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CalPERS explains ‘classic’ enrollment validation: holds can block retirement or refunds

California Public Employees Retirement System — Employer Account Management Division (CEAC webinar) · February 10, 2026

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Summary

CalPERS’ member elections team described a one‑year classic benefit validation process: members in classic receive a validation form and CalPERS may place a hold on accounts that do not return substantiating information, preventing retirement or refunds until validation is complete. Employers must collect reciprocal self‑certification within 10 business days.

Erica Stewart Sanchez, team lead of the member elections team, described CalPERS’ classic enrollment validation process and employer responsibilities. CalPERS sends the validation form one year after a member enrolls under a classic benefit formula to verify reciprocal membership information; if the member does not provide the requested substantiation, CalPERS places a hold that can prevent refund requests or retirement actions.

"If the member does not provide the information requested by CalPERS, a hold is placed on their account preventing actions such as refunding contributions or retiring until the process is finalized," Erica said.

Erica advised employers to obtain the reciprocal self‑certification form within 10 business days for members enrolled on or after Jan. 1, 2013, and to retain a copy in employee records for audit purposes. Employers may also email forms needing further review to member_election_team@calpers.ca.gov.

During the webinar an attendee asked whether payroll can still be submitted for a member whose account is on hold; Heather (CalPERS staff) confirmed employers should still be able to file payroll for those appointments. Another participant described an account reclassification case and CalPERS staff explained that transfers between different retirement systems (for example, STRS to CalPERS) can trigger PEPRA placement if there is a greater than six‑month gap between memberships.

Erica and her team said CalPERS will release a circular and remain available for employer questions via the member elections email and the employer contact center.