The San Mateo County Employees’ Retirement Association (SamCERA)
is a defined benefit pension plan providing retirement,
disability and death benefits for its eligible members and
beneficiaries. SamCERA is an independent government entity,
separate from the County of San Mateo.
SamCERA was founded in 1944 by the San Mateo County Board of
Supervisors. Today, the association administers benefits for all
permanent employees of the County of San Mateo, the San Mateo
County Superior Court, and the San Mateo County Mosquito and
Vector Control District.
SamCERA operates under authority granted by the County
Employees Retirement Law of 1937, also known as the ‘37 Act. In
addition, SamCERA is governed by the California
Constitution, the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act
of 2013 (PEPRA), and the regulations, procedures and policies
adopted by the SamCERA Board of Retirement. The Board of
Supervisors may also adopt resolutions and ordinances which may
affect the benefits of certain groups of SamCERA members.
Mission
SamCERA exists to serve as a loyal fiduciary for its members and
as a prudent administrator of the retirement system.
Goals
Provide caring, fair, accurate, timely and knowledgeable
professional services and information to members and other
stakeholders.
Prudently manage the assets in order to appropriately fund the
actuarial liabilities of the retirement system, to ensure the
ability to pay all earned benefits while minimizing the costs to
employers.
Constantly improve the effectiveness of SamCERA’s services and
the efficiency of its operations.
