Mt. Diablo after a rain storm.

 

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

 
  

 

   

Estimating Your Benefits

 

CCCERA is implementing a new pension administration system that will bring our business processes to a "state-of-the-art" technological level. The new system and database structure includes an electronic benefit estimating tool which will be posted on this website. At that time, you will be able to enter different variables about your future retirement and receive an "on-the-fly" estimate generated from the data you enter.

For example, you can enter a Final Average Salary, Number of Service Credit Years, and Age at Retirement. The benefit estimate program will return a calculation of your approximate monthly benefit based on the information you enter. This figure won't replace an actual estimate created by CCCERA counselors, but it will give you a rough idea for financial planning.

The electronic calculating tool is at least a year away, so in the meantime, you can figure your own basic estimate for retirement by using our printable (PDF file) Tier brochures. Each one includes easy-to-follow instructions, formulas, and factor tables needed to "Do The Math." (Formulas and factors sound a bit intimidating, but you can do it with basic math skills, or a calculator.)
Give it a try!
If you have service in more than one tier, you will figure each tier's retirement service credit separately, due to differences in factor tables for Tiers 1,2,3, and Safety. Add the amounts together to estimate your monthly pension benefit.
Click on the links below to open the PDF printable file for your tier(s).

Tier 1 and 3 Enhanced (2% at 55)
Most General members (non-Safety) are in this benefit structure, section 31676.16 of the 1937 Act.

Tier 2*
Members hired after August 1, 1980 and before October 2002, with employers that chose the Tier 2 benefit structure. (Members had the option of tranferring to Tier 3 after 5 years of service.)

*Tier 2 Calculation Tips
For an accurate estimate, members with Tier 2 service credit must also figure their Social Security reduction amount. This article will help with the details.


Safety Enhanced (3% at 50)
Members who are involved in active law enforcement or fire fighting duties.

Click here to view some sample calculations.