Manage Your Core State Pension

While voluntary accounts help you build extra wealth, your state pension is the foundation of your retirement. Log in regularly to verify your service credit years, learn more about the pension system, and view your annual retirement progress reports.

• Certificated Staff: myCalSTRS Login
• Classified Staff: myCalPERS Login

Voluntary Retirement Plans (403b & 457b)

Administered by SchoolsFirst FCU, the "Retirement Builder Plan" allows you to supplement your pension with tax-advantaged savings.

• Eligibility: Most employees are eligible for 403(b); those working 20+ hours/week qualify for 457(b).
• Key Benefit: Watch earnings grow tax-deferred and borrow from savings if needed.
• Advisor Support: Access financial professionals to customize your plan.
   

Learn more on the SchoolsFirst website

Contacts and Hours of Operation:

Phone: 800-462-8328 ext. 4727
Fax: 714-258-4262
Email: rpa@schoolsfirstfcu.org

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 7 am to 7 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 3 pm

Important Websites:

• SchoolsFirst Plan Administration Plan Vue® Website
• 403(b) Compare

Your Section 125 Plan Administrator, American Fidelity, serves as our Section 125 provider, helping ACUSD and ACOE employees navigate their pre-tax benefit options. Through this partnership, you can enroll in tax-advantaged accounts (like Dependent Care) and eligible insurance products. Their representatives are available to help you structure your benefits package to ensure you are receiving the maximum tax savings available.

Available Products Include:

Income & Family Protection

• Disability Income Insurance replaces a portion of your paycheck if you are unable to work due to injury or illness, ensuring you can still pay your bills. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Term Life Insurance: Affordable coverage for a specific time period (e.g., 20 years). Ideal for protecting your family during high-expense years, such as raising children. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Whole Life Insurance: Permanent coverage that lasts a lifetime. It guarantees a death benefit and builds cash value you can access in emergencies. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Term 100 Life Insurance: Coverage that lasts up to age 100, offering the longevity of permanent insurance with the lower cost of a term policy. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
   

Health & Medical Support

• Accident Insurance: Pays you direct cash benefits for injuries like fractures or burns. Use the money for deductibles, co-pays, or any other expense. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Cancer Insurance: Provides direct funds to help cover costs medical insurance often misses, such as travel and lodging for treatment. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Critical Illness Insurance: Pays a lump-sum benefit upon diagnosis of major conditions like heart attack or stroke, giving you immediate financial flexibility. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Pays a daily cash benefit if you are admitted to the hospital, helping cover admission fees and out-of-pocket gaps. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website

Financial & Tax Planning

• Health Savings Account (HSA): A tax-free savings account for medical expenses (must have a High Deductible Health Plan). Funds roll over year to year and are yours forever. NOTE: CalPERS Health currently does not have an HDHP option. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Dependent Care Accounts: Save money by paying for eligible childcare or elder care using pre-tax dollars deducted directly from your paycheck. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website
• Retirement Savings: Supplement your pension with conservative annuity options for your 403(b) or 457(b) plans. Learn more on the American Fidelity Website

Contact American Fidelity

Phone: 800-365-8306
Email: Steve.Steinman@americanfidelity.com
Learn more on the American Fidelity Website

Supporting Your Health Care in Retirement

TRACS was established to help bridge the gap in healthcare costs after you retire. By accruing contributions during your active employment, you build a balance that helps pay your insurance premiums later in life. Visit this page to understand your "Benefit Calculation" and how to access your funds upon retirement.

Visit the TRACS website

CalSTRS Pension2® Designed specifically for California educators, Pension2® is CalSTRS' voluntary supplemental savings program. It offers 403(b) and 457(b) plans with low costs and no commissions, ensuring more of your money goes toward your retirement.

Why Choose Pension2?

• Low Fees: As a non-profit program, it has no load fees, surrender charges, or advisor commissions.
• Pension Integration: Designed to close the gap between your defined benefit pension (which replaces ~50-60% of salary) and your actual retirement needs.
• Easy Choice Portfolios: Simple investment options based on your target retirement year.

How to Enroll:

1. Open Your Account: Visit the Pension2 website or call 888-394-2060.
2. Start Contributions: Once your account is open, log in to SchoolsFirst (our TPA) to submit your Salary Reduction Agreement.

As an employee of a public school district, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. After making 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for ACUSD/ACOE, the remaining balance on your Direct Loans could be forgiven tax-free. Learn More & Use the PSLF Help Tool.

Protecting the benefits of those who served California.

RPEA is a non-profit association dedicated to advocating for the pension and health benefits of all active and retired CalPERS members.

• Visit the RPEA Website
• Download the Informational Pamphlet (PDF)

Payroll & Tax Documents

Need to view your paystub, download your W-2, or update your tax withholding (W-4/DE-4)? Visit the Employee Self-Service Portal to manage your payroll details. 

Employee Portal