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Rules reviewed August 2026

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California teacher retirement system

CalSTRS pension guide

The 2% at 60 and 2% at 62 structures, age factors, final compensation, sick leave credit and refunds.

Two main benefit structuresFormula uses service × age factor × payUnused sick leave may add service credit

Complete topic cluster

4 guides, one connected system

Visit the official CalSTRS site ↗
Two California pension structure tracks with distinct age-factor paths01

Benefit structure

CalSTRS 2% at 60 vs. 2% at 62

Compare CalSTRS benefit structures, eligibility ages, age factors and final-compensation rules.

5 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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Service credit, age factor and compensation inputs converging into a pension benefit02

Benefit formula

How the CalSTRS Benefit Formula Works

Understand service credit × age factor × final compensation and the inputs that can change a California teacher pension.

4 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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Unused leave tiles converting into added service credit beside a separate eligibility gate03

Service credit

CalSTRS Unused Sick Leave and Service Credit

How unused sick leave is converted, what it can increase, and why it cannot establish retirement eligibility.

4 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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A CalSTRS account branching between preserved retirement credit and a refund tray04

Leaving employment

CalSTRS Refund After Leaving Teaching

Compare leaving contributions on deposit with requesting a refund and understand what membership rights are forfeited.

4 min readUpdated August 19, 2026
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