How CalSTRS Payments Work and When They're Due
CalSTRS payment schedules depend on whether you're a member contributing to the system or a retiree receiving a pension
CalSTRS (California State Teachers' Retirement System) handles two different payment flows. If you're an active teacher, your employer deducts your contribution from your paycheck on the same schedule your school district pays you—usually twice a month or monthly. If you're a retired teacher receiving a pension, CalSTRS sends payments to your bank account on the first business day of each month, or by check if you haven't set up direct deposit.
The timing and amount you see depend on which group you're in. Active members don't choose when to pay because the deduction happens automatically. Retirees receive a fixed monthly amount, though that amount can change if you have a cost-of-living adjustment or if you made a change to your benefit elections.
Key Takeaways
- Active teachers' CalSTRS contributions are deducted from each paycheck by their school district, following the district's pay schedule.
- Retirees receive pension payments on the first business day of each month by direct deposit, or by check if they haven't enrolled in direct deposit.
- You can view your contribution amount and payment history through your CalSTRS member account online.
- If you're changing jobs between school districts, your contributions continue under the same CalSTRS account number.
- Pension payments stop if you return to work as a credentialed teacher in California public schools, and resume when you leave that job again.
How contributions are deducted if you're an active teacher
Your school district withholds your CalSTRS contribution directly from your paycheck. The amount is set by state law and changes each year—it's currently around 10.25% of your salary, though the exact percentage varies by year and is published by CalSTRS in July for the following school year. You don't have a choice about the amount or timing; it comes out automatically with every paycheck.
Your district sends both your contribution and the employer contribution to CalSTRS on your behalf. You'll see your contribution listed on your pay stub under "CalSTRS" or "STRS." If you move to a different California school district, the same deduction continues using your existing CalSTRS account number—you don't start over or have separate accounts for each district.
If you work part-time or substitute teach, you still contribute to CalSTRS at the same rate as full-time teachers, based on the salary you actually earn in that role.
How pension payments reach retirees each month
Once you retire and begin receiving a CalSTRS pension, the system deposits your monthly payment into your bank account on the first business day of the month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment arrives on the next business day. The amount you receive depends on your age when you retired, how many years you taught, and which benefit option you chose at retirement.
If you haven't set up direct deposit, CalSTRS will mail a check instead, which takes longer to arrive. You can enroll in direct deposit through your CalSTRS member account online, and the change takes effect the following month. Direct deposit is faster and more secure than waiting for a mailed check.
Your pension payment stays the same each month unless CalSTRS applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which typically happens in May. If you made a change to your beneficiary or benefit structure after retirement, the new payment amount takes effect the following month.
What happens to your payments if you return to work
If you retire and then return to work as a credentialed teacher in a California public school, your pension payments stop immediately. You cannot receive a pension and a salary from a California public school at the same time. Your contributions to CalSTRS resume, and you build additional service credit toward a higher future pension.
When you leave that job again, your pension resumes on the first business day of the following month. The amount may be higher because you added service credit during your return-to-work period. This rule applies only to credentialed teaching positions in California public schools; working outside California or in a non-teaching role does not affect your pension.
Viewing your payment history and contribution details
You can log into your CalSTRS member account at calstrs.com to see your contribution history, current balance, and estimated pension amount. The account shows each paycheck deduction if you're active, or each monthly pension payment if you're retired. You can also download a statement showing your contributions and earnings for a specific year.
If you notice a missing payment or an incorrect deduction, contact CalSTRS directly through their website or by phone. They can tell you whether the payment was delayed, whether your employer submitted it late, or whether there's an error that needs correction. Keep your own records of expected payment dates so you can catch discrepancies early.
Changing your payment method or bank account
If you're receiving a pension and want to switch from check to direct deposit, or update your bank account information, you can make the change through your CalSTRS member account online. Log in, go to the payment settings section, and enter your new bank details. The change takes effect the following month.
If you're an active teacher and your paycheck goes to your school district's payroll system, you typically change your bank account through your district's HR or payroll portal, not through CalSTRS directly. Check with your district's payroll office for the exact process.
If you move out of state after retiring, your pension payments continue to your bank account or mailing address. CalSTRS does not stop payments based on where you live.
What to do if a payment is late or missing
If you're an active teacher and a contribution doesn't appear on your pay stub, ask your district's payroll office first—they may have submitted it late to CalSTRS, or there may be a processing delay. If your district confirms they sent it, contact CalSTRS to trace the payment.
If you're retired and your pension doesn't arrive by the second business day of the month, check your bank account to confirm the deposit hasn't already posted. If it truly hasn't arrived, contact CalSTRS immediately. Provide your member ID number and the month in question. They can confirm whether the payment was sent and investigate any delays with your bank.
If you change banks and forget to update your account information with CalSTRS, a pension payment may be rejected and returned. Update your bank details as soon as you open a new account to avoid missed payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose when my CalSTRS contribution comes out of my paycheck?
No. Your contribution is deducted automatically by your school district on every paycheck, following the district's pay schedule. The amount and timing are set by state law and your district's payroll system, not by individual choice.
What if I work for multiple school districts in the same year?
All your earnings go into one CalSTRS account. Each district deducts your contribution and sends it to CalSTRS under your account number. Your total contribution for the year is based on your combined earnings from all districts.
Do I have to use direct deposit for my pension, or can I keep getting checks?
You can choose either direct deposit or checks. Direct deposit is faster and arrives on the first business day of the month. Checks are mailed and take longer. You can switch between the two methods anytime through your CalSTRS member account.
What if I disagree with the contribution amount being deducted?
The contribution rate is set by state law each year and applies to all CalSTRS members. You cannot opt out or negotiate a different rate. If you believe the amount deducted is incorrect for your salary, contact your district's payroll office to verify the calculation.
Does my pension payment change if I move to another state?
No. Your pension amount is locked in at retirement and does not change based on where you live. Payments continue to your bank account or mailing address regardless of state. However, some states may tax CalSTRS pensions differently, so check your state's tax rules.