CalSTRS
Contributions
Understanding Your Benefits
Calculating Your Benefits
Retirement Eligibility & Process
FAQ
Member Login & Contact Info
Embedded Files
CalSTRS is a pension plan that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for California certificated public school staff. As a member of the CalSTRS Program, you’re entitled to a guaranteed lifetime monthly retirement benefit. Your retirement benefit is based on a formula, not on how much you contribute or how well investments perform.
Contributions
Contributions
You contribute a portion of your salary to CalSTRS, and Alliance also makes a contribution that is equivalent to a portion of your salary. The 2024-25 Contribution Rates as a percentage of creditable earnings are:
Alliance: 19.10%*
2% at 60 Members: 10.25%
2% at 62 Members: 10.205%
*Alliance's contributions are not credited to your Defined Benefit account, but are deposited into the Teacher's Retirement Fund to help fund the benefits paid to all members and beneficiaries.
Understanding Your Benefits
Understanding Your Benefits
Calculating Your Benefits
Calculating Your Benefits
Your retirement benefit is based on the following formula set by law, so it is important to understand how your benefit is calculated:
Age Factor x Service Credit x Final Compensation = Member Retirement Benefit
CalSTRS Resources: Understanding the Formula & Considerations for Part-time Educators
Retirement Eligibility & Process
Retirement Eligibility & Process
If you joined CalSTRS on or after January 1, 2013: you're eligible to receive a retirement benefit when you reach age 55 and have at least five years of service credit.
If you joined CalSTRS on or before December 31, 2012: you're eligible to receive a retirement benefit when you reach age 50 and have at least five years of service credit.
Ready to retire? Click for more information about the Retirement Application Process.
*You may be able to retire with fewer than five years of service credit if you retire concurrently for service from another eligible California public retirement system, such as the California Public Employees' Retirement System. See the CalSTRS Member Handbook for more information about eligibility for service retirement and concurrent retirement.
FAQ
FAQ
Do I need additional savings for retirement?
On average, the CalSTRS retirement benefit will replace about 45% to 55% of a career educator’s salary. Consider if you would be comfortable living on 45% of your salary. Need additional savings? Alliance's Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan is designed to complement your retirement pension benefit and support your goal for a secure future. Contributing to your 403(b) account through tax-sheltered payroll deductions is a convenient way to build up your retirement income. You control how much to save and invest — and you can make changes at any time.
How can I designate a beneficiary?
If you wish to designate a beneficiary or change your beneficiary designation, complete and submit the Recipient Designation Form form.
How do I change my address with CalSTRS?
Notify CalSTRS of your address change online at myCalSTRS or complete the Address Change Request form and follow the instructions to submit the form to CalSTRS.
Don't forget to notify humanresources@laalliance.org too.
Can I take a loan from my CalSTRS account?
At this time, CalSTRS does not allow members to borrow from, or make a loan against, the member contributions in their CalSTRS account.
What happens to my CalSTRS account if I change jobs?
If you change employment from a job covered by CalSTRS to another job covered by CalSTRS, you can continue receiving credit under the program.
If you change employment from a job covered by one retirement system to employment covered by the other system (for example CalSTRS to CalPERS or vice versa), you may be able to choose whether to remain with the previous system or switch to the new one. If the new position is covered under a new retirement system, you must submit a Retirement System Election form to your Human Resources within 60 days of your hire date if you wish to stay with your current retirement system. If you do nothing, you will automatically become a member of the retirement system that covers your new position.
If you do decide to change systems, you should know that the rules can be complex, and your choice can have a significant impact on your retirement benefits. The following resource is available to help members make the decision: Join CalSTRS? Join CalPERS?
Can I purchase service credit?
You may be eligible to purchase service credit for past employment or an approved leave of absence during which you did not make retirement contributions to CalSTRS. Click here for more information.
Member Login & Contact Info
Member Login & Contact Info
Contact Information
Contact Information
Phone: 800-228-5453 (M – F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
In Person: Visit a member service center
Online: Send a secure inquiry to member services using the online form.
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