What to do before you retire:

Contact your department’s payroll for a more accurate estimate of your accrued leave payment amount and payment date. The DCP allows employees to make contributions to their accounts from their post-severance payouts of unused vacation, sick, and/or overtime hours. This payment is referred to as an “accrued leave” payout. Civilian and Sworn employees can make contributions from accrued vacation time, sick leave, and overtime. DWP employees can contribute from accrued vacation time and overtime.

Your accrued leave form must be completed and submitted no later than 30 days before your retirement date.

Here are some key facts:

  • Contributions can be made up to the applicable annual IRS contribution limit, the Age 50+ contribution limit, or the Special Catch-Up limit (enrollment in Special Catch-Up is required).

  • Contributions can be made on either a pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) basis.

  • Contributions are taken directly from your accrued leave payout.

  • Submit your Accrued Leave Deferral Option form one month prior to your separation date. Forms submitted after your separation date will NOT be processed.

You will need to work with a Local Retirement Counselor to enroll in this program. The Local Retirement Counselor will help you determine the following:

  • The annual limit that applies to you for the calendar year of the deferral.

  • The amount you are eligible to contribute.

  • The approximate amount of accrued leave you will be receiving.

  • The approximate date your payout will be received.

Please note: Accrued leave payment must occur during the calendar year of an employee's retirement or within 2 1/2 months for a 457 plan to accept the funds. You will need to contact your department’s payroll for a more accurate estimate of your accrued leave payment amount and payment date. Individuals not currently enrolled in the Deferred Compensation Plan are eligible for this program, but they must enroll as part of this process. Enrollment in the Plan and elections to participate in the Accrued Leave Deferral Option must occur no later than the month prior to the date you receive your accrued leave payment and prior to your actual termination date.

Our Plan Service Center is located at City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Room 867 . To learn more about the Accrued Leave Deferral Option or to enroll, please feel free to call us at 213-978-1601 or email us at LA457@lacity.org. You can also schedule a phone or video appointment with a Local Retirement Counselor at LA457.com/contact-us.