Directory of Retiree Privileges

A Gold Card is issued by the Emeriti Center to eligible retirees who have 10 years or more of benefits-eligible employment at USC and are 55 years or older upon completion of employment.  A separate card is issued to a spouse upon request.  Show your card for Gold Card Benefits.  Please call the Emeriti Center at (213) 740-8921 to receive your Gold Card.

The University of Southern California does not guarantee the privileges listed below as lifetime benefits.  Policies currently in effect are subject to change at any time by the university at its discretion, without prior notice or liability for such changes.

*Privileges below marked with an asterisk are also available to spouse.

Auditing Classes

Requires permission of course instructor and/or academic department.

Books/Gifts

USC Bookstore GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 10% discount on general books and gifts; excludes computers, CDs, movies, textbooks, electronics, and magazines.*
See’s Candies: USC group discount at retail quantity order shops (not all retail stores); no minimum purchase; present USC ID.

Campus Directory

Emeriti Center GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Listing in campus directory requires separate application; copy of the current USC Campus Directory available for those listed.

Counseling/Referrals

Center for Work and Family Life GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Up to 10 free sessions per self/family/partner.*
Tingstad Older Adult Counseling Center: Assessment and treatment of individual and family problems related to aging; counseling of families and caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders; ongoing spouse support group, bereavement support group, and psychotherapy support groups focusing on transitions, loss, and relationships; parking in front of building near gate 6; sliding scale charge.*
Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center: Assistance for individuals caring for adults permanently brain impaired; support groups, family consultations, respite, workshops, legal and financial consultation.*

Dining

University Club, University Park Campus: Continuation of membership free for members who paid dues for five consecutive years prior to retirement; otherwise membership available at regular rate.  Must notify the University Club of your retirement and fill out a new application to update your information.
Edmondson Faculty Center, Health Sciences Campus: Continuation of prior status as a member.

Disability Access

Office of Equity and Diversity: Information and assistance.*

Email, Access from Off-Campus, and Computer Training

Emeriti Center GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Set-up and maintenance of email account; training in computer usage.*
Information Services GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Set-up and maintenance of internet account; information and help on accessing your account from off-campus.

Emeritus Status

Academic Department Chair: Honor conferred by the Provost; recommendation through department and school/college.

Exercise

Lyon Center: Same rate as active faculty and staff.
24 Hour Fitness GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Same rate as USC employees; no enrollment fee; month-to-month enrollment.

Financial Assistance

Retired Faculty Association: Limited funds "to provide financial assistance to a member who has experienced catastrophic expenses resulting from attack, accident, or other sources."

Financial Services/Information

Benefits Office: Information on retirement distribution options.*
USC Federal Credit Union: Member-owned financial cooperative with membership available to retirees, widows, family, and grandchildren; high deposit yields, low loan APRs, and low transaction fees.*
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Bonus rate on new money market and certificate accounts.*

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Health and Dental Care

Faculty/Staff Clinic: Expanded services at downtown facility; regular tram from Alumni House.*
USC Care (Physicians of USC): Participate in Medicare, USC Senior Care, and other insurance programs.*
School of Dentistry Faculty Practice GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 20% discount from usual charge on most dental and hygienist procedures; metered parking adjacent.*
USC Pharmacy: Participates in USC Senior Care and other insurance programs.*
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Discount in person or by phone; identify yourself as Gold Card holder on Plan 72; modest shipping charge for mailing.  Note: Cost-comparison with mail order prescription services and/or local pharmacies recommended.*
House Center for Hearing GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 10% discount on hearing aids.*
USC Head and Neck Group Audiology Clinic GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 10% discount on hearing aids.*

Health Care Stipend

Benefits Office: Monthly stipend available only to retirees with 15 years of service and who are 65 upon retirement.  The program is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees to determine whether it should be continued and whether it should be extended to new retirees, taking into account funding adequacy, cost stability, financial statement impact, and budgetary consideration.  The program does not confer on any individual any vested right in, or to, the benefits, and may be altered, amended, or terminated within the sole discretion of the university.

Insurance

USC Senior Care: Medigap policy (Medicare Part B Supplement) equivalent in coverage to "Plan J" policies at lowest known cost ($195/month in 2002); use of any physician who accepts Medicare assignment; 30% pharmacy co-pay with calendar year maximum of $4,000 average wholesale price; full details in brochure.*
Benefits Office: USC group rates on Traveler's auto and home insurance.*
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: USC group rates on CNA long-term care insurance.*

Libraries

Doheny Library, University Park Campus: Use of all libraries in USC Library System; renew library card at circulation desk.
Norris Medical Library, Health Sciences Campus: Use of medical and dental libraries; renew library card at circulation desk.

Opportunities

Emeriti Center: Service, cultural, social, and business opportunities.*
Emeriti College: Mentoring, research, teaching, learning, and service opportunities.*
Retired Faculty Association: Service and social opportunities; minimal annual dues.
Staff Retirement Association: Service and social opportunities; minimal annual dues.

Parking (campus)

Emeriti Center GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Lifetime parking permit for USC lots on either campus; request separate application.*
USC Care (HSC 649) GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Parking validation for University Hospital Parking Structure during outpatient visits at Healthcare Consultation Center, Doheny Eye Institute, or hospital.*

Parking (near LAX)

The Parking Spot: 25% discount; show USC ID, business card, or Gold Card.

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Publications

Emeriti Center: Request to be on mailing list for USC Chronicle and Retiree Community Newsletter.*

Space and Equipment Usage

Academic Department: Subject to availability and permission.

Tickets

Benefits Office: Discount coupons for area attractions.*
Ticket Office: Discount tickets to selected off-campus events and attractions.*
Thornton School of Music: Senior discounts;
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Free tickets to selected concerts.
School of Theatre: 25% Senior discounts;
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Two free tickets to all plays, subject to availability.

Tram/Transportation

Transportation Services: Campus Cruiser from 5:00 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. during fall and spring semesters, holidays excluded; transportation to/from locations not on tram route within one mile radius.*

Travel

USC Trojan Travel offers educational travel programs to the extended Trojan Family;
many trips feature USC faculty members as study leaders.

Tuition Remission

Benefits Office: Available only to eligible dependents of retirees who meet eligibility requirements, including 15 years of continuous USC employment.

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See also:  USC Retiree Resources

See also:  RFA Benefits Webpage

See also:  "Steps to Retirement"

See also:  Selected Links for Retirees