Health Benefits • Retirement Benefits

How to Make 8 Key CalPERS Changes

3 months ago
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Change is inevitable, but there’s a good chance it’s worth notifying us when it happens. Whether it’s changing your direct deposit information or switching beneficiaries, these updates have direct implications. Here’s how to make some of the most common CalPERS account changes.

1. Change My Email

Log in to myCalPERS and select My Account, then Contact Information, then Change Your Email. For instructions on how to register for myCalPERS, visit Using myCalPERS. Or you can call us during business hours to update your information with us over the phone.

2. Change My Mailing Address

  • Active members — Notify your personnel office of your address change and they will update your information with CalPERS.
  • Retirees — If you have your monthly benefit payment mailed to your home, notify us of your new address as soon as possible. Use one of the options below:
    • Change your address online by logging in to myCalPERS.
    • Contact us by phone at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377).
    • Download, complete, and return an Address Change Authorization (PDF) by mailing or faxing it to the number shown on the form.
    • Send us your new address in writing to: CalPERS Retirement Benefit Services Division, P.O. Box 942716, Sacramento, CA 94229-2716

3. Change My Name

If you’re an active member, you must change your name through your employer, unless you’re also receiving a monthly benefit through CalPERS.

If you’re an active member receiving a monthly benefit through CalPERS (as a survivor, beneficiary, or other), you’ll need to provide us with a copy of your corrected Social Security card before we can change your name in our system. In lieu of the Social Security card, we’ll also accept either:

  • A copy of a letter from a Social Security Office confirming your name change.
  • A receipt from a Social Security Office confirming that you have ordered a new card due to the name change.
  • A copy of a Medicare Part B card that reflects your corrected Social Security name.

For more information about name changes, contact us.

4. Change My Direct Deposit

If you’re changing financial institutions or transferring your direct deposit to another account within the same bank, you can make changes:

  • Online — Log in to myCalPERS. Go to the Retirement tab and select Payment Options.
  • By mail — Complete and mail the Direct Deposit Authorization (PDF) to CalPERS. Once we receive your form, we’ll send you a confirmation letter. If possible, keep your current bank account open until you receive our letter confirming the date that we’ll deposit your next benefit payment to the new account.

5. Change My Beneficiary

  • Online — Log in to myCalPERS, then choose Retirement and Beneficiaries. Beneficiary designations made after August 5, 2013, are available in myCalPERS. If you submitted a previous beneficiary designation, it may still be valid, but not viewable online, so contact CalPERS to double check.
  • By mail — Active members who want their death benefits paid to a designated beneficiary must complete a Pre-Retirement Lump-Sum Beneficiary Designation (PDF) and mail it to the address listed on the form. Retired members designated the beneficiary for their death benefits when they retired. There are limited situations after retirement when a member can choose a new option or beneficiary. To learn more, review Changing Your Beneficiary or Monthly Benefit After Retirement (PUB 98)(PDF).

6. Change My Health Plan or Plan Dependents

  • Annual Open Enrollment Period — Open Enrollment takes place each fall for both active members and retirees. This year, it’s taking place September 16 to October 11. Changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect January 1 of the upcoming year.
  • Special Enrollment Period — A special enrollment period is a 60-day period for members to notify us of a specific qualifying event. You can notify us through your employer if you’re an active member, or directly with CalPERS if you are retired:
    • New enrollment due to loss of other coverage
    • Adding a dependent due to marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption
  • Dental or Vision Plans — If you have these benefits, find out how to make changes.

Learn more about changing your dependents on your health plan.

7. Change My CalPERS Power of Attorney

If you change your mind about your CalPERS power of attorney, you must complete a new CalPERS Special Power of Attorney form (PDF) with your desired changes. We also encourage you to notify those people who may need to carry out your wishes.

To revoke or terminate your special power of attorney, you must submit a written request to:

CalPERS Retirement Benefit Services Division
P.O. Box 942716
Sacramento, CA 94229-2716

You can then submit a new power of attorney.

8. Change My Marital Status

Whether you’re getting married or divorced, learn how to make important changes with CalPERS.

Need Help With a Change? Contact CalPERS

We’re here to help you navigate these eight key changes and many more. For questions or assistance, contact CalPERS at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) or send us a secure message through myCalPERS (learn more about Using myCalPERS).