Members

Deductions, Taxes & Insurance

Optional Deductions

You may request the following optional deductions be taken from your monthly VCERA benefit. You can change the deductions at any time in writing.

  • Federal and California income tax withholdings (if you elect no withholding, you are still responsible to pay all applicable taxes)
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance premiums
  • CalPERS Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Membership dues in the Retired Employees Association of Ventura County (REAVC) or SEIU
  • Charitable contributions or any other deduction approved by the Board of Retirement

Deductions may also be taken from your monthly retirement benefit if VCERA is served with a court order for the following reasons: spousal support, child support, or wage assignment levy from the Internal Revenue Service or the State of California to collect unpaid income taxes.

Income Tax

VCERA will withhold federal and state (California only) income taxes from your monthly retirement benefit according to the preferences you indicated on the Federal and California State Tax Withholding Form. You can update your preferences at any time by submitting a new form. A qualified tax advisor can assist you in determining the appropriate withholding amounts.

At the end of each January, VCERA will mail you a Form 1099-R showing the total retirement benefits paid to you in the preceding calendar year. The taxable portion of the distributions will be calculated using the Internal Revenue Service’s Special Rule. Under this Rule, you have a certain period of time (based on your age or the combined ages of you and your spouse) to recover after-tax contributions.

A Form 1099-R also will be issued for any refunds of taxable retirement contributions. Please keep your mailing address current with VCERA so that you receive important tax documents and other account information.

Please direct all questions regarding the taxability of your VCERA benefit to a qualified tax advisor.

Medical Insurance

VCERA does not administer retiree health benefits and thus cannot answer questions about such plans. For information on your eligibility in the County’s medical, dental and vision care plans, contact the Ventura County Human Resources Department at (805) 662-6791, or visit the Ventura County Retiree Health Benefits web page.

Some members may be eligible for the Legacy Retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement (“HRA Plan.”) The HRA Plan will provide eligible retirees a healthcare reimbursement account, funded by employer contributions in amounts based on individual bargaining agreements, with potential annual increases of up to 3%. To learn more, call the Ventura County HRA Administrator at (805) 654-5033, or visit the HRA Benefit web page.

If you are covered by the following unions or agency, contact them about your eligibility for medical coverage and other benefits:

For those retirees who currently participate in the Vision Service Plan (VSP), which was originally sponsored by the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS), please contact VSP at (800) 400-4569 for more information. VSP insurance is no longer offered to new enrollees through VCERA.

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) offers a comprehensive long-term care insurance program. Please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 or visit www.calpers.ca.gov for more information.