Refund: Consider the consequences video

Members sometimes ask if they can take a refund of the contributions they’ve made to their CalSTRS defined benefit account. While this is allowed, you should carefully consider the consequences before applying for a refund.

Refund: Consider the consequences

Brief overview of pros and cons of taking a refund of your CalSTRS contributions.

Refunds FAQ

A refund is a distribution of your total accumulated contributions and interest on account with CalSTRS. When you take a refund, you terminate your…

Refund of contributions

If you no longer work in a CalSTRS-covered position, you can leave your money in CalSTRS until you reach 70½ or request a refund.

Early career considerations

As a CalSTRS member, you participate in a hybrid retirement system consisting of traditional defined benefit, cash balance and voluntary defined contribution plans.