Various resources are available to employees depending on the situation they are in. A summary of who is able to access these resources is provided below. Links and additional information on the specific programs/resources can be found by scrolling through this page.
* Service credit buy-backs must be completed before leaving City service. It is recommended that all employees consider this option as soon as possible and reach out to LACERS for more information.
Retirement Support
Employees who are concerned they may be laid off can begin looking into potential options with LACERS. Depending on an employee's years of City Service and Tier Membership, there are different options available regarding retirement benefits.
If you want to understand the impacts that layoffs and furloughs may have on your retirement benefits, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section and short video, below. For information on service credit purchases, please select the Service Credit Purchase button.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (DCP)
DCP ACCOUNT OPTIONS
Employees separating from City Service (e.g. Termination, Resignation, Layoff, Retirement) have the option to: keep their DCP account open, withdraw some or all of their DCP funds, and/or roll over funds to a qualified account.
For more information regarding DCP account options, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section of the LA457.com website.
layoff faqIMMEDIATE ACTIONS
Prior to separating from City Service, employees should consider the following time-sensitive options:
- Create a DCP account:
- Available only if you are still currently employed by the City.
- Accrued Leave Deferral from your Final Payout:
- Submit the Accrued Leave Deferral Option Form to the DCP prior to your last day of employment.
- Confirm final check and final payout timing with your payroll office.
- Note: Accrued Leave Deferral Option Form must be completed with a local counselor (you cannot enroll online or through the DCP call center). Go to la457.com/contact-us to make an appointment.
- Submit the Accrued Leave Deferral Option Form to the DCP prior to your last day of employment.
- Keep your DCP account open:
- Update your contact information in your account, including Two Factor Authentication and email address, to ensure continued access to your account.
- Manage your Loans:
- To ensure ongoing loan payments do not default: convert to monthly payment that is deducted from your bank account; OR
- Pay off your loan in full; OR
- Cease loan payments (your outstanding loan balance will be treated as a full distribution, which is reported as taxable income).
- Make an appointment with a retirement counselor at la457.com/contact-us to review your options.
CONTACT US
To discuss specific situations and learn more about how to access DCP funds, employees may contact a Local Retirement Counselor at (213) 978-1601 or schedule an appointment at la457.com/contact-us. Employees may also contact City of Los Angeles administrative staff via la457@lacity.org.
contact usUnemployment Benefits
FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment benefits pay a weekly income payment (up to $450) to eligible individuals who file claims while they look for new employment.
City employees who are terminated due to layoff may be eligible to file for unemployment benefits after their employment termination occurs by filing with the State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD).
Employees may read more about the eligibility and filing process by visiting the following website:
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
Continuing Benefits after Termination of Employment
Employees and their dependents are allowed to continue health, dental, and vision coverage after leaving employment by applying for COBRA and paying the full premium for their elected coverage. COBRA cannot be offered until a termination event has occurred and recorded. COBRA offers are good for 60 days and are retroactive to the termination date if the applicant successfully enrolls.
For more information, and to view current COBRA costs, please visit:.
EWDD resources
Employees who have been laid off can contact the Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) for guidance and available resources, including how to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through CA EDD. More information can be found on the EWDD website.
