For members planning to retire
Holistic support as you prepare for retirement
Getting ready to retire?
Call the Board of Pensions three to four months in advance of your retirement date to request a retirement application. If you’re a member retiring from active service, you can speak with a retirement programs specialist. We'll walk you through key considerations, resources, and options.
You can reach us Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711).
Key steps in retirement planning
- Access educational resources to help prepare for retirement.
- Estimate your pension benefit on Benefits Connect and review your Retirement Savings Plan account.
- Review your benefit options at retirement, including medical options and death benefits.
- Learn about emotional and financial planning support, including through the Employee Assistance Plan and Assistance Program.
- Request a retirement application from the Board of Pensions and submit it.
Understand your benefits options at retirement
As you consider what your retirement will look like, take time to review this chart detailing the coverage and benefits options that will be available to you.
Planning to Retire is a comprehensive resource that goes further into detail about your benefits options as you prepare for the retirement process.
Educational resources available in retirement
Lifelong Learning can help you plan for and live into retirement.
- Beginning Anew: Finding Wholeness in Retirement is an e-learning series for members preparing to transition into retirement and retired members learning to live into this new season of life.
- Retirement Conversations combines on-demand educational offerings from Lifelong Learning with live conversations and learning sessions for plan members, spouses, and surviving spouses within one year of retirement.
- For members within 10 years of retirement, THRIVE (Thinking Retirement: Identity, Vocation, and Economics) helps participants with financial planning and retirement healthcare coverage options as part of a larger exploration of identity, health, and vocation in retirement.
Your retirement income
Estimating your pension benefit
The Defined Benefit Pension Plan provides a monthly income throughout retirement. The amount you receive each month depends on when your pension begins and how your benefit is paid.
You can use the Pension Estimator tool on Benefits Connect to view your estimated monthly pension benefit amount and generate different financial scenarios.
Beginning your pension benefit
Log on to
Benefits Connect at least four months before your planned retirement date and share important information to notify us. A representative from the Board of Pensions will contact you to help you understand your pension and medical options.
Read more about how to apply for your pension benefit.
Review your Retirement Savings Plan account
If you participate in the Retirement Savings Plan, you may want to review and update your investment strategy as you approach retirement. Before you retire — or anytime — consider a complimentary consultation with a Fidelity workplace financial consultant (enter Board of Pensions for the employer name).
As you near retirement, log on to Fidelity NetBenefits to review your account or call Fidelity at 800-343-0860 to speak with a customer service associate about your options (reference plan #57887).
Learn more about your Retirement Savings Plan choices before, at, and throughout retirement.
Not yet participating? Check with your employer if they offer the Retirement Savings Plan. Then, learn how you can enroll.
Your healthcare considerations
If you’re under age 65 at retirement
You may be eligible to continue your medical coverage through the Board of Pensions. Enrolling in medical continuation coverage enables you to keep the same coverage you have now — PPO, EPO, or HDHP — on a self-paid basis for a limited time.
Review medical continuation coverage details.
If you’re age 65 or older at retirement
You can enroll for Medicare if you are age 65 or older* (or if you are younger than 65 and have certain disabilities).
Because Medicare may not provide all the coverage you need, the Board offers the
Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan to support your well-being. Retired members pay no monthly subscription rate to participate.
*If you plan to continue working after turning 65, the Board recommends that you enroll in Medicare Part A and defer Part B.
Security for your loved ones
Consider how certain benefits may help provide for you and your survivors, should you die before they do or suffer a terminal illness.
If you're enrolled in the Death and Disability Plan, your death benefits coverage in effect at the time you retire continues with limited benefits.
If you're enrolled in the Death and Disability Plan or Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan, supplemental death benefits coverage offers survivors additional protection against unexpected loss of income.
Emotional and financial planning support
If you are an active member planning for retirement and you are enrolled in medical benefits through the Board of Pensions or in the Covenant Package, you have access to the Employee Assistance Plan (EAP). The EAP is available to help with a variety of needs while you plan for retirement, including counseling sessions and financial consultations.
The Assistance Program
The Board of Pensions offers financial support to retired members and surviving spouses through the Assistance Program. Learn more about each grant, including eligibility and how to apply.