Steps to take before Retirement
If you’re thinking of retiring, there are several steps you should take to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
- Contact OPERS or STRS. This contact should be made at least three to six months before you want to retire. Ask for an estimate of your retirement benefits using specific dates. You may find that it works to your advantage to choose a slightly different date than what you initially had in mind.
- Request a retirement application once you’ve decided on the actual date; request a retirement application from OPERS/STRS.
- Contact Social Security if appropriate. If you’ve accumulated any credits under Social Security, contact the Social Security Administration when you know your retirement date to see if you qualify for benefits.
- Notify your dean or supervisor. When you’ve mailed your completed retirement application to OPERS/STRS, be sure to notify your dean or supervisor in writing of your intent to retire. The letter should include your anticipated last day at work, your OPERS/STRS retirement effective date and your signature.
A copy of the letter also should be sent to Lillian Welch, benefits manager in the Office of Human Resources. This step is critical because until this notification is received, the College cannot complete the paper work required by OPERS/STRS to process your application. This could result in a delay in your retirement checks.
You also can check the OPERS or STRS newsletters for listings of retirement planning seminars that are offered throughout the year. You must register for these sessions and they do fill up quickly. Once you’ve registered the OPERS/STRS representative will bring your file to the scheduled session to help you with your planning.
Following these guidelines will help assure a smooth transition to retirement. Should you have any questions, contact Lillian Welch at extension 4840.
