SamCERA - Membership

 

  

Membership in SamCERA is mandatory for all permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees of San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District.

Membership is optional for certain elected officials.

An individual entering employment prior to July 1, 1996 shall become a Member of SamCERA on the first day of the first pay period commencing after the date of employment. An individual entering employment on or after July 1, 1996 shall become a Member of SamCERA on the first day of employment.

All employees whose service falls in the following categories shall be excluded from membership in SamCERA: Extra Help, members of appointed Boards and Commissions, and Judges of the Superior and Municipal Courts.

Membership Eligibility:

Plan 1: Permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees employed on or before July 6, 1980, are eligible for membership in Plan 1.

Plan 2: Permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees, employed after July 6, 1980, and before July 13, 1997, are eligible for membership in Plan 2.

Plan 3: Permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees in a job classification which has not been granted safety status are eligible for membership in Plan 3. Plan 3 members with five consecutive years of service credit may elect to become a member of Plan 2, if employed before July 13, 1997, or of Plan 4, if employed after July 12, 1997. The election is for prospective service only. The term "Plan 2" refers to SamCERA Plan 2 for members employed before July 13, 1997, or to SamCERA Plan 4 for members employed after July 12, 1997.

Plan 4: Permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees, who are employed after July 12, 1997 are eligible for membership in Plan 4.

Membership Classifcations:

Safety Member: An employee whose principal duties consist of active law enforcement shall be a Safety Member. Certain classifications within the Sheriff's Office, and other agencies have been granted Safety Member status. Safety Members may be enrolled in Plan 1, Plan 2 or Plan 4.

Probation Member: Probation Officers have also been granted Safety benefits. Probation Members may be enrolled in Plan 1, Plan 2 or Plan 4.

General Member: A permanent full-time and permanent part-time employee in a job classification which has not been granted Safety status shall be a General Member. General Members may be enrolled in Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 3 or Plan 4.