ACERA News

ACERA retirees and payees who have their monthly retirement payments direct deposited into Patelco Credit Union should be aware of a recent security issue being reported by Patelco. ACERA successfully transferred members’ direct deposits to Patelco on Friday, June 28 on time. On Saturday, June 29, Patelco informed its customers of potential temporary restrictions on bank accounts due to a security incident.

We sympathize with the challenges this may pose for ACERA members who bank with Patelco. Unfortunately, because the funds were successfully transferred to Patelco prior to Patelco’s issue, ACERA is unable to issue additional retirement payments or retirement checks. For the sake of our members, we hope that Patelco can swiftly resolve its security situation.

For further updates and assistance, we suggest visiting www.patelco.org or contacting Patelco directly.

Exciting news! ACERA Active Members have the opportunity to make a significant election that could leave greater benefits for your loved ones in case you die before retirement.

Introducing the Advance Death Benefit Election, authorized by ACERA’s Board of Retirement. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Potentially Increased Benefits: This election allows you to potentially increase the benefits paid to your designated beneficiaries.
2. Flexible Choices: Designate any person(s) you wish, including your spouse, domestic partner, children, or any other individual(s), to potentially receive lifetime benefits after your death.

There is no disadvantage to making this election. To learn more about how this election works, visit: www.acera.org/adv

How to Make the New Election

It’s simple. Just review the webpage, then complete a new Active or Deferred Member Beneficiary Designation Form designating your primary and contingent beneficiaries, and check the box for the Advance Death Benefit Election on the form. Follow the instructions on the last page of the form to submit it. Easy!

Submit a Beneficiary Designation Form

For extra help, watch this video tutorial on how to submit the form.

Important Notes

We anticipate that many active members will want to take advantage of this opportunity. Please be aware that due to high demand, it may take ACERA some time to update any changes to your beneficiary(ies) in our database. However, rest assured that the designation of your beneficiary(ies) with the new election takes effect as soon as ACERA receives your completed form, regardless of processing time.

Additionally, please note that the Advance Death Benefit Election will not be displayed in your ACERA online account.

Take this chance to maximize benefits for your loved ones!

County of Alameda offices, including ACERA, will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023 in observation of the Juneteenth federal holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with news of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation that the war was over, and that enslaved people were free throughout the nation. While celebrated in communities throughout the United States for many years, in June of 2021, Juneteenth became an official federal holiday, recognizing the end of slavery in the United States and marking a day of remembrance and celebration of Black culture and history.

ACERA’s office will be closed to in-person visits due to site maintenance on Friday, May 26, 2023. However, ACERA will be open for business that day virtually, and will be taking calls and answering emails. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Beginning March 1, 2023, ACERA’s office will reopen to the public on weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcomed.

For members ready to retire, ACERA offers in-person and virtual Ready-To-Retire Counseling appointments.

Members not yet ready to retire but seeking an in-person or virtual appointment can schedule an appointment here or call 510-628-3000.

ACERA continues to monitor the public health situation and may adjust our in-person offerings as the situation changes.

Submit Documents in Our Drop Box Without an Appointment

Members can submit forms and documents in-person utilizing the drop box in our office elevator lobby on the 10th floor of 475 14th Street in Oakland without needing to speak with ACERA staff.

Continue to Connect With Us Virtually

Though the pandemic has eased somewhat, a top priority at ACERA remains the health and wellbeing of our members, our employees, and our families. To keep ensuring members’ safety while serving members’ retirement needs, we’re encouraging members to continue connecting with us virtually whenever possible, thereby limiting visits to ACERA’s office. We’re regularly expanding our virtual services and educational resources to help members plan their retirements.

Counseling appointments will continue to be offered via Zoom and over the phone, which is how 99% of appointments are currently being conducted. Our call center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. We continue to respond to members’ emails within 2 business days. We continue to hold all seminars as webinars.