As a retired MercedCERA member, you may work for a
MercedCERA employer without affecting your monthly
retirement benefit as long as you comply with the following
requirements:
180 Day Break in Service
General members must have a 180-day break in service following
retirement before returning to work for a MercedCERA employer. A
general member can return to work before the end of the 180 days
only if the appointment is considered a “critical and necessary
function” to prevent work stoppage in an emergency and is
approved by the Board of Supervisors in a public meeting.
Public Safety Officer or Probation Officer
A public safety officer or firefighter is generally exempt
from the 180-day separation requirement if returning to work in a
public safety officer or firefighter position.
Other Break in Service Rules
Other break in service rules still apply, in accordance with IRS
regulations, for members who retire prior to “normal retirement
age” which is 60 for general members and 50 for safety
members.
960 Hour Limit per Year
Retirees may continue to receive their retirement benefit if
their extra help employment with a MercedCERA employer is limited
to 960 hours during each fiscal year (July 1st to June
30th). If a retiree works over the 960 hour limit, the law
dictates severe financial penalties such as paying back all of
your retirement benefits.
Unemployment Insurance
A retiree who receives unemployment insurance arising from the
end of an extra help assignment may not be employed in any public
employment capacity for a period of 12 months after the
unemployment benefits cease. Also, a retiree must not
receive unemployment insurance, while receiving a monthly
retirement benefit.
