CalPERS launches 2025 benefits verification project to reduce overpayments and improve accuracy

In a recent meeting of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) Board, significant updates were shared regarding projects aimed at enhancing member services and ensuring the integrity of benefit payments. One of the key initiatives discussed was the 2025 Benefits Verification Project, which aims to prevent overpayments due to unreported member deaths. This year, CalPERS will conduct annual verification cycles, starting on March 27, targeting 10,000 retirees identified as high-risk based on age and benefit amounts. Members who do not respond will receive multiple notices, with the potential for their benefit checks to be withheld if they fail to verify their eligibility by July 18.

Last year's verification efforts uncovered over 200 unreported deaths, leading to $2.2 million in overpayments, of which $1.7 million has been recovered. The introduction of SoCure, a death verification vendor, has further enhanced these efforts, identifying 460 deaths and recovering $3.3 million from a total of $4.1 million in overpayments.

In addition to the verification project, the board discussed ongoing improvements in the collection of overpayments. A new partnership with Cedar Financial aims to streamline debt recovery across the United States, while internal teams are working to identify and correct payroll errors that could lead to future discrepancies.

The meeting also highlighted CalPERS' commitment to member education, with successful benefit education events attracting hundreds of attendees. The first in-person event of 2025 took place in Visalia, and upcoming sessions are planned in Burbank and Monterey, among other locations.

As CalPERS continues to address these critical issues, the board remains focused on enhancing member services and ensuring the financial sustainability of the retirement system. The next steps include further discussions on health benefits and the integration of new technologies in healthcare, which will be explored in future meetings.