Reciprocity

What is Reciprocity?

Reciprocity is an agreement among California public retirement systems that lets you transfer between qualified systems within six months (with no overlapping service), without losing important retirement benefits. Before switching, consult both systems to understand how changing might affect your retirement benefits and eligibility.
When you change retirement systems:

• Coordinated Retirement: To retire under reciprocity, you’ll need to apply to retire from both systems on the same date (unless you already meet eligibility requirements in the other system before CalPERS).
• Shared Compensation Calculation: The highest final compensation from either system will be used to calculate your benefits. However, retirement payments are separate from each system.
• Independent Memberships: Contributions and service credit don’t transfer between systems. You’ll hold memberships in both systems, each with its own rights and benefits.

Who Qualifies for Reciprocity?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a member of the defined benefit plan in both systems.
• Leave your service credit and contributions with each system.

Benefits of Reciprocity

Being a reciprocal member can provide advantages:

• Service Credit for Eligibility: Use service credit from both systems to meet the eligibility and vesting requirements.
• Compensation Benefits: If you retire on the same date in both systems, your highest final compensation from either can be used in the benefit calculation.

How to Establish Reciprocity with CalPERS

To set up reciprocity:

1. Log in to your myCalPERS account.
2. Go to Retirement > Retirement Summary.
3. Under Reciprocity, select Submit a Request.

After submitting, CalPERS will send a letter confirming they have received your authorized request to establish reciprocity. You can view your online request in my CalPERS to monitor the determination status.

Learn More

• A Guide to Your CalPERS – When You Change Retirement Systems (PDF)
• What You Need to Know About Reciprocity
• Qualifying Public Retirement Systems with Reciprocity (PDF) (page 14)
• Reciprocity (Linking Retirement Systems)
• CalPERS Videos
  • When You Change Retirement Systems
  • CalPERS Quick Tip - Reciprocity