What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Benefits? (En espaol) Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.
Retirement Eligibility To be eligible for service retirement, you must have at least five years of CalPERS-credited service and be at least age 50, 52, or 55 depending on your retirement formula .
After five years of service, employees become vested and are therefore eligible to receive a retirement allowance.
Vesting Years of ServiceAge 5 Years 65 10 Years 62 30 Years Any Age
Early Retirement | You are eligible for an early retirement Social Security benefit at 62.
In the United States, a tax-deferred savings plan like the 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans are usually the best idea if your employer is willing to match your contributions.