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UC Davis Retiree CenterspacespaceFrequently Asked Questions is null (FAQs)

The UC Davis Retiree Center is located at 1001 Conference Center Hall.

The Retirement Process

Who is eligible to retire?

To be eligible to retire from UC Davis, one must be at least age 50 with at least 5 years of University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP) service credit. To be eligible for UCRP, one must be appointed to work at least 50% time for a year or more or work 1,000 eligible hours in a 12-month period. Detailed retirement eligibility information can be found in the UC Retirement Handbook, which is also available at the benefits offices at both UC Davis and UC Davis Health System.

When should one start planning for retirement?

It is never too early (or too late) to start planning for retirement. Decades before retirement, the decisions made (or not made) will have a significant impact on the ability to retire with a desirable lifestyle. Those within five years of retirement are encouraged to read the Retiree Center’s Steps to Retirement brochure. Printed copies are available at the Retiree Center, 1001 Conference Center, or at the benefits offices at the UC Davis and health system campuses.

What steps should employees take if they want to retire in the foreseeable future?

Please visit the Retiree Center’s Planning for Retirement page, which provides a variety of links and resources to assist with retirement preparations. Those within five years of retirement should attend a Retirement Preparation Class, offered several times per year by the benefits offices. List of classes/dates:
   UC Davis campus: Staff Development & Professional Services
   Health system: Training and Development

Those who wish to explore options for volunteer or work in retirement can schedule an appointment with a career counselor at Staff Development & Professional Services (SDPS). These appointments are free and confidential. Appointments can be scheduled on an annual basis as plans are refined.

Ninety days prior to ones' effective date of retirement, employees will need to call their benefits office to schedule a retirement counseling appointment, during which they will receive information regarding retirement options. For more information, contact the benefits offices directly at:
   UC Davis campus Benefits Office telephone: (530) 752-1774
   Health system Benefits Office telephone: (916) 734-8099

The UC Davis Retiree Center

What does the Retiree Center do?

The UC Davis Retiree Center serves as an official unit to serve the needs of university retirees by planning social and educational programs, providing support to the UC Davis Emeriti Association and UC Davis Retirees’ Association, connecting retirees with volunteer opportunities, providing information and referrals to professional resources, and coordinating/publicizing pre-retirement programs for current faculty and staff. Social activities such as the fall Football Tailgate Party, winter Wine Tasting and spring Steak Bake allow retirees to reconnect with colleagues, and educational programs such as Older Americans Month speakers in May keep attendees informed of important issues. Quarterly day trips allow retirees to travel to regional sites with ease. Additionally, the Center sends newsletters to all retirees three times per year, via either U.S. mail or e-mail, and disseminates weekly e-mail updates.

The Center serves current and retired faculty, staff, and surviving spouse beneficiaries from UC Davis, the UC Davis Health System, and from other UC campuses who live in the Davis vicinity.

Where is the Retiree Center located and how can it be reached?

The UC Davis Retiree Center is located at 1001 UC Davis Conference Center on the Davis campus. The Retiree Center is generally staffed from 9-12 and 1-4, Monday through Friday. However, we are a two-person office, so please call prior to visiting to ensure that someone will be available. Contact the Center at:
   Telephone: (530) 752-5182
   E-mail:

Is membership required to access services ?

Membership is not required to access services and programs provided by the UC Davis Retiree Center. However, the Center does provide administrative support for the UC Davis Retirees Association (UCDRA) and the UC Davis Emeriti Association (UCDEA). All UC retirees are encouraged to join their respective associations as the groups advocate for the continuation of retiree benefits at both the local and state level. Additionally, the associations offer social and educational functions for their members. Members also receive discounted prices on Retiree Center trips and activities, as well as a complimentary membership to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which offers quality, affordable courses and events for seniors.

All retired faculty and staff are eligible to be regular members of the UCDRA. Retired members of the Academic Senate and non-Senate recipients of the Emeritus/a title are eligible to be members of the UCDEA, and may join both associations if they desire. Contact the associations in care of the Retiree Center at the contacts above.

What is the relationship between the Retiree Center, the UCDRA, and the UCDEA?

The UCDRA and the UCDEA are both all-volunteer member organizations that are affiliated with, but operate independently of, the university. The associations are funded by dues collected from their respective members. Members serve on volunteer committees and executive boards for the associations. Whereas the associations are self-funded, the Retiree Center is a campus-funded unit within University Relations. The Center provides some administrative support to the associations, and works jointly with them on programs and activities.

Is there an active retiree community on campus?

Over 4,000 UC Davis retirees live within a 40-mile radius of the campus. Many retirees are actively involved on campus, volunteering or working part-time in both academic and non-academic arenas, serving on committees or on advisory boards, and providing other assistance to the campus. By becoming involved in Retiree Center activities or by joining the UCDRA or the UCDEA, retirees can connect with this vibrant community.

Can the Center release contact information for retirees?

Confidentiality rules and privacy law prohibit the Center from providing personal information about constituents.

Retiree Benefits

What are some of the benefits retirees receive?

Retirees can obtain a retiree AggieCard which identifies one's status as a retiree and provides access to campus resources and discounts at various campus venues. Some of the benefits retirees receive are use of the campus libraries, a complimentary Retiree (RT) parking permit, and the continued use of a UC Davis e-mail account (emeriti), or complimentary e-mail forwarding service (staff). For more information on the Retiree Benefits page.

Are retirees from other UC campuses eligible for any benefits?

Retirees from other UC campuses or the UC Office of the President who live in the Davis vicinity are eligible to receive services from the Retiree Center and to join the UCDEAi and/or UCDRA (as applicable). Retirees from other campuses should inform the Center of their contact information. Retirees who join either the UCDRA or UCDEA are eligible to receive a complimentary retiree (RT) parking permit from Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS). Some campus units offer retiree discounts to those from other campuses.

Are lump-sum payees eligible for any benefits?

Retirees who take a lump-sum payout are not eligible to continue any health and welfare benefits. However they are eligible to receive services from the Retiree Center and to join the UCDEA and/or UCDRA (as applicable). Lump-sum payees can also obtain an AggieCard and are eligible for complimentary parking passes, library privileges, and retiree discounts at campus units.

How does one get a retiree ID card?

Complete details to obtain this card are on the Retiree Center's Benefits page.

How does one get a library card?

Retirees are eligible for the same level of services as current employees. A library bar code will be applied to the retiree's AggieCard. Privileges for retired staff must be renewed annually; privileges for emeritus/a faculty do not expire. For more information, contact the library directly at:
   Telephone: (530) 752-6561
   Website: http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/dept/access/circ/borcirc/libcardsprivileges.php#ret

How does one access the library on-line?

Only emeriti/ae professors qualify for a full computing account and therefore access to the on-line library databases. Retired staff who are working for a department in retirement can be sponsored by the department using the Temporary Affiliate Form (http://taf.ucdavis.edu). Depending on one's affiliate classification, the Library may grant access to the on-line databases.

The Library is under strict contracts as to who can access their databases, so visiting scholars, researchers, students, Open Campus students, University Extension students and many others do not qualify and cannot access those databases even though they all have Kerberos accounts. If it is found that UC Davis is in violation of the contracts access to those on-line databases can be permanently revoked for the entire campus.

How does one get an retiree (RT) parking permit?

Complete details to obtain an RT parking permit are on the Retiree Center's Benefits page.

Can retirees keep their UC Davis e-mail address?

Complete details about email account continuation are on the Retiree Center's Benefits page.

What discounts do retirees receive?

Retirees can receive discounts at the Department of Campus Recreation, the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University Dining Services and Unitrans. For more details on all of these discounts, visit the Retiree Center's Benefits page.

Financial Matters

How does one change his/her tax withholding?

Forms to elect or change withholding for UCRP monthly retirement income are available through At Your Service Online. An index of all forms is available. The specific form to elect or change withholding of UCRP monthly retirement income is UBEN 106.

How does one change his/her Direct Deposit information?

Forms to to enroll, change, or cancel the direct deposit of their UCRP benefit are available through At Your Service Online. An index of all forms is available. The specific form to enroll, change, or cancel direct deposit of UCRP monthly retirement income is UBEN 160.

How does one estimate his/her pension?

Automatically-generated UC Retirement Plan pension (and lump sum cash out) estimates are available by logging on to At Your Service Online. (Click on "View Your Retirement Estimates.") This estimator will also report one's current UC Retirement Plan service credit. Custom estimates can be calculated by following this link. Note: the Retirement Estimator on the At Your Service Online website uses the current Highest Average Plan Compensation (HAPC) in all the estimates. The closer one is to retirement, the more accurate the retirement estimate. Retirees should contact their local benefits office with any questions regarding the retirement estimates.

How can one find out more about retirement and savings options?

The easiest way to learn about the retirement and savings plans is to attend one of the retirement planning presentations offered by the benefits offices. At the Retirement Planning class, analysts discuss the sometimes complex options employees have in order to help plan for the future.
These links also provide helpful information:

How can one find out more about the DC, 403(b) and 457(b) Plans.

While UC is the administrator of the Retirement Savings Program, Fidelity Retirement Services provides the record keeping and account services. Click here for additional information.

Can retirees return to work at UC Davis?

In general, if a department has determined a staffing need to fill the replacement vacancy created by retirement, the position is filled by open recruitment. However, retirees can return to work after they retire, subject to certain provisions as outlined in UC policies. Policy restrictions vary for non-academic and academic appointments. As of 2009, no lump-sum cashout (LSC) recipient will be allowed to return to a career appointment.

Health Care Coverage

What healthcare coverage do retirees receive?

The University of California currently contributes toward the monthly cost of medical and dental coverage for retired employees who are receiving monthly benefits from the University of California Retirement System (UCRS). The university’s contribution toward the monthly cost of medical and dental coverage is determined by the UC Office of the President annually and is subject to change. Eligibility for continued coverage, as well as the amount of the university’s contribution, are both determined by one's years of UC service credit, and the date one became a retirement plan member. For details about service credit requirements, see the Retirement Handbook.

How much will retiree health care coverage cost?

Retiree health care costs vary based on the plan chosen, one's years of service credit, and the date on which one became a retirement plan member. Keep in mind that health insurance premiums have been increasing much faster than inflation, and this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. To estimate costs based on current premiums, download this eligibility and premium estimator tool (in Microsoft Excel format).

Can one change health care plans upon retirement?

One cannot change plans simply because of retirement. All changes to health care plans must be made during the annual Open Enrollment period, which is usually the month of November each year. Needed changes should be evaluated during the Open Enrollment period preceding retirement. Retirees can change plans at any time if they move out of their plan’s service area.

Can retirees get health care coverage even if they relocate?

Retirees can get health care coverage if they relocate, but not all health plans are available everywhere. Click here to search for medical plan availability by zip code.

What about vision, legal AD & D and life insurance?

Retirees have the option to continue vision, legal, AD & D (accidental death and dismemberment) and life insurance coverage, but will pay the entire premium for these plans. More information can be found in the Retirement Handbook

Who can help with questions about health care coverage after retirement?

The Health Care Facilitator Program (HCFP) helps retirees and employees understand and obtain full benefits and services from their health care plan. HCFP staff members maintain office hours at the UC Davis campus as well as the health system campus. For those preparing for retirement, the staff can provide information about coverage of different plans in retirement, and can assist with coordinating with Medicare. HCFP also offers a Health Insurance After You Retire presentation for current staff. This presentation is usually offered in the spring and fall quarters. For more information, contact HCFP directly at:
   UC Davis campus telephone: (530) 752-4264
   Health system campus telephone: (916) 734-8880
   Website: http://www.hr.ucdavis.edu/benefits/1hw/hcf

Medicare

Are UC Davis retirees required to enroll in Medicare?

If one is enrolled in a UC-sponsored medical plan after retirement and he/she or any of his/her enrolled family members become eligible for Medicare Part A free of charge, UC requires that he/she (or the family members) enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B. If a retiree does not enroll, his/her medical insurance will be permanently cancelled (exceptions: retirees who reside outside the U.S. or who will be traveling outside the U.S. for 6 months or more or those who retired prior to July 1, 1991). For assistance with this process, contact the Health Care Facilitator Program.

When should retirees enroll in Medicare?

Eligibility for Medicare is controlled by the Social Security Administration and usually begins at age 65, but those who are disabled may qualify at an earlier age. Retirees should begin the process of requesting information and applying for Medicare Parts A and B at least 3 months before age 65 even if they are not planning to request Social Security Income. To enroll in Medicare, call Social Security (not Medicare) or visit a Social Security office. The Benefits Office will be able to provide advice on the effective date to request Medicare. Once retirees have proof of enrollment in Medicare, they should contact the Health Care Facilitator Program for assistance with the next steps to ensure continued coverage of UC benefits. Consult UC’s Medicare Factsheet and the HCFP for more information.
   Social Security office locations can be found at www.ssa.gov
   Social Security telephone: (800) 772-1213

What are the different parts of Medicare?

Medicare is the United States' health insurance program for people age 65 or older, certain people with disabilities who are under age 65, and people of any age who have permanent kidney failure. There are three parts to Medicare. They are:

  1. Hospital insurance (Medicare Part A): financed by payroll taxes and, if one is eligible to receive it based on his/her own or his/her spouse’s employment, there is no premium
  2. Medical insurance (Medicare Part B): has a monthly premium which usually is deducted from one's Social Security check
  3. Prescription drug insurance (Medicare Part D): the university ’s medical plans coordinate with Medicare Part D, so retirees do not need to enroll in a separate plan for prescription drug coverage

How can one find out more information about Medicare?

Medicare information is available online at www.medicare.gov. For more information about UC’s Medicare requirements, see the Medicare Factsheet.
Contact Medicare at:
   Enrollment—Call Social Security: (800) 722-1213
   Website: www.ssa .gov
   Claims: (800) MED-ICARE
   Coordination of Benefits Contractor: (800) 999-1118

Social Security

How can one obtain information about estimated Social Security benefits?

Each year, everyone should receive the Social Security Statement from the Social Security Administration. This statement provides an estimate of one's Social Security benefits under current law. Estimates can also be obtained on the Social Security website. For more information, visit the Social Security website, or call them at:
   Telephone: (800) 772-1213

Will Social Security benefits increase over time?

In general, a very modest annual increase is awarded to offset cost-of-living increases. Beneficiaries will be notified of any new monthly amount by the Social Security Office in December of each year.

Are Social Security benefits taxed?

Yes, Social Security benefits are taxed, with a rate determined by one's income from all sources in a particular year.

What is full retirement age?

The age at which one is eligible to receive full Social Security benefits is based on their year of birth. Visit the Social Security website or call them for more information.
   Telephone: (800) 772-1213

What if one wants to collect Social Security prior to full retirement age?

Opting to draw Social Security benefits prior to full retirement age will result in reduced benefits. The minimum age to receive Social Security benefits is presently age 62. Visit the Social Security website or call them for more information.
   Telephone: (800) 772-1213

If one retires from UC Davis prior to full retirement age, but waits to collect Social Security until full retirement age, will Social Security benefits be affected?

Social Security benefits may be reduced if one retires from UC Davis prior to full retirement age, even if he/she waits to collect Social Security until full retirement age. Social Security benefits are calculated on one's 35 highest years of earnings. The calculation is complex, and beyond the scope of this website. Visit the Social Security website or call them for more information.
   Telephone: (800) 772-1213