Retirement

When you have made your decisions about retirement from your faculty position, you can fill out the CalSTRS Service Retirement application.

• Learn about the CalSTRS Service retirement application process.
• Submit your application online through your my.CalSTRS.com. 
• Or download and print the CalSTRS Service Retirement Application paper form to submit by hand delivery, fax, or mail. 
• Access your CalSTRS member information.
• Watch CalSTRS videos and webinars.
• Complete your Academic Resignation Form and return it to VCCCD HR.

When you have made your decisions about retirement from your classified position, you can fill out the CalPERS Service Retirement Election form.

• Learn more about the CalPERS Service Retirement Election process:
  • CalPERS retirement planning checklist
  • CalPERS retirement planning video
• Submit your CalPERS Service Retirement Election form online through your my.calpers.ca.gov account.
• Or download and print the CalPERS Service Retirement Election form to submit by hand delivery, fax, or mail. 
• Complete your Classified Resignation Form (Permanent Employees) or Classified Resignation Form (Non-Permanent Employees) and return it to VCCCD HR. 

FACULTY: AFT Contract, Article 4.8:

Tier 1:  Employees who are employed by the District at the time of retirement in accordance with Section 4.5 shall be retained in the District health, vision, and dental insurance, with premiums paid by the District, provided that such persons have a minimum of ten years of service with the District and have attained an age and years of service equal to or greater than 75. The minimum age for retirement is 55. The District shall provide paid dental benefits for currently retired contract faculty who are receiving District-paid health and vision benefits. Current coverage for retirees shall continue for faculty employed on or before June 30, 1990.

Tier 2:  Faculty initially hired from July 1, 1990, through June 30, 2001,  shall receive District provided coverage to the age of 65 at which time the retiree's medical care plan shall be replaced by Medicare and a Medicare supplemental plan which provides comparable benefits and which is provided and paid for by the District. Dental and vision coverage will continue as provided above.

Tier 3:  Eligible faculty members initially employed on or after July 1, 2001, and before July 1, 2015, who meet the years-of-service and age requirements stated above, and who retire, shall receive District medical coverage similar to current employees to age 65 only if they have attained at least age 55 and have served at least ten years of continuous eligible service in the District. The District also shall continue any dental and vision coverage as provided for current employees to age 65.

Tier 4:  New faculty members hired on or after July 1, 2015, will not be eligible for retiree health benefits.

CLASSIFIED: SEIU Contract, Article 12.8:

Tier 1:  Employees hired prior to July 24, 1990, who are employed by the District at the time of retirement, shall be retained on the District health, vision and dental insurance which is in effect for active employees, with premiums paid by the District in accordance with Sections 12.4 and 12.5, provided that such persons have a minimum of ten (10) years of service with the District and have attained an age and years of service equal to or greater than seventy-five (75). The minimum age for retirement is fifty (50). Any modifications to the plans or contributions required of active employees shall be required of retirees.

The District shall conduct exit interviews, prior to employee’s retirement, during which time medical coverage is explained, and eligible employees hired prior to July 24, 1990, are encouraged to enroll in Medicare.

Tier 2:  Those retired individuals who meet the conditions listed in “a.” above, who were hired July 24, 1990, or after, shall be provided with a Medicare Supplemental Plan at the age of sixty-five (65). Premiums for such Medicare Supplemental Plan shall not exceed the amount listed in Sections 12.4 and 12.5. The District shall conduct exit interviews, prior to employee’s retirement, during which time medical coverage is explained and eligible employees are advised of their obligation to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.

Tier 3:  Eligible employees hired between July 1, 2000, and June 30, 2005, who meet the age and years of service provisions of this section, and who retire, shall be retained on the District medical, dental and vision plans to age sixty-five (65) subject to Sections 12.4 and 12.5. Upon attainment of age sixty-five (65), or eligibility for Medicare, those retirees have the option of conversion to the District’s Medicare Supplemental Plan, with premiums paid by the retiree.

Tier 4:  Employees hired on or after July 1, 2005, and who have a minimum of ten (10) years of service, and who meet eligibility requirements for retirement, may continue to participate in the District health plans to age sixty-five (65), with the cost paid by the retiree.

 

• Complete the CalPERS Certification of Medicare Status Form to receive confirmation of your Medicare enrollment.
• Medicare Part D Annual Notice provides information about your prescription drug coverage choices.
• Consumer Resources offers resources to help consumers assess and compare their health coverage options, as well as resources for comparing the quality of health care providers.
• CalPERS Health Program Guide describes CalPERS basic health plan eligibility, enrollment, and choices.
• 2023 Health Benefit Summary provides guidance on health plan options, comparing plans, and more.
• Learn how Optum Rx works with CalPERS to provide prescription benefits.

The Open Enrollment period for 2023 closed on October 14, 2022. The next Open Enrollment period will begin in September 2023.

 

To learn more about enrolling in Medicare:

• Watch the 2023 Open Enrollment Presentation.
• Read the Medicare Enrollment Guide.

When VCCCD employees retire, they automatically are given membership to the VCCCD Retiree Association (VCCCDRA). This association comprises retired faculty members, classified professionals, supervisors, and managers. The purpose of the association are to demonstrate a shared concern for the VCCCD and the success of its goals, provide a voice to the VCCCD in regard to Governing Board actions that may affect retirees, and provide educational, recreational, and social activities for its members. To learn more about the VCCCDRA, go to www.vcccdra.org.