Frequently Asked Questions
Can an employee who has completed 25 years of state service and plans on retiring, regardless of the time period between the two events, receive both a 25-Year Service Award and a 25-Year Retirement Award?
Yes. There is nothing in the current law that indicates an employee must choose between the 25 years of state service and the retirement award.
Can a retiring employee who has completed 25 years of state service combine the 25-Year Service Award and the 25-Year Retirement Award and purchase a $250 gift?
No. These are two separate award programs.
Can an employee receive the appropriated $125 in cash?
No. The law states "a certificate, plaque, or other suitable memento." Cash is not considered a "suitable memento" since the definition of memento is "a reminder or a souvenir."
Does a department have to purchase a gift from the State Price Schedule service providers?
No, it is not mandatory to purchase a gift from the State Price Schedule service providers.
Can an employee who is retiring and does not have 25 years of service purchase a retirement award at their own expense?
No. This award is in recognition of 25 years or more of state service.
Can an employee with 23 years of state service qualify for a 25-Year Service/Retirement Award if they previously purchased two years of service credit for retirement purposes?
No. Service Awards are based on qualifying months of state service.
If an employee transfers to a new department, can they still receive a 25-Year Service Award from the new department?
Yes. The new department would provide the 25-year award.
What is the difference between the core items and the non-core items?
The core items are those most commonly purchased by agencies for their employees and include watches, clocks, vases, etc. Some of the service providers offer additional, or "non-core," gift items for purchase. The core items do not exceed $125. The non-core items vary in price.
Can an employee choose a gift from the non-core catalog?
Each department may establish their own internal policy for ordering service awards. Please check with your Merit Award Administrator or Human Resources office.
If my department allows it and I choose a gift from the non-core catalog that exceeds $125, how do I pay for it?
The State of California is responsible for the first $125 (plus the tax on the $125). The employee is responsible for the balance. Employees may contact their Merit Award Administrator or Human Resources Office for further details.
Are there time limits for purchasing retirement gifts?
There are no time restrictions in the law; departments may establish reasonable time limits for their retiring employees.
What is the turnaround time when an award is ordered?
For MTM Recognition: Three weeks is the normal turn-around time. If a shorter turn-around time is required, please contact Bryan Mular.
My PERS statement shows a different amount of service time than SCO. Why?
Service years are based on qualifying months of state service as indicated by the State Controller's Office. SCO and PERS calculate service time differently.
