More in Retirement Checks

Direct Deposit

CalPERS offers direct deposit to ensure your monthly benefit payments are securely deposited at your financial institution.

There are two ways to sign up for direct deposit:

Once we receive your form, we'll send you a confirmation letter. If there's a problem with your form, we'll return it within approximately two weeks along with a letter explaining what we need.

If you're changing financial institutions or transferring your direct deposit to another account within the same bank, you can make changes:

Once we receive your form, we'll send you a confirmation letter. If possible, keep your current bank account open until you receive our letter confirming the date we'll deposit your next benefit payment to the new account.

If you want to stop your direct deposit, contact us at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377), online, or by mail. If you contact us in writing, include your:

  • Bank name and account number (to verify we're deleting the correct bank account)
  • Daytime phone number (in case we need to contact you)
  • Name
  • Social Security number

Close an Account

Contact us immediately. If the financial institution has already returned your deposit, we'll send a replacement check to your home. If the check hasn't yet been returned, we'll watch for it and mail you a check once the funds are returned.

National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) banking regulations require CalPERS to discontinue the electronic funds transfer (EFT) for some international transactions.

If your entire CalPERS benefit allowance is electronically deposited to a foreign bank outside the territorial jurisdiction of the U.S., a paper check will need to be mailed instead of the EFT. The territorial jurisdiction of the U.S. includes all 50 states, U.S. territories, U.S. military bases, and U.S. embassies in foreign countries.

To update your address to receive a mailed paper check, contact us at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) or in writing at:

CalPERS
Retirement Benefit Services Division – Unit 482
P.O. Box 734
Sacramento, CA 95812-734

Please include your first and last name, address, birth year (used to verify your account), and phone number.

Your benefit statement, which is available online, will indicate the amount deposited in your account and itemize any reimbursement or authorized deductions.

You can access your personal account information by logging in to your myCalPERS account. If you have not created your account, go to myCalPERS and follow the easy steps to complete the registration process. To update your payment preference, click on Retirement, select Payment Options and follow the prompts.

Out-of-State Residents

  • Inside the U.S. - Most financial institutions can accept and provide direct deposit, but they must belong to the National Clearing House Association (NACHA). Before signing up for direct deposit, first verify that your financial institution belongs to NACHA.
  • Outside the U.S. - To see if you're eligible for direct deposit, see the federal requirements for electronic funds transfer (EFT) above.

Retirement Checks

Resources

Forms & Publications

View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can someone else establish direct deposit for me?

    Your attorney-in-fact (someone you designate by special power of attorney) can establish direct deposit. We'll need a copy of the power of attorney authorizing that person to act on your behalf. Review the CalPERS Special Power of Attorney (PUB 30) (PDF) to learn more.

  • On what day of the month will my direct deposit be made?

    Your retirement or benefit payment will transfer into your account on the first day of the month. If the first day is a non-banking day, the transfer will happen on the banking day prior to the first. To comply with Internal Revenue Service regulations in reporting retirement income for the proper tax year, transfers dated January 1 must be processed on the first banking day after New Year's Day. View retirement check Pay Days.

  • What are the deductions on my retirement check?
    Deductions on your retirement check can vary. Some are automatic, such as those for health benefits, service credit purchase, or liens and levies related to Internal Revenue Service or State Franchise Tax Board actions. Optional deductions are member-authorized for payments to organizations that have agreements on file with CalPERS, such as life insurance premiums, union dues, or charitable contributions.
  • What if I close my account and forget to notify CalPERS?

    Once you realize this has happened, contact us immediately. If the financial institution has already returned your deposit, we'll send a replacement check to your home. If the check has not yet been returned, we will watch for it and mail you a check once the funds are returned.

  • When can I enroll in direct deposit?
    You can sign up at any time. To enroll online, log in to my|CalPERS, go to the Retirement tab, and select Payment Options. To enroll by mail, complete the Direct Deposit Authorization (PDF).
  • When will I get my first retirement check?
    That depends on your retirement date and when your final documents are received and processed by CalPERS. The first payment can take up to 30-45 calendar days from your retirement date or the date your application is received, whichever is later. Because each case is different, contact us to know exactly when your first check will be sent.