Manny, a presenter in a California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) instructional video, outlined how members can complete the online service retirement application through their myCalPERS account, showing where to find the form, what information to prepare and what to expect after submission. "Submitting your application online is the fastest, most convenient, and most secure way to apply," Manny said, noting the site lets members upload documents instantly and receive immediate confirmation.

The video is organized around three stages: steps to take before applying, how to complete the online application, and what happens after submission. Manny urged members to run multiple retirement estimates in myCalPERS to compare retirement dates, final compensation and beneficiary choices; he said members within one year of retirement may request a CalPERS-generated estimate and "may receive up to 2 per year," though some estimates can take up to 30 days if extra review is required.

Manny recommended taking CalPERS retirement classes (planning and application walkthroughs) and reviewing CalPERS publications before applying. He pointed viewers to Publication 1 and Publication 43 for planning and the paper service retirement election application, respectively, and to Publication 16 (reciprocity) and Publication 13 (temporary annuity) for specialized topics.

On the practical side, Manny walked viewers through gathering beneficiary details (name, Social Security number, date of birth, address), bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit, and required documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for survivors. He stressed that if applicants cannot use direct deposit they must submit a paper application instead.

The presenter also explained key application rules and checks: the my application status box shows progress through 13 steps; conditional questions appear based on prior responses; and the sign-and-submit sequence includes electronic signature acknowledgements and a spouse/registered domestic partner signature when applicable. "If the sign and submit button is grayed out, it means a checkbox is still unchecked," Manny said, advising applicants to review acknowledgements carefully.

Manny warned of two timing and access limits applicants must note: in rare cases myCalPERS security measures may block online submission (those members must file a paper application), and CalPERS cannot accept an application (online or by mail) more than 120 days before the chosen retirement date.

He also covered tax and payment choices: members must indicate U.S. tax residency and decide federal withholding (including using IRS Form W-4P guidance) and California state withholding (CalPERS can only withhold California taxes). Payment may be deposited to a personal or trust account; trust deposits require trust name, filing date, county, federal tax ID and mailing address. Manny noted the lump-sum retired death benefit is employer-contracted and "ranges from $500 to $5,000."

After submission, applicants can upload required documents via myCalPERS, download an application receipt letter, view or cancel a submitted application, and—about two weeks before the first payment—expect a first payment acknowledgement letter with check issue date, gross amount and tax information. Applicants continuing CalPERS health benefits will receive two notices: one confirming cancellation of active employee coverage near the last payroll day and another confirming enrollment in retiree health benefits once processing is complete.

For help, Manny pointed viewers to secure messaging in myCalPERS, to schedule virtual or in-person regional appointments, or to phone CalPERS representatives (available weekdays, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; (888) 225-7377). The presentation closed with a reminder that the guidance is general and that CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law; where the law conflicts with the presentation, the law controls.