Pension Sense blog | August 27, 2026 | Melissa Jones-Ferguson

Ever wonder about the stability of your pension?

Rest assured, it's secure.

In July, the Teachers' Retirement Board, which governs CalSTRS, received the latest annual snapshot report confirming that your pension is going strong.

The funded status for the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program rose to 79.3% as of June 30, 2025, according to the most recent assessment of the Teachers' Retirement Fund's assets and obligations.

This is greater than originally anticipated when the funding plan was adopted in June 2014. At the time, it was projected the funded status as of June 30, 2025, would be 70.2%.

So, what is funded status?

Basically, it's the money CalSTRS has versus the money it needs to pay current and future benefits.

Our funded status helps the board decide whether it's necessary to adjust contributions to CalSTRS from employers and the State of California.

This is the eighth consecutive year our funded status has increased. Since 2017, our funded status has grown by nearly 17 percentage points, from 62.6% to 79.3%.

Because the fund is successful, employer and state contribution rates are staying at their current levels.

That's good for CalSTRS and members like you.

Keeping contribution rates at existing levels maintains stability, improves funding levels and reduces risk by helping to provide predictable cash flow.

The Teachers' Retirement Fund is replenished by those steady contributions from employers, members and the state—and growth from the CalSTRS Investment Portfolio.

CalSTRS has served public school educators since we were established in 1913, and we haven't missed a payment.

What does this all mean for your pension benefit?

It means we've got you covered.