Divisions & Offices

Our Actuarial Office prepares separate actuarial valuations for the state, school employers, and each contracting public agency every year. The valuations are based on adopted benefits, actuarial methods, and assumptions set by the board; and membership and financial data for each plan. The valuations compare the assets to the accrued liability for each plan and determine the employer contribution rate for the coming year. Additional actuarial valuations are made throughout the year to determine the impact of benefit improvements, mergers and reclassifications, and legislated changes.

Communications & Stakeholder Relations is responsible for advocating for our members and stakeholders by providing information to state and federal governmental entities. They create and maintain relationships to ensure the integrity of the CalPERS Trust; promote CalPERS as a professional, responsive, well-managed organization; and build support for our policies and programs.

Office of Public Affairs

Our Office of Public Affairs (PAOF) directs and supports effective communications, including member information, media relations, publications management and distribution, graphic design, video production, and internal communications. PAOF also manages the digital content and overall communications strategy for our CalPERS and myCalPERS websites, and various social media channels.

Stakeholder Relations

Stakeholder Relations oversees all activities that directly connect our staff with leadership of key stakeholder groups to ensure the development and maintenance of strong partnerships. By hosting recurring roundtables, briefings, and forums, they serve to establish a clear line of communication with our stakeholders, labor groups, employer and retiree associations, and more. They also coordinate internal and external events for staff, such as large meetings, conferences, forums, and educational events; and identify opportunities for key staff to represent CalPERS at industry conferences at the state, national, and global levels. Additionally, this office fields Public Records Requests to ensure timely and accurate responses.

Legislative Affairs Division

Our Legislative Affairs Division is responsible for identifying, monitoring, and representing CalPERS on state and federal issues that may impact members and employers. It coordinates the analysis of state and federal legislation and advocates the policies and positions of the CalPERS Board of Administration in all appropriate governmental forums.

Diversity Outreach Program

The CalPERS Diversity Outreach Program (CDOP) helps develop inclusive leaders who can effectively manage the changing demographics of the CalPERS workplace and marketplace. CDOP's unique approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion utilizes a combination of consulting, workshops, and support tools customized to our workforce needs and helps promote a culture of inclusion, engagement, and high performance.

Customer Education & Outreach Division

Our Customer Education & Outreach Division educates CalPERS team members, employers, and members about program benefits and services.

• Regional Offices provide personal assistance with program benefits and services, and educational events. Eight offices are located across the state in Fresno, Glendale, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose, and Walnut Creek.
• The Education Center provides instructor-led and online employer and member education as well as other specialized education requests and materials.

Customer Experience Division

Our Customer Experience Division is the first point of contact for CalPERS employers and members, both active and retired.

• The Customer Contact Center provides a single point of contact to help with all employer and member business. Specially trained CalPERS representatives can be reached at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377).

Disability & Survivor Benefits Division

The Disability & Survivor Benefits Division (DSBD) administers the processing of survivor and disability benefits for CalPERS members, which includes adjudicating disability retirement and industrial disability retirement benefit claims and appeals, overseeing the recruitment and screening of Independent Medical Examination physicians, and educating employer groups, employee organizations, and CalPERS team members regarding the disability retirement program. Additionally, DSBD determines eligibility and calculates benefit amounts for survivors following the death of a CalPERS member or retiree, prepares death benefit estimates for retirees requesting amounts payable upon their death, and conducts audits of death verification reports to identify unreported deaths of CalPERS payees. DSBD also responds to inquiries from members, annuitants, and employers via various channels.

Employer Account Management Division

The Employer Account Management Division provides retirement account management for CalPERS employers and business partners. We assist all employers with compensation and contribution services; membership services including eligibility, member elections, and retirement enrollment assistance; and technical support, and troubleshooting with myCalPERS. Also part of this division, the State Social Security Administrator provides consultative services to include training, outreach, and education for all California governmental entities regarding their 218 agreements.

Member Account Management Division

The Member Account Management Division administers the Service Credit Purchase & Elections Program. Services include assisting with requests and elections for purchasing service credit, providing refunds of member contributions, and conducting in-depth research and analysis of member accounts to address potential service credit accrual discrepancies. Services also include providing a wide range of administrative support to all divisions in the Customer Services & Support Branch.

Retirement Benefit Services Division

The Retirement Benefit Services Division (RBSD) supports the processing of retirement benefits for CalPERS members and completes the end-to-end process for Judges and Legislators. In addition to processing requests for these benefits, the division responds to telephone, Internet, and written requests for information and other inquiries from members, employers, and annuitants. RBSD also ensures continuation of health benefits coverage for entitled retirement members. Other services provided to retired members include processing the monthly payment roll, making adjustments to benefit payments, conducting the annual tax reporting process, processing reinstatements, and other post retirement employment needs.

Financial Reporting & Accounting

Our Financial Reporting & Accounting Services (FRAS) manages and directs the accounting activities for all funds and programs administered by CalPERS.

The accounting services section maintains the various accounts required to conduct the financial operations of CalPERS, Legislators, Judges, Judges II, Contingency Reserve, Health Care, and Social Security Funds. They maintain records of all income, disbursements, and transfers for the funds' accounts and all cash receipts and disbursements for various investments and benefit payments. They also initiate payments of contracting public agency premiums to health plans.

Financial Planning, Policy & Budgeting Division

Our Financial Planning, Policy & Budgeting Division (FPPB) coordinates the funding for the administration of all CalPERS programs. They provide support for management systems to assist CalPERS in improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The budget management section coordinates, develops, and monitors the annual operating budget for CalPERS and gathers workload information for management.

Supplemental Income Program

The Supplemental Income Program administers two defined contribution plans for public agency members. These plans include the CalPERS Supplemental Income 457 Plan, as well as the Supplemental Contribution Plan.

Enterprise Compliance, Risk & Governance Office

The mission of the Enterprise Compliance, Risk & Governance Office (ECRG) is to ensure, promote, and support an organizational culture that builds compliance awareness into the daily business processes for investments, health, and retirement. This mission is accomplished by monitoring CalPERS business activities, policies, and procedures, and by establishing an infrastructure that assures management that program areas comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and best practices.

The office is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system that builds compliance awareness into daily business activities. They also advise the CalPERS Board of Administration and Executive Officers on compliance issues within CalPERS investments, health, and retirement operations.

ECRG is also responsible for collaborating at the enterprise level to achieve CalPERS’ Strategic Plan Goal of cultivating a risk-intelligent organization. More specifically, ECRG develops and oversees the enterprise risk management framework, including the Enterprise Risk Management Dashboard, Enterprise Risk Profiles, Risk Management Heat Map, and Developing Risk Report that is reported to the CalPERS Risk and Audit Committee.

This team also facilitates risk management training; collects and analyzes developing risk information; facilitates Enterprise Risk Assessments; and develops tools to assist the board, executive team, and program areas in identifying, monitoring, and mitigating risks.

Legal Office

The Legal Office provides legal advice to the CalPERS Board of Administration, Executive Office, and staff regarding benefit, membership, contract, health care, and investment issues. Staff attorneys also represent CalPERS at court cases, subrogation, collections, and other legal actions. They also coordinate Attorney General representation at hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings, Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, and Board of Control.

Office of Audit Services

The Office of Audit Services assists the CalPERS Board of Administration and chief executive officer in the effective and efficient management of our activities. The office, in concert with the external auditor engaged by the board, provides an independent appraisal of our operations and programs. The office performs comprehensive reviews of our programs, vendors, health plans, investment managers, and public agency employers. Staff also respond to requests for special reviews and consulting projects. As provided in the charter, the Office of Audit Services submits an audit plan to the Risk & Audit Committee for adoption.

Clinical Policy and Program Section

The Clinical Policy and Programs Section (CPPS) develops, implements, and provides oversight for clinical and pharmaceutical policies and programs that provide access, ensure quality care,  and develop long-term strategies that support affordability for CalPERS members and their families.  

Health Account Management Division

Health Account Management Division (HAMD) provides health enrollment and eligibility services for the State of California, California State University, and participating public agency and school employees, retirees, and their families. HAMD also coordinates CalPERS annual Open Enrollment period, as well as Medicare enrollment and health premium reconciliation activities. Additionally, HAMD markets the CalPERS health program to public agencies and schools, processes changes to current health contracts, and conducts monthly billing to public agencies and schools.

Health Plan Research and Administration Division

Health Plan Research and Administration (HPRA) Division oversees the benefit design, rate negotiation, and plan oversight for nine Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, three Self-Funded Preferred Provider (PPO) Plans, three Medicare Advantage Plans and three Medicare Supplement Plans, one Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM), and provides oversight for three association plans. HPRA closely manages $9 billion in health care revenues to ensure high quality health care and value for 1.5 million active and retired CalPERS members and beneficiaries. Additionally, HPRA conducts health care policy research projects, including in-depth surveys of CalPERS membership and management of a comprehensive health care data warehouse, to inform health care policy making.  

Strategic Health Operations Division

The Strategic Health Operations Division (SHOD) plans, implements, coordinates, evaluates, and manages the administrative aspects within the Health Policy and Benefits Branch (HPBB); provides remedial action on member grievances and appeals as they relate to CalPERS; serves as an integral stakeholder in the formulation of policy to achieve the mission of HPBB and CalPERS. SHOD also oversees the Long-Term Care Program which provides comprehensive long-term care protection, including care at home, in adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

Under the general direction of the CalPERS Board of Administration, Investment Committee, and Executive Office, the Investment Office is responsible for the investment and management of CalPERS assets. Additional information is available on the Investment Office Organization page.

Enterprise Strategy & Performance Division

Our Enterprise Strategy & Performance Division provides services across a broad range of activities to enhance organizational efficiencies. They guide CalPERS strategic and business planning, internal innovation, organizational development, project oversight, and business process enhancements.

Human Resources Division

Our Human Resources Division recruits, trains, evaluates, promotes, and retains a high-quality work force. The division:

• Administers employee benefits
• Determines appropriate position classification and compensation levels
• Manages an extensive examination and recruitment program
• Oversees the CalPERS Employee Assistance Program, Employee Relations, Recognition, Safety, Wellness, and Return to Work programs
• Provides ongoing management advice and consultation concerning human resources issues

Information Technology Services Branch

Our Information Technology Services Branch (ITSB) partners with business stakeholders to design and implement technology solutions that add business value and deliver customer focused results. Services include system analysis, design, programming, testing, implementation, and maintenance for major computer systems and databases. The branch provides technical support and training for personal computers, local area networks, and office automation facilities. In support of innovation, the branch also conducts research, evaluation, and development of new information technology products and facilities to align with the CalPERS mission.

Enterprise Solutions Development Division (ESDD)

ESDD is responsible for application architecture, application development, and maintenance of custom business solutions, and integration with commercial off-the-shelf software. ESDD leads the major facets of the software development lifecycle including business analysis, user experience and interactive design, user research, development, and quality assurance for CalPERS systems, websites, and applications. ESDD leverages rapid application development techniques for implementing innovative solutions in support of enterprise operations and business needs.

Information Security Office (ISOF)

ISOF oversees information security and privacy at CalPERS. They work closely with our program areas to protect member privacy and the safety of CalPERS information assets. ISOF creates security policies and ensures we're conforming to security, privacy and HIPAA laws and regulations. They also monitor our technology systems for suspicious activity, manage information security incidents, and increase security awareness through training and communications.

Technology Business Management Division (TBMD)

TBMD is responsible for ITSB's strategy and operational integrity to deliver IT products and services. They plan and design enterprise architecture, provide project and portfolio management, deliver business intelligence and data analytics services, and manage ITSB's service management program. TBMD also oversees ITSB's financial management and resource planning, providing sound business management and support to the enterprise.

Technology Infrastructure Services Division (TISD)

TISD is responsible for managing all CalPERS IT infrastructure services, personal productivity tools, and provides a single point of contact for incident reporting and service fulfillment.

Operations Support Services Division

The Operations Support Services Division provides a variety of essential support services to the CalPERS Board of Administration, management, and staff pertaining to work environment and day-to-day operational needs. Primary responsibilities include:

• Contract services
• Copy and printing services
• Facilities and building services
• Mailroom and receiving services
• Parking and rideshare
• Purchasing services
• Records, forms, and imaging services

Policy Research & Data Analytics

Policy Research & Data Analytics (PRDA) provides research, guidance, and data analytics to CalPERS on critical retirement-related issues. PRDA employs research techniques to proactively plan for CalPERS' long-term security, assess the impact of potential retirement policy changes, and use data analytics to drive business decisions. The division:

• Provides objective policy research, analysis, and recommendations to resolve key retirement policy issues and ensure alignment between statutory compliance and business practices
• Conducts objective pension policy research and analysis to support CalPERS Strategic & Business Plan objectives and state and federal retirement policy development
• Leverages retirement data to proactively identify system issues and support fact-based decisions to sustain the viability of CalPERS
• Guides business improvements through industry research, policy research, and advanced data analytics
• Investigates influences of and risks to retirement sustainability and security at the system and individual perspective