Member Publications
Member Publications
Member Handbook, Your Retirement Guide, Retirement Progress Report and other benefit information
For accessible versions of files on this page, contact ADACoordinator@CalSTRS.com.
Member Handbook
Comprehensive information about CalSTRS benefits, programs and resources for members and part-time educators.
Welcome to CalSTRS
Introduces CalSTRS programs, benefits and resources for new full- and part-time teachers.
Your Smart Start Member Kit
For Early Career Members
Steps you can take now for the future you want.
Your Smart Target Member Kit
For Midcareer Members
What you can do now to increase your retirement benefit and plan for your secure future.
Your Smart Near Retirement Member Kit
For Members Near Retirement
It’s never too late to start planning for your CalSTRS retirement.
Your Newly Retired Member Kit
For Newly Retired Members
Information you need to know now that you’re retired.
Join CalSTRS? Join CalPERS?
Details differences in the two public retirement systems, changing from one system and dual membership.
Concurrent Retirement
Explains the special circumstances of retiring concurrently from CalSTRS and certain other California public retirement systems.
Working After Retirement
Covers the state and federal law restrictions if you return to work after service retirement in a CalSTRS-covered position, including substitute teaching.
Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits
Covers disability benefits eligibility, including types of coverage, application process, and benefits planning services.
Your Disability Benefits Guide
Contains the specifics of applying for disability benefits and the forms. Call 800-228-5453 to schedule an appointment with a CalSTRS benefits specialist who can assist you with the application process. Read Introduction to CalSTRS Disability Benefits first to be sure you understand the eligibility requirements.
Purchase Service Credit Now
Overview of purchasing service credit and effects on final retirement benefits.
Purchase Additional Service Credit
Comprehensive information on making informed decisions to purchase additional service credit.
Survivor Benefits: Remember Your Loved Ones
Reviews the three types of benefits available to your survivors after your death. Includes a worksheet and pocket to organize important documents.
Cash Balance Benefit Program: A Retirement Plan for Part-Time and Adjunct Educators
Explains this program, an alternative retirement plan for part-time educators that some employers offer.
Social Security, CalSTRS and You
Explains the two federal rules that affect the Social Security benefits you may receive as a spouse or through other employment. These rules do not affect your CalSTRS retirement benefit.
Retirement Progress Report
Provides a personalized overview of your CalSTRS account and benefits, as well as information and resources for planning your financial future.
Tax Considerations for Rollovers
Summarizes federal and state rules on rollovers, including income tax withholding, and payments to surviving spouses and beneficiaries.
Refund: Consider the Consequences
Brief overview of pros and cons of taking a refund of your CalSTRS contributions.
Community Property Guide
Summarizes how California’s community property laws and Teachers’ Retirement Law affect CalSTRS benefits. Explains methods of dividing community property interests in member accounts. Includes forms.
myCalSTRS
Introduces myCalSTRS, your online resource for managing your CalSTRS accounts, viewing your Retirement Progress Report, submitting forms and more at each stage of your career.
Uniformed Services Credit
Summarizes your right to receive benefits for qualified uniformed service under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
Benefit Improvement: Supplemental Payments
Details and explains purchasing power protection, annual 2% benefit adjustment. Includes estimation worksheets.
Pension2 eBook
CalSTRS Pension2 is CalSTRS’ voluntary defined contribution plan. Pension2 offers the opportunity to invest through tax-advantaged payroll deductions in low cost, flexible 403(b), Roth 403(b) and 457(b) plans for additional retirement savings.
