Horizons LA County: Secure Employee Retirement Portal
Quick Summary
- Boost LA County retirement savings
- Access tax-deferred accounts
- Earn County contribution match
- Manage plan online securely
The County of Los Angeles Horizons Plan offers a crucial pathway for eligible employees to enhance their retirement security. This voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan acts as a powerful supplement to your existing County retirement or pension benefits, such as those from LACERA. By participating, you can proactively work towards your long-term financial goals and build additional savings for your future. This digital portal provides you with the essential tools and information to manage your retirement contributions effectively.
- π Eligibility for the Los Angeles County Horizons Plan
- π Accessing Your Horizons Account Dashboard
- β Benefits and Tools Within the Horizons Plan Portal
- β οΈ Resolving Access Challenges for Your Horizons Account
- π Protecting Your Retirement Savings: Security Measures
- π§ Official Help Desk Contacts
- β Quick Answers About Your LA County Horizons Plan
Eligibility for the Los Angeles County Horizons Plan
- To be eligible for the Horizons Plan, you must be a full-time, permanent employee of the County of Los Angeles.
Accessing Your Horizons Account Dashboard
- Navigate directly to the Empower login page for workplace retirement plans.
- Enter your unique User Name in the designated field.
- Input your confidential Password into the respective field.
- Click the Login button to access your personalized account dashboard. If you are a new user, look for a 'register now' or 'new user' link to set up your online account.
Benefits and Tools Within the Horizons Plan Portal
- Additional Retirement Savings: Build financial reserves beyond your primary Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) pension.
- Tax-Deferred Contributions: Contribute to accounts where your earnings can grow without immediate taxation, offering significant tax advantages.
- County Matching Contribution: Receive a dollar-for-dollar County match of up to 4% of your regular earnings, significantly boosting your savings.
- Account Management: Track your workplace account balance, monitor performance, and update personal or plan information directly through the online account management system.
- In-Service Withdrawals and Transfers: Depending on eligibility, you may be able to transfer funds from Horizons to a defined benefit plan or initiate certain withdrawals.
Resolving Access Challenges for Your Horizons Account
β οΈ Forgot User Name or Password
Cause: You cannot recall your login credentials for your Horizons account.
Solution: We know being locked out is stressful. On the login page, look for links such as 'I forgot my password' or 'I forgot my username'. Clicking these will guide you through a secure process to recover or reset your credentials, typically requiring verification of personal information associated with your account.
β οΈ General Login Issues or Account Access Problems
Cause: You are experiencing difficulties accessing the digital portal despite having correct credentials or cannot complete the registration process.
Solution: If you continue to face login challenges or require assistance with your account, the fastest solution is to directly contact Empower Retirement. They are the administrators of the Horizons Plan and can provide personalized support. You can reach them at (800) 947-0845.
Protecting Your Retirement Savings: Security Measures
- π Always use a strong, unique password for your Horizons account that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- π Never share your login credentials with anyone, and be wary of suspicious emails or messages asking for your personal or account information.
- π Regularly monitor your account activity for any unauthorized transactions or changes to your personal details.
- π Enable any available multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your online account.
- π Log out of your Horizons account after each session, especially when using a shared or public computer.
π§ Official Support & Help Center
Empower Retirement: (800) 947-0845; For deferred income unit documentation requests: [email protected]
Quick Answers About Your LA County Horizons Plan
Q: Who is eligible to enroll in the County of Los Angeles Horizons Plan?
You can enroll in the Horizons Plan if you are a full-time, permanent employee of the County of Los Angeles.
Q: What is the County matching contribution for the Horizons Plan?
The County will match your contributions dollar for dollar up to 4% of your compensation, based on the Plan's definition. To receive the full County match, you should contribute an amount at least equal to 4% of your compensation.
Q: How do I enroll in the County of Los Angeles Horizons Plan?
Enrollment is designed to be quick and easy. You can enroll either online by visiting www.countyla.com or by completing and submitting a Participant Enrollment Form.
Q: How do I contact support for my LA County Horizons Plan account?
For immediate assistance with your Horizons Plan account, including login issues or questions about your contributions, you should contact Empower Retirement directly at (800) 947-0845.
Q: What is 'vesting' in the context of the Horizons Plan?
Vesting refers to the period of time you must work for the County to gain full ownership of the employer contributions made to your retirement plan. Specific vesting schedules are detailed in the official Plan Document.
Wrap Up
The County of Los Angeles Horizons Plan is an invaluable resource for County employees seeking to bolster their retirement savings. By understanding its features, actively managing your account, and taking advantage of the County's matching contributions, you can significantly strengthen your financial future. Utilize the online portal and the dedicated support services to make the most of this important benefit.