Protecting Your CalPERS Information
CalPERS Special Power of Attorney
A CalPERS Special Power of Attorney is a designated representative or agent, known as your attorney-in-fact, who can conduct CalPERS business on your behalf. If you become incapacitated or unable to handle your affairs before completing a power of attorney or other estate planning documents, we may withhold your retirement allowance until a court appoints a conservator to handle your affairs.
Note: If your power of attorney document doesn’t have a durability clause, it will cease to be valid if you become incapacitated.
Your myCalPERS Account
When you log in to your myCalPERS, you’re acknowledging you’ve read and understand our security policy, and that you’re the CalPERS member on this account. Your password is your key to access CalPERS information online. You play an important role in making sure your confidential information is secure. To ensure your personal password remains secure, you should never reveal or share it with anyone.
If you believe someone without authorization has accessed your account, contact us at 888 CalPERS (888 225-7377) for help.
Protecting Your Online Presence
Use Strong Passwords and Managers
Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords. Consider using a reputable password manager to safely store and organize your login credentials. Password managers can also help your executor access accounts when needed.
Avoid writing passwords on slips of paper or sharing them via email or text. Only share access information with your designated executor or attorney-in-fact, and do so securely.
Maintain List of Financial Accounts
Maintain an up-to-date list of all online bank accounts and financial institutions, including those that operate exclusively online. Store this list securely and share its location with your executor or trusted family member.
Document Access Instructions
Provide clear instructions for your executor on how to access your online bank accounts, including any two-factor authentication steps. Make sure your estate planning documents specify who is authorized to manage these accounts.
Social Media Accounts
Have you considered what to do with your social media accounts after your passing? Facebook allows you to designate a legacy contact, while Instagram will memorialize or remove the account pending sufficient legal proof. X will work with the designated power of attorney to deactivate and delete accounts for incapacitated or deceased individuals. LinkedIn offers the option to memorialize or delete accounts to the person acting on your behalf. Reach out to customer support for TikTok and other social media platforms.
Photographs and Documents
People store photos and documents on digital devices. Some of this information may be backed up to the cloud, and some of it may be housed on a single device. Let those handling your estate know what’s stored where and your wishes regarding that information. Some documents, like tax records, need to be kept for seven years after your passing. Other items can be deleted right away.
Remember, your executor will need to go beyond just deleting sensitive information. Personal computer hard drives and smartphones should be wiped clean.