers Social Security, you may opt
out of the Cash Balance Benefit Program and into Social Security at that time.
If you do not return this form to your employer with an election choice, you will automatically default into the
Cash Balance Benefit Program. At any time during your participation in the Cash Balance Benefit Program or
other alternative retirement plan, you may elect the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program.
ELECTION CHOICE
n
I elect Cash Balance Benefit Program coverage and understand contributions will be immediately deducted from my
first paycheck.
n
My employer offers and I elect Social Security coverage.
n
My employer offers and I elect the alternative retirement plan coverage indicated below.
NAME OF PLAN OFFERED BY EMPLOYER
If your employer offers an alternative retirement plan, your employer is required to notify you of your right to
elect such alternative plans pursuant to Education Code section 26300.
Section 4: Certification
This document must be properly completed and returned to your district office within 60 days.
I, _____________________________________________________________ have read and understand the information describing the Cash Balance Benefit Program and made the election indicated. If I have elected the Cash Balance Benefit Program,
then I hereby certify I understand that while working for this employer in an eligible position, I will remain in the Cash Balance
Benefit Program unless my employer elects to discontinue the Cash Balance Benefit Program, or I terminate all employment
covered by the Cash Balance Benefit Program. I further understand that I may elect at any time to become a member of the
CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program. I have received information on both of these CalSTRS programs.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
I
understand that perjury is punishable by imprisonment for up to four years (Penal Code section 126).
I understand it is a crime to fail to disclose a material fact or to make any knowingly false material statements for
the purpose of altering a benefit administered by CalSTRS and it may result in penalties, including restitution, up
to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (Education Code section 22010).
EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
The employer’s signature on this document certifies that the employee has been provided with a CalSTRS Cash Balance
Benefit Program election package, as well as the CalSTRS Member Handbook.
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVE
CASH BALANCE EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION AND ELECTION • REV 8/12 • PAGE 2 OF 2
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
. Cash Balance Benefit Program
Rollover Certification–Instructions
AR 261 rev 8/12
GENERAL INFORMATION
Under federal law, CalSTRS can accept rollovers from
401(a), 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans and traditional
or conduit IRAs.
A conduit IRA is an IRA that holds only assets that
are attributable to a distribution that was rolled over
from a qualified retirement plan.
If funds will be rolled over from more than one
qualified retirement plan, a Cash Balance Rollover
Certification must be completed for the distribution
from each plan.
A rollover must comply with applicable state and
federal laws and related regulations. CalSTRS
suggests you contact the IRS and another qualified
tax consultant for advice before submitting a Cash
Balance Rollover Certification.
CalSTRS must receive a properly executed Cash Balance
Rollover Certification before the rollover distribution can
be accepted.
Return the completed Cash Balance Rollover Certification
form to:
CalSTRS
P.O. Box 15275, MS 11
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
. Cash Balance Benefit Program
Rollover Certification
California State Teachers’ Retirement System
P.O. Box 15275, MS 11
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
800-228-5453
CalSTRS.com
AR 261 rev 8/12
Please read instructions on the previous page before completing this form.
Complete this form to request that CalSTRS accept a rollover to your Cash Balance Benefit Program employee
account. A copy of this form is required for each distribution from each plan or financial institution from which you
wish to roll over funds. Please mail the completed form to the address above.
I request that CalSTRS accept a rollover of pre-tax (tax-deferred) funds from another plan to the CalSTRS Cash
Balance Benefit Program.
I understand that CalSTRS cannot accept rollover of post-tax (not tax-deferred) funds.
n
Full Surrender Value (total amount in fund); estimated account balance is $
OR
n
Exact Dollar Amount of $
The type of plan from which I wish to roll over funds is:
n 401(a)
401(k)
n 403(b)
n 457
n IRA (Traditional or Conduit)
If you are rolling over a distribution from a conduit IRA, please attach certification from the other qualified plan to
verify the IRA funds originated from a qualified plan. CalSTRS cannot accept rollovers from ROTH, SEP, SIMPLE
or Coverdell IRAs.
NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
ADDRESS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
ACCOUNT NUMBER
CONTACT NAME
(
CITY, STATE & ZIP CODE
)
TELEPHONE NUMBER (INCLUDING AREA CODE)
I understand that CalSTRS will rely on information contained in this form to determine whether or not to accept
this rollover. I certify that such information is correct.
I understand that failure to provide accurate information to
CalSTRS may result in significant penalties from the IRS if my rollover is later found to be invalid.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
I understand that perjury is punishable by imprisonment for up to four years (Penal Code section 126).
I understand it is a crime to fail to disclose a material fact or to make any knowingly false material statements
for the purpose of altering a benefit administered by CalSTRS and it may result in penalties, including restitution,
up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (Education Code section 22010).
(
PRINT NAME
SIGNATURE
LAST FOUR DIGITS OF YOUR SSN
)
PHONE NUMBER
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
CASH BALANCE ROLLOVER REQUEST • REV 8/12 • PAGE 1 OF 1
. Recipient Designation Form–Information
One-Time Death Benefit/Cash Balance Lump-Sum Payment
To be valid, this form must be received and accepted by
CalSTRS before your death.
The Recipient Designation form replaces the One-Time Death
Benefit Recipient form and the Cash Balance Beneficiary
Designation form. If you have one of these forms currently
on file with CalSTRS, you do not need to submit a new
Recipient Designation form unless you wish to make a
change to your recipient designation.
DEFINED BENEFIT PROGRAM MEMBERS
Use this form to designate recipients to receive the onetime benefit that may be payable in the event of your death.
If you are an active member at the time of your death, any
accumulated contributions in your account will be paid
to your designated recipients only if you did not elect an
option beneficiary to receive a continuing benefit after your
death, or you have no spouse, registered domestic partner
or children eligible to receive a family or survivor benefit
allowance after your death.
If your death occurs before retirement, your recipients may
be eligible to receive the balance in your Defined Benefit
Supplement account as an ongoing annuity or a lumpsum payment. If your death occurs after retirement, your
recipients may be eligible for the ongoing annuity you
elected at retirement.
This form will not protect your survivor with a lifetime
benefit. To provide your survivors with a lifetime benefit,
submit the Preretirement Election of Option form when you
are eligible to retire.
CASH BALANCE BENEFIT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Use this form to designate recipients to receive the benefit
in the event of your death.
If you are receiving an annuity at the time of your death,
the benefit payable is determined based on the annuity
you elected.
If your recipient’s (other than an entity) share of your
account balance is at least $3,500, he or she may elect to
receive an annuity in place of a lump-sum payment.
IMPORTANT FACTS
• This form remains in effect until either you submit
another valid Recipient Designation form, or your
membership in CalSTRS is terminated by a refund of
your accumulated contributions.
It is important to keep
this form current.
• If your designated primary recipients predecease
you, any benefit due will be paid to your secondary
recipients, unless you submit a valid Recipient
Designation form designating new recipients. If we are
unable to locate your designated recipients, the death
benefit will be distributed to the best of our ability
according to the laws in existence at the time of your
death.
• If you do not have a valid Recipient Designation form
on file with CalSTRS before your death or if all your
designated recipients predecease you, any benefit due
will be paid to your estate.
• You may change your recipient designations at any
time—before or after retirement. There is no fee or
financial penalty for changing your designation.
QUESTIONS
E-mail us at CalSTRS.com/contactus or call 800-228-5453.
This form is available at CalSTRS.com/forms.
Return your completed form to:
CalSTRS
P.O.
Box 15275, MS 43
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
RECIPIENT DESIGNATION FORM INSTRUCTIONS • REV 1/11 • PAGE 1 OF 2
. Recipient Designation Form–Instructions
One-Time Death Benefit/Cash Balance Lump-Sum Payment
Print clearly in dark ink or type all information
requested. Initial all corrections on the form.
Check the appropriate box to identify your CalSTRS
membership status.
If you are both a Defined Benefit Program member and
Cash Balance Benefit Program participant and you are
designating different recipients for each, you must complete
two separate Recipient Designation forms.
SECTION 1: MEMBER/PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
Enter your full name, Client ID or Social Security number,
complete mailing address, birth date, telephone number
and e-mail address.
• Estate—To designate your estate, check the box and
enter “My Estate” for the recipient’s name. Upon your
death, if your estate is not subject to probate, CalSTRS
will pay benefits pursuant to California Probate Code
section 13101.
Check the box on page 3 if additional recipients are listed
on an attachment. Identify each as primary or secondary.
You may designate a percentage for each recipient. If you
use percentages, the total must equal 100 percent for
the primary recipient section and/or secondary recipient
section.
SECTION 4: REQUIRED SIGNATURES
You may name a living person, an estate, a trust, a
corporation, a charitable organization, a parochial
institution or a public entity as your recipient.
You must sign and date your form. If you are married or
registered as a domestic partner, your spouse or partner
must also sign and date your form acknowledging your
recipients and provide his or her Social Security number
and date of birth.
• Persons—Provide full name, address, telephone
number, Social Security number, birth date and
relationship.
If your spouse or registered domestic partner does not
sign your form, you must complete the Justification for
Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner.
• Organization—To designate an organization, check the
box and enter the name and address of the organization
and the organization’s tax identification number.
Include
organization contact information whenever possible.
Failure to have the required signatures will result in the
rejection of your Recipient Designation form.
SECTIONS 2 AND 3: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
RECIPIENTS OR TRUST
• Trust—To designate a trust, check the box and enter the
full name of the trust, the trustee’s name and address,
and the date the trust was created. CalSTRS will contact
the trustee and pay benefits to the trust. You do not need
to provide the trust document at this time.
RECIPIENT DESIGNATION FORM INSTRUCTION • REV 1/11 • PAGE 2 OF 2
If you divorced or terminated a registered domestic
partnership and a portion of your CalSTRS benefits was
awarded to a former spouse or partner, check the box
that indicates this. You may need to refer to your settlement
agreement. In addition, if your court documents have
not been reviewed by CalSTRS, you may be asked to
provide them.
.
Recipient Designation Form
One-Time Death Benefit/Cash Balance Lump-Sum Payment
California State Teachers’ Retirement System
P.O. Box 15275, MS 43
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
800-228-5453
CalSTRS.com
MS 0002 rev 1/11
This form is for designating recipients to receive the death benefits payable in the event of your death under the CalSTRS Defined
Benefit Program and the Cash Balance Benefit Program. Print clearly in dark ink or type all information requested and initial any
corrections.
Check one of the following:
I am a member of the Defined Benefit Program. My recipient designation is for the one-time death benefit payable upon
my death.
I am a participant of the Cash Balance Benefit Program.
My recipient designation is for the lump-sum payment to be
distributed upon my death.
I am a member/participant of both the Defined Benefit and Cash Balance programs. My recipient designation is for the
lump-sum death benefits payable under both programs. (Refer to instructions if recipients are different between programs.)
I hereby revoke any previous designations and designate the following primary recipients—or their survivors—to receive equal
amounts, unless otherwise specified as recipients for any benefits payable under the Teachers’ Retirement Law at the time of my
death.
If I survive the primary recipients, I designate the secondary recipients—or their survivors—to share equally unless otherwise
specified as recipients for any benefits under law at the time of my death. If I survive all of my named recipients, then any benefit
payable at the time of my death will be paid to my estate. I understand this form does not designate a recipient to receive a
continuing monthly retirement benefit.
Return your signed form to: CalSTRS • P.O.
Box 15275, MS 43 • Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
Section 1: Member/Participant Information
NAME (LAST, FIRST, INITIAL)
CLIENT ID OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
MAILING ADDRESS
DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YYYY)
(
CITY
STATE
ZIP CODE
)
HOME TELEPHONE
EMAIL ADDRESS
Section 2: Primary Recipients
Use this area to designate one or more primary recipients to receive a death benefit.
Use additional sheets if needed.
FULL NAME OF PERSON, TRUST OR ORGANIZATION
(
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY
)
TELEPHONE
STATE
ZIP CODE
Person – Relationship: ___________________________________
Male
Female
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER/TAXPAYER ID NUMBER/EMPLOYER ID NUMBER
Organization – Contact Name: ____________________________
DATE OF BIRTH/TRUST DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Trust
Estate
PERCENTAGE
(MUST TOTAL 100% FOR ALL PRIMARY RECIPIENTS)
RECIPIENT DESIGNATION FORM • REV 1/11 • PAGE 1 OF 4
. Recipient Designation Form continued
Section 2: Primary Recipients continued
FULL NAME OF PERSON, TRUST OR ORGANIZATION
(
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY
Person – Relationship: ___________________________________
Male
Female
Organization – Contact Name: ____________________________
)
TELEPHONE
STATE
ZIP CODE
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER/TIN/EIN
DATE OF BIRTH/TRUST DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Trust
Estate
PERCENTAGE
(MUST TOTAL 100% FOR ALL PRIMARY RECIPIENTS)
FULL NAME OF PERSON, TRUST OR ORGANIZATION
(
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY
Person – Relationship: ___________________________________
Male
Female
Organization – Contact Name: ____________________________
)
TELEPHONE
STATE
ZIP CODE
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER/TIN/EIN
DATE OF BIRTH/TRUST DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Trust
Estate
PERCENTAGE
(MUST TOTAL 100% FOR ALL PRIMARY RECIPIENTS)
Section 3: Secondary Recipients
Use this area to designate one or more secondary recipients to receive a death benefit should all of your
primary recipients predecease you. Use additional sheets if needed.
FULL NAME OF PERSON, TRUST OR ORGANIZATION
(
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY
Person – Relationship: ___________________________________
Male
Female
Organization – Contact Name: ____________________________
)
TELEPHONE
STATE
ZIP CODE
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER/TIN/EIN
DATE OF BIRTH/TRUST DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Trust
Estate
RECIPIENT DESIGNATION FORM • REV 1/11 • PAGE 2 OF 4
PERCENTAGE
(MUST TOTAL 100% FOR ALL SECONDARY RECIPIENTS)
. Recipient Designation Form continued
Section 3: Secondary Recipients continued
FULL NAME OF PERSON, TRUST OR ORGANIZATION
(
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
Person – Relationship: ___________________________________
Male
)
TELEPHONE
Female
Organization – Contact Name: ____________________________
ZIP CODE
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER/TIN/EIN
DATE OF BIRTH/TRUST DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Trust
Estate
PERCENTAGE
(MUST TOTAL 100% FOR ALL SECONDARY RECIPIENTS)
Check this box if additional recipients are listed on an attachment. Identify each as primary or secondary.
Section 4: Required Signatures
Check all that apply.
I am married or registered as a domestic partner and both our signatures are below.
I am married or registered as a domestic partner and my spouse or partner did not sign below. I have completed and signed
the Justification for Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner section on the next page.
I have never been married or in a registered domestic partnership, or I am widowed or my partner has died.
I have been divorced or terminated a registered domestic partnership and my former spouse or partner was awarded
a portion of my CalSTRS benefits.
I have been divorced or have terminated a registered domestic partnership and my former spouse or partner was not
awarded a portion of my CalSTRS benefits.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
I understand that perjury is punishable by imprisonment for up to four years (Penal Code section 126).
I understand it is a crime to fail to disclose a material fact or to make any knowingly false material statements
for the purpose of altering a benefit administered by CalSTRS and it may result in penalties, including restitution,
up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (Education Code section 22010).
MEMBER’S SIGNATURE
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
SPOUSE’S OR REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNER’S SIGNATURE
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
SPOUSE’S OR PARTNER’S NAME (LAST, FIRST, INITIAL)
SPOUSE’S OR PARTNER’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
SPOUSE’S OR PARTNER’S DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YYYY)
RECIPIENT DESIGNATION FORM • REV 1/11 • PAGE 3 OF 4
. Recipient Designation Form continued
Justification for Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner
As required by Education Code sections 22453 and 26703, any request related to the selection of benefits by a member
in which spousal or registered domestic partner interest may be present requires the signature of the spouse or registered
domestic partner unless one of the following conditions exist. If you are married or registered as a domestic partner and your
spouse or partner does not sign this form, you must check the appropriate box indicating the reason your spouse or partner
did not sign.
I do not know and have taken all reasonable steps to determine the whereabouts of my spouse or registered
domestic partner.
My spouse or registered domestic partner is incapable of executing the acknowledgment because of an
incapacitating mental or physical condition.
My current spouse or registered domestic partner has no identifiable community property interest in the benefits.
My spouse or registered domestic partner and I have executed a settlement agreement that makes the
community property law inapplicable to the marriage or registered domestic partnership.
My spouse or registered domestic partner has refused to sign the acknowledgment. Court action will be or has been initiated
to enforce or waive the signature requirement for my spouse or partner. (CalSTRS must have a certified copy of the court
order before any designation can be made.
Submit a certified copy of the court order when you receive it.) Education Code
sections 22454 and 26704
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
I understand that perjury is punishable by imprisonment for up to four years (Penal Code section 126).
I understand it is a crime to fail to disclose a material fact or to make any knowingly false material statements for
the purpose of altering a benefit administered by CalSTRS and it may result in penalties, including restitution, up to
one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (Education Code section 22010).
MEMBER’S SIGNATURE
SIGNATURE DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
If this form is not completely filled out, it will not be accepted and will be returned to you. Your current
recipient status will not be updated. Review your form carefully before submitting:
Did you designate at least one primary recipient and provide all the requested information?
If you designated a trust, did you provide the name and date the trust was created? Do not provide your trust
document at this time.
If you designated percentages, do they equal 100 percent for your primary recipients and/or secondary
recipients?
Did you sign and date the form?
If you are married or in a registered domestic partnership, did your spouse or partner sign and date the form?
If you cannot obtain your spouse or partner’s signature, did you complete, sign and date the Justification for
Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner?
RECIPIENT DESIGNATION FORM • REV 1/11 • PAGE 4 OF 4
.
Cash Balance Benefit Program
Trust as Named Beneficiary
California State Teachers’ Retirement System
P.O. Box 15275, MS 43
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
800-228-5453
CalSTRS.com
CB 536 rev 8/12
If you wish to name a trust as beneficiary, clearly mark the appropriate box on the Recipient Designation form and
complete this form. A trust can be named as your primary beneficiary or secondary beneficiary. A trust can also be
designated to be your sole beneficiary or to share with your co-beneficiaries.
Indicate in the appropriate boxes how
you want your trust to be designated.
Section 1: Participant Information
PARTICIPANT’S NAME
CLIENT ID OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
TRUST NAME
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE NAME
DATE OF TRUST
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
I designate this trust to be:
ZIP CODE
n Primary beneficiary (share and share alike with beneficiaries listed on my Recipient
Designation form).
or
n Secondary beneficiary.
or
n Sole beneficiary (there are no primary beneficiaries listed on my Recipient Designation form).
IMPORTANT
If No Spousal or Domestic Partner Signature, One of the Following Boxes Must Be Checked:
Check all that apply.
n
n
n
n
n
I am married or registered as a domestic partner and both our signatures are below.
I am married or registered as a domestic partner and my spouse or partner did not sign below. I have completed and signed
the Justification for Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner form.
I have never been married or in a registered domestic partnership, or I am widowed or my partner has died.
I have been divorced or terminated a registered domestic partnership and my former spouse or partner was awarded
a portion of my CalSTRS benefits.
I have been divorced or terminated a registered domestic partnership and my former spouse or partner was not awarded
a portion of my CalSTRS benefits.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
I understand that perjury is punishable by imprisonment for up to four years (Penal Code section 126).
I understand it is a crime to fail to disclose a material fact or to make any knowingly false material statements
for the purpose of altering a benefit administered by CalSTRS and it may result in penalties, including restitution, up to
one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (Education Code section 22010).
SPOUSE’S OR PARTNER’S NAME (LAST, FIRST, INITIAL)
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
Send the completed Trust As Named Beneficiary form to:
CalSTRS, P
.O. Box 15275, MS 43, Sacramento, CA 95851-0275. Retain a copy for your records.
CASH BALANCE TRUST AS NAMED BENEFICIARY • REV 8/12 • PAGE 1 OF 1
. This page intentionally left blank.
. Cash Balance Benefit Program
Justification for Non-Signature of
Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner
CB 535 rev 8/12
• Print clearly in dark ink or type all information
requested.
• If you make a mistake, initial corrections or
complete a new form.
• Any errors or omissions on the Justification for
Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic
Partner form will delay the processing of
your distribution.
California State Teachers’ Retirement System
P.O. Box 15275, MS 60
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
800-228-5453
CalSTRS.com
• Only one Justification for Non-Signature of Spouse
or Registered Domestic Partner form is needed for
a Cash Balance Benefit Program distribution.
• Please retain copies for your records and return
the completed form and associated application to:
CalSTRS
P.O. Box 15275, MS 60
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
800-228-5453
Justification for Non-Signature of Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner
As required by Education Code section 22453, any request related to the selection of benefits by a member in which spousal or
registered domestic partner interest may be present requires the signature of the spouse or registered domestic partner unless
one of the following conditions exist. If you are married or registered as a domestic partner and your spouse or partner does not
sign this form, you must check the appropriate box indicating the reason your spouse or partner did not sign.
n I do not know and have taken all reasonable steps to determine the whereabouts of my spouse or registered
domestic partner.
n My spouse or registered domestic partner is incapable of executing the acknowledgment because of an incapacitating
mental or physical condition.
n My current spouse or registered domestic partner has no identifiable community property interest in the benefits.
n My spouse or registered domestic partner and I have executed a settlement agreement that makes the community
property law inapplicable to the marriage or registered domestic partnership.
n My spouse or registered domestic partner has refused to sign the acknowledgment. Court action will be or has been initiated
to enforce or waive the signature requirement for my spouse or partner.
(CalSTRS must have a certified copy of the court
order before any designation can be made. Submit a certified copy of the court order when you receive it.) Education Code
section 22454.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
I understand that perjury is punishable by imprisonment for up to four years (Penal Code section 126).
I understand it is a crime to fail to disclose a material fact or to make any knowingly false material statements for
the purpose of altering a benefit administered by CalSTRS and it may result in penalties, including restitution, up to
one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (Education Code section 22010).
PARTICIPANT’S SIGNATURE
CASH BALANCE JUSTIFICATION FOR NON-SIGNATURE OF SPOUSE OR
REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNER • REV 8/12 • PAGE 1 OF 1
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
. This page intentionally left blank.
. Notes:
. CalSTRS Resources
WEB
CALL
WRITE
VISIT
FAX
CalSTRS.com
Click Contact Us to email
800-228-5453
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Friday
CalSTRS
P. O. Box 15275
Sacramento, CA
95851-0275
Member Services
100 Waterfront Place
West Sacramento, CA 95605
916-414-5040
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888-394-2060
CalSTRS Pension2®
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Find your nearest
CalSTRS office at
CalSTRS.com/localoffices
855-844-2468
Pension Abuse Reporting Hotline
STAY CONNECTED
California State Teachers’ Retirement System
P Box 15275
.O.
Sacramento CA 95851-0275
800-228-5453
CalSTRS.com
COM 1522 rev 8/12
.