Through the work of Paul D. Brooks, our CUCRA representative, and in collaboration with other retiree organizations, we participate in statewide discussions related to retirement policy and benefits. This includes raising questions and concerns during public meetings of the University of California Retirement System Advisory Board (UCRSAB).

Improved Investment Fund Reporting

Retiree members of UPTE recognized that UCRS-administered investment fund performance data was not being updated in a timely manner, with some reports being years out of date.

Questions raised during public discussion at UCRS Advisory Board meetings by UPTE representatives, with support from CUCRA and other faculty and staff board members, resulted in fund performance now being updated on a monthly basis.

Underperformance of the Savings Fund

Examination of fund performance showed that the Savings Fund had been significantly underperforming its benchmark.

As a result of continued retiree questions, this fund is now being replaced with a money market fund.

It remains important for union retirees and organizations to monitor the performance of all UC retiree investment funds to ensure they meet appropriate benchmarks. Union organizations may need to recommend alternate non-UC funds if UC funds fail to meet expectations.

Survivor Benefit Processing Delays

It became apparent over several years that it could take six months or longer for a retiree’s survivor to begin receiving benefits after the retiree’s death.

After a death is reported, pension payments stop while RASC determines what benefits the survivor is due. During this time, survivors may have no income.

Following pressure from retiree organizations (including UPTE, CUCRA, and other unions), RASC established a dedicated survivor department and telephone line.

They now report that the time from reporting a retiree’s death to restarting benefits has been reduced to an average of approximately 60 days, although complex cases may take longer.

These complex cases often involve missing documentation (such as marriage or domestic partnership records). Retirees and their spouses or beneficiaries are encouraged to ensure their paperwork is kept up to date.

At this time, there is no independent way for retirees to verify these RASC claims.

Ongoing Advocacy

These changes to fund reporting, investment oversight, and survivor benefit processing were the result of sustained efforts by retiree union members and organizations, including UPTE and CUCRA.

Ongoing participation and engagement remain essential to protecting retiree benefits and ensuring accountability.