Latest News
1099-R Forms Update
January 15, 2025
Attention Members:
Starting Friday, January 17, 2025, you can download your 1099-R form directly from your myOCERS account.
For those receiving a mailed copy, 1099-R forms will be sent out by Friday, January 31, 2025, and allow up to 5 business days for the mailed copy to arrive.
Assistance During California Wildfires
January 9, 2025
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent California wildfires. We know this is an incredibly challenging time for many of our members and colleagues in the area. We’re wishing for everyone’s safety and a swift recovery for the impacted communities.
If you’re having trouble accessing your funds due to the fires, please reach out to our dedicated OCERS staff — we’re here to help. Stay safe.
Address Update for 1099-R Mailing
January 8, 2025
If you are an OCERS payee and have recently moved, please make sure to submit an address change using your myOCERS account by Friday, January 10, 2025, to ensure the timely delivery of your 1099-R form. 1099s will be mailed out on Wednesday, January 31, 2025.
Update: The Social Security Fairness Act
January 7, 2025
The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed into law on January 5, 2025. This legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduced Social Security benefits for people who also receive public pensions from jobs that did not pay into Social Security.
Please note that this change does not impact your OCERS retirement benefit.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is evaluating how to implement the changes required by this Act.
Update: The Social Security Fairness Act
January 6, 2025
From SSA.Gov: The Social Security Fairness Act, HR 82, concerning the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, was signed into law on January 5, 2025. Upon implementation, the Social Security Fairness Act eliminates the reduction of Social Security benefits while entitled to public pensions from work not covered by Social Security. The Social Security Administration is evaluating how to implement the Act.
OCERS Celebrates 80 Years of Superior Pension Service
January 1, 2025
Happy 2025! OCERS is proud to celebrate a momentous milestone—our 80th Anniversary. Since our founding in 1945, we have built a reputation for delivering exceptional pension service, positively impacting countless lives across Orange County and beyond. As we reflect on our rich history and achievements this year, we’re also looking ahead with a renewed focus on excellence and innovation in public service.
Stay tuned for exciting events and initiatives as we honor 80 years of dedicated public service!
https://www.ocers.org/80th-anniversary
The Social Security Fairness Act
December 23, 2024
The Social Security Fairness Act was passed by the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by President Biden. It repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. . The bill eliminates the government pension offset, which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own.
OCERS CIO on 2024 Power 100 List
October 3, 2024
Congratulations to our Chief Investment Officer, Molly Murphy, for being included in the 2024 Power 100 list of CIOs.
Ms. Murphy and others listed are acknowledged for their ability to build strong teams that serve their mission and beneficiaries, regardless of the market or investment climate.
See the entire list here: https://www.ai-cio.com/lists/2024-power-100/
Wishing Strength and Healing to Injured OCFA Firefighters and Their Families
September 20, 2024
We extend our most profound support and prayers to the Orange County Fire Authority firefighters who were critically injured at last night’s rollover crash on the 241 Freeway. Our hearts go out to them and their families during this time.
Today marks the beginning of a challenging journey for these brave firefighters, their loved ones, and the OCFA community.
Our entire OCERS Team stand in solidarity with OCFA, wishing our courageous firefighters strength and healing in the days ahead.
OCERS Appoints David Kim as its Assistant CEO, External Operations
August 6, 2024
Santa Ana, CA (August 6, 2024) – The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Kim as its new Assistant Chief Executive Officer, External Operations (ACEOEO), effective August 23rd, succeeding the soon-to-retire Suzanne Jenike.
Congratulations CALAPRS Management/Leadership Academy Graduates!
July 30, 2024
Congratulations to the newest California Association of Public Retirement Systems (CALAPRS) Management/Leadership Academy graduates! This program is designed for new and existing managers and leaders within California pension systems to collaborate with peers, tackle current challenges, and acquire tools for effective leadership. We proudly announce that Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications; Michael Guerrero, Finance Staff Analyst; Susan Kang, Finance Staff Analyst; and Will Tsao, Director of Enterprise Project Management Office, completed this year’s intensive program.
2024 Safety Member and Alternate Safety Member Trustee Election Results
July 16, 2024
Santa Ana, CA (July 16, 2024) – The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is pleased to announce the 2024 Board of Retirement Safety and Alternate Safety Members Trustee Election results. The election was held on June 18, 2024 for Active Safety Members, and the following individuals have been re-elected to the OCERS Board of Retirement.
Election Reminder for Active Safety Members
June 6, 2024
The official ballot for the Safety Membership Trustee Election is due June 18th. All ballots were mailed out on May 13th to the address on-file with your employer.
Please note that this election is for active safety members only. Retired safety members do not need to vote at this election.
Finance Department Wins Gold 2024 American Advertising Federation Award
May 8, 2024
OCERS received the Gold 2024 American Advertising Federation Award at the regional level for the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The report titled “Where Are They Now?” was created in collaboration with Inland Empire-based graphic design firm Spencer Lewis Group. Now, the 2022 report is up for consideration at the district level. Congratulations to the Finance Department for this well-deserved accolade.
OCERS Assistant CEO, External Operations Suzanne Jenike Announces Retirement
May 2, 2024
Santa Ana, CA (May 2, 2024) – With over two decades of dedicated service, Suzanne Jenike, the Assistant CEO, External Operations at the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), has announced her retirement effective January 2025.
Reminder: Update mailing address on file with your employer
March 28, 2024
The elections for General Membership Trustee and Safety Membership Trustee (including the Alternate Safety Trustee) will take place on June 18, 2024. Starting on May 13th, all members will receive their ballots via mail. To ensure receipt of these mailers, please verify with your employer that your address on file is current.
Election Notices for General Member and Safety Member for the OCERS Board of Retirement
March 5, 2024
Notices regarding the upcoming OCERS Board of Retirement election have been mailed out. This election will determine the individuals who will serve as the General Membership Trustee and Safety Membership Trustee (as well as the Alternate Safety Trustee). The terms for these positions span three years, commencing on January 01, 2025, and concluding on December 31, 2027.
March is Women’s History Month
March 1, 2024
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. At the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), this month holds special significance as we proudly showcase the diverse talents of our female employees.
Celebrating Government Communicators
February 24, 2024
On #GovernmentCommunicationsDay, OCERS recognizes and celebrates the dedicated government communicators who have made it their mission to inform, educate, and engage members and stakeholders year-round.
Internal Audit Department Earns Highest Rating for External Quality Assessment Review
February 14, 2024
The Orange County Employees Retirement System Internal Audit Team was recently recognized by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) for its hard work and dedication. The team earned the IIA’s highest rating for an external quality assessment review and was awarded a plaque for diligently fulfilling the stringent quality assessment requirements.