The “no lapse in pay” option guarantees the continuation of income and medical and dental benefits (if you’re currently enrolled, and eligible for benefits as a retiree) as you transition to retirement. If you are approved as a July 1 retiree, you will receive your first retirement benefit payment on August 1.

Employees interested in this option must submit all required documentation by the appropriate deadline and meet eligibility requirements (see Before you apply). The deadline to apply for no lapse in pay for a July 1 retirement is May 13, 2024.

How it works

If you’re approved for “no lapse in pay,” you’ll be notified by email and through your UCRAYS account. Since you’re guaranteed a benefit payment on August 1, you will no longer see the Retirement Application Progress tracker on the UCRAYS home page. Pay attention to your UCRAYS secure messages, though, in case there are questions about your application.

Your August 1 payment will be either your calculated benefit amount or your estimated benefit as it appeared on your Personal Retirement Profile; for most members these two amounts are identical. If there are differences between the estimated benefit and the calculated amount, your benefit payment and premium deductions will be adjusted by the May 1 payment.

Before you apply

This option is only available for retirements at the beginning of January or July 1 which do not require special processing.

Unfortunately, a number of circumstances can make a prospective retiree ineligible for “no lapse in pay,” such as:

  • You are choosing a lump sum cashout
  • You have reciprocity with CalPERS or CalSTRS
  • You have UCRP service credit in more than one retirement tier
  • You have a legal obligation to divide your UCRP benefits (for example, in the event of a divorce, legal separation or termination of a domestic partnership) that has not been finalized

If you think you may qualify and would like to apply, click the “No Lapse in Pay” opt-in box when you begin the retirement process in UC Retirement At Your Service (UCRAYS). You can also submit the No Lapse in Pay Request form (U168), but completing the process online is much easier and more efficient.

To be approved, the RASC must receive your No Lapse in Pay electronic opt-in or form, your signed Monthly Retirement Income election and all required documentation (submitted via UCRAYS secure message or eFax) by the appropriate deadline.

If you don’t qualify for “no lapse in pay”

It is UC’s goal to process your retirement and provide a statement confirming your retirement benefit within 45 business days of receiving your signed election. Please note that delays in receiving your required documentation can delay the process.

For all prospective retirees, it’s important to prepare ahead of time and stay on top of the retirement process. Please note the important dates and deadlines below.

Preparing for retirement

Whenever you plan to retire, taking the steps below as soon as possible will make the process easier:

Questions?

RASC's hours are expanding on April 1, 2024! Call 1-800-888-8267, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PT) to speak to a UC Retirement Administration Service Center representative. You can also send a secure message through UCRAYS.

Schedule a retirement counseling appointment online at rasc.universityofcalifornia.edu/retirement-counseling.