CalPERS Expands Its COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Webpage
The new FAQs include:
Does CalPERS still offer “Golden Handshake” opportunities?
Yes. The Government Code still allows employers to grant Golden Handshakes to eligible employees, and CalPERS will continue administering this service credit option.
Will any payment arrangements or decisions granted to employers by CalPERS be made public?
Yes. CalPERS continues to provide regular updates about participating employer decisions to its Board of Administration in open session.
Is an employee’s time on furlough reportable?
Furlough questions should be directed to 1-888-CalPERS so they can be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Should an employer report unemployment insurance benefits of employees who are still technically on staff but not being paid by the employer?
No. Unemployment benefits are not reportable.
Should an employer report employees’ time spent on COVID-related sick leave or other leaves of absence directly or indirectly related to COVID (including any sort of FMLA or childcare leave)?
Yes. Such time should be reported the same way sick leave or extended leaves of absence are reported when they are unrelated to COVID.
How should employers report paid administrative leave due to worksite shutdowns?
Earnings from paid administrative leave should be reported as normal earnings.
Do the break-in-service and 960-hour limit exceptions in Circular Letter 200-015-20 apply to retired annuitants who were already working before the state of emergency?
The exceptions outlined in the Circular Letter apply only to retirees working to ensure adequate staffing to expedite emergency response and recovery. Retired annuitants who were already working may be redirected into emergency response and recovery duties, and are then covered by the exceptions.
Should employers notify CalPERS of retired annuitants hired or redirected to fulfill duties related to Circular Letter 200-015-20?
Yes. This information should be emailed to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) at CAStateofEmergency@calhr.gov. CalHR has a notification process in place to share this information with CalPERS.
The full list of FAQs can be found at this link.
If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Green.
