Apply for your pension benefit

When you’re ready to apply

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, who will walk you through key considerations, resources, and options.

You can also contact the Board through Benefits Connect to request a retirement application using the Secure Message option. We’ll need important information about your retirement. Here’s what to do:

• Log on to Benefits Connect.
  
• Confirm that your marital status and, if applicable, your spouse’s personal information (name, Social Security number, and date of birth) are correct in Benefits Connect. If the information is not correct, submit a Life Event Change with supporting documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate) before requesting your retirement application.
• If the information is correct, click Secure Messages at the top right of your screen to open a blank message.
• Tell us that you would like to apply for your retirement benefits. Be sure to include:
• Date you plan to stop work
• Date you would like your Defined Benefit Pension Plan benefit to begin
• Whether you would like to elect the Social Security Leveling Option (age 62). If so, upload documentation of your estimated benefit from the Social Security Administration.
• Submit your message.

If you are a member retiring from active service, a Member Services representative will contact you within approximately one to two weeks from the date we make your retirement packet available in Benefits Connect.

Be sure that your Communication Preferences in Benefits Connect are up to date and include your correct mailing address, phone number, and email information so that we can reply to your request. Click Update my Information under Recommended for Me to edit your contact information.