As an SBCERA retiree, there are various factors to keep in mind when considering whether to work after you retire. If you return to work for an employer not participating in SBCERA, your monthly SBCERA retirement benefit will continue as-is, uninterrupted. However, if you return to work for an SBCERA participating employer your monthly retirement benefit may be impacted.

If decide to return to work for an SBCERA participating employer after you retire and want to continue earning your monthly retirement benefit as is, you cannot be paid for your work unless you are working in the following capacity:

• in a position that requires your special knowledge and skills;
• as a juror;
• as an election officer;
• as a field deputy for registration of voters;
• as a member of the Board of Retirement;or,
• as an independent contractor.

If you choose to return to work for an SBCERA participating employer in one of the capacities listed above, you must meet the following guidelines to continue receiving your monthly retirement benefit: you cannot work for more than 960 hours per year.  General members must wait at least 180 days to return to work after retirement. Safety members are generally exempt from the 180-day break in service requirement. Additional exceptions may also apply as determined by your employer.

If you return to work full time for an SBCERA participating employer or do not meet the guidelines above, your monthly retirement benefit will be suspended. You will become an active member of SBCERA and pay contributions until you choose to retire again.  

When you decide to retire again, payment of your original retirement benefit will resume. Your monthly benefit amount will be adjusted to include any COLAs from the time the benefit was suspended. In addition, you will receive an additional benefit amount for the period of reemployment. It will be based on the years of service credit earned during reemployment, age when you retire again and your highest final average compensation during the reemployment period.

If you consider returning to work for an SBCERA participating employer after retirement, please contact SBCERA to determine if, and how, this may impact your retirement benefit. For information on what happens to your retiree health insurance coverage, please contact your former Human Resources Department or insurance provider.