FAQs
Below is a list of Frequently-Asked Questions about the AC Transit Employees’ Retirement Plan.
In the event of a discrepancy between the answers provided below and the Retirement Plan document, the version in the Retirement Plan document shall prevail.
Is the Retirement Plan reciprocal with other systems?
What is my Retirement Tier?
The Retirement Tier depends on initial hiring date and representation.
Unrepresented Employees
Tier I (Classic) ← January 01, 2016 → Tier II (PEPRA)
Represented Employees
Tier I (Classic) ← January 01, 2020 → Tier II (PEPRA)
When can I retire?
Retirement eligibility depends on
Tier
- Tier I (Classic) or Tier II (PEPRA)
Representation
- AFSCME, ATU, IBEW, or Unrepresented
Minimum age
- Tier I participants represented by AFSCME, ATU, and IBEW are eligible to retire beginning at age 55.
- Unrepresented Tier I participants are eligible to retire beginning at age 50.
- Tier II participants are eligible to retire beginning at age 52.
Minimum years of service
- Tier I participants represented by ATU are vested in the Retirement Plan after eight (8) years of service. All other Tier I and Tier II participants are vested after five (5) Years of Service.
How much will my retirement be?
Retirement benefits are determined based on the following formula:
- Retirement Benefit = Age Factor x Pensionable Compensation x Years of Service
Annually, the Retirement Plan will provide an update to each active participant based on available data.
Can I continue to work after retiring from ACTERP?
Yes, retired ACTERP Participants can work after retiring, except for AC Transit. Returning to work for AC Transit after retirement is subject to very specific rules and may result in changes of Tier and in the amount of Retirement Benefits.
Can I withdraw my contributions?
Tier 1 (Classic) Participants do not make contributions into the Retirement Plan. No amount can be withdrawn if leaving employment before vesting.
Tier 2 (PEPRA) Participants make contributions into the Retirement Plan. Contributions amounts plus interest, if applicable, will be refunded if employment ends before vesting.
Are Retirement Benefits community property?
Under California Law, retirement benefits are community property. Any retirement benefit accrued during marriage or while registered as a domestic partner with the State of California is equal property of both spouses or domestic partners. Exceptions to this are Court Orders that stipulate otherwise.
The Retirement Plan cannot provide legal advice on this or other items and recommend seeking legal counsel on any such issues.
What happens if I die before retirement age?
If you die before reaching retirement age while employed with AC Transit and have at least ten (10) years of service (or eight (8) years of service for ATU members), your spouse, domestic partner, or child (up to a certain age) may be eligible for pre-retirement death benefit.
Who can I choose as beneficiary?
Retirement Plan Participants can name anyone as beneficiary that meets eligibility rules, including children. Their spouse or State-registered domestic partner, however, do need to provide written consent to the benefit election form selecting the benefit option and the beneficiary, if any.
Can I change my beneficiary?
Retirement Plan Participants cannot change their named beneficiaries after the retirement date.