As a CalSTRS member, you participate in a hybrid retirement system consisting of traditional defined benefit (Defined Benefit Program), cash balance (Defined Benefit Supplement Program) and voluntary defined contribution (CalSTRS Pension2®) plans.

Your service retirement benefit under the Defined Benefit Program is based on your years of service credit, your age at retirement and your final compensation. The more service credit you have, the higher your monthly retirement benefit will be.

Midcareer checklist

10 years of service credit? It’s time to plan for transitioning from work to retirement.

• Review your one-time death benefit recipient designation, account balances and service credit total on your Retirement Progress Report.
• Look for your Learn and Discover: Midcareer booklet from us in the mail and review your retirement savings strategies as you approach your secure financial future.
• Step up contributions to your 403(b) or 457(b) account. Or open an account today— it’s never too late to start saving.
• Look into purchasing permissive service credit to increase your retirement benefit, if you have eligible service.
• Ask your employer about health insurance in retirement. Consider setting aside extra money now for health care expenses later.