Pay Days
Benefits are paid at the beginning of the month for the previous month's benefits. For tax reasons, your December retirement check is always dated the first day of the new year. The State Controller's Office issues checks and determines mailing dates. If you have direct deposit, contact your financial institution to see when funds are placed in your account.
2024
| Benefit Month | Southern California/ Out of State Mail Date |
Northern California Mailing Date | Direct Deposit Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | December 27 | December 27 | January 2, 2025 |
2025
| Benefit Month | Southern California/ Out of State Mail Date |
Northern California Mailing Date | Direct Deposit Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | January 29 | January 29 | January 31 |
| February | February 26 | February 26 | February 28 |
| March | March 27 | March 28 | April 1 |
| April | April 28 | April 28 | May 1 |
| May | May 28 | May 28 | May 30 |
| June | June 26 | June 26 | July 1 |
| July | July 29 | July 29 | August 1 |
| August | August 27 | August 27 | August 29 |
| September | September 26 | September 26 | October 1 |
| October | October 29 | October 29 | October 31 |
| November | November 25 | November 25 | December 1 |
| December | December 29 | December 29 | January 2, 2026 |
The State Controller's Office distinguishes Northern and Southern California using ZIP codes:
- Southern California is between 90000 through 93599
- Northern California is between 93600 through 96199
Retirement Checks
- Direct Deposit
- Pay Days
Resources
Forms & Publications
- 2024 Pay Days for CalPERS Retirees and Beneficiaries (PDF)
- 2025 Pay Days for CalPERS Retirees and Beneficiaries (PDF)
- Direct Deposit Authorization (PDF)
- Member Change of Address (PDF)
- Internal Revenue Code Section 415(b) Fact Sheet (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
- 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.