Planning for Retirement

1 to 2 months before Retirement:

1.  Make an appointment with Retirement for a Retirement Consultation.  Budget one hour.
2.  During Consultation, Retirement Staff  will review your file and confirm your service, date of birth, spouse’s date of birth, veteran status and review the necessary forms required to retire.    
3.  Hire date maybe different than Membership Date in the Retirement System. You will be furnished with an estimate of your retirement allowance.  
4.  You may have prior service or military service you may be eligible to purchase.   All service must be approved by the Board and paid for before Retirement Date.  Make sure you understand how your Social Security may be affected by your pension.  It is recommended that you make an appointment with the Social Security office so that they can discuss any reduced benefits from Social Security because you are receiving a pension.
5.  Considerations for retirement: include age, years of fulltime creditable service, and your three highest consecutive years of pensionable earnings.
6.  Keep in mind that working for a Massachusetts Public Employer after retirement has restrictions.
7.  Get information from your employer regarding your health and life insurance benefits for retirement.