Frequently Asked Questions
Question :
How do I enroll in the plan?
Answer :
Contact your employer or your dedicated Account Manager to obtain a Participant Enrollment Kit to select investments, deferral amount and designate beneficiaries. To enroll, the form must be signed by an employer representative.
Question :
How quickly can I get my money when I make requests for
withdrawals and distributions?
Answer :
Generally, checks are mailed first class from Boston within
3 business days of receiving your signed forms and documents.
Question :
Can I cancel a transaction after I receive a confirmation
number?
Answer :
Yes, transactions can be canceled any time before 1 PM
Pacific Time on the same day.
Question :
When can I expect my quarterly statements to arrive?
Answer :
To reduce cost and help the environment, account statements will be mailed to you just once per year in January. Statements will continue to be run every quarter and published to your CalPERS 457 Plan account online. If you’d like a paper copy of your statement, you can either print it from the website or call the CalPERS Information Line to mail a copy. Account statements will be available for up to 24 months on the website. If you have signed up for electronic delivery (eDelivery), you will receive an email notification as soon as your statement is available. To sign up for eDelivery, log into your CalPERS 457 Plan account and update your communication preferences to receive email notifications when your statements and other account documents are ready to view. If you have questions or need assistance, call the CalPERS Information Line at 1-800-260-0659.
Question :
I recently moved. How do I change my address in the Plan?
Answer :
Active participants must change their address through their Human Resources representative. If you're a terminated or retired plan participant, please update your address in the MyCalPERS system or call CalPERS Customer Service for assistance with making this update 1-888-225-7377.
Question :
I forgot my password. How can I get another one?
Answer :
Call the CalPERS Information Line at 1-800-260-0659 and
follow the instructions for requesting a password reminder. Your password
will be mailed first class within 2 business days to your address
on file.
Question :
What is the CalPERS Information Line?
Answer :
The CalPERS Information Line is an automated telephone
system that lets you perform most account transactions over the
phone. When you call the information line at
1-800-260-0659, you are asked to enter your Social
Security number and Personal Identification Number. Then a
recorded voice guides you through the menus, and you make your
selections by pressing the appropriate keys on your telephone
keypad. (If you are using a rotary phone, you will be connected
automatically to a Participant Service Representative during
regular business hours.)
Question :
How do I contact a Participant Service Representative?
Answer :
If you need help with any plan transaction, you can press
** on your telephone keypad any time during your call to talk
with a Participant Service Representative. Participant Service
Representatives are trained specialists who are knowledgeable
about the provisions of the Plan.
Question :
When are Transactions effective?
Answer :
Transactions completed before 1 PM Pacific Time are
effective the same business day. Transactions completed at or
after 1 PM Pacific time are effective the next business day.
Question :What kind of Transactions and Services are available via
the telephone?
Answer :Using the CalPERS Information Line you can:
- Check account balances.
- Check fund performance.
- Transfer balances from one fund to another.
- Change your contribution allocation to different funds
- Reset your account password.
- Request plan literature.
Question :What are some of the important features of the CalPERS Information Line?
Answer :- Representatives will ask you if you wish to redo a transaction before accepting it.
- Passwords are mailed to Address of Record ONLY.
- You can cancel or change transactions made that day prior to 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
- You will receive a confirmation number from a representative for each transaction. Have a pen and paper ready to record it.
- There is no overnight mailing of documents from Voya Financial.
- If you do not have your password, you will not be able to access your participant information. You may, however, request a password reminder, is mailed to your home address.
- We cannot accept or send faxes.
Question :
How do I use the CalPERS Information Line?
Answer :
Step 1: From a touch-tone telephone, dial 1-800-260-0659.
Step 2: Enter your Social Security number using the telephone keypad numbers.
Step 3: Enter your 6-digit password.
Step 4: From the Main Menu, select an appropriate number to perform the function you want.
At any time during your call, you can press:
9 — from any point to exit the Information line
* — from the main menu to reach a Participant Service Representative
* — from any point beyond the Main Menu to return to the main menu
** — from any point beyond the Main Menu to return to a Participant Service Representative.
Question :
How Does the Personal Choice Retirement Account (PCRA) work?
Answer :
The PCRA is a self-directed brokerage account (SDBA) designed to complement your CalPERS 457 Plan core investments. PCRA gives you greater access to thousands of additional investment choices. It is different than a typical retail brokerage account because it is part of your retirement plan. Because your assets are part of a retirement plan, your investments are tax-deferred. You can only fund your PCRA through transfers from your CalPERS 457 Plan core investments.
To open an account, a minimum transfer amount of $1,000 applies for initial and $250 for subsequent transfers. In addition, a minimum core fund investment balance of $1,000 must be maintained. The plan charges an annual plan administration fee of 23 basis points and a $50 annual maintenance fee. These fees are deducted pro rata on a monthly basis.
You can enroll in the Charles Schwab PCRA through your online account.
- Navigate to Investments & Research / Self Directed Brokerage Account page
- Choose ‘Open an Account’ on the Self Directed Brokerage Account page
- User is brought to the Terms & Conditions. Read information, check the box and click Continue
- User is brought to Schwab PCRA EAO Terms & Conditions page. Read information and click Accept
- Choose ‘Open new PCRA’ (or, Open new ROTH PCRA)
- Consent to Online App Process – click Continue
- Complete the Schwab PCRA Account Application
- Once Account Application is completed, the PCRA account number is displayed.
Click Continue to register new account access with Schwab