Apply for your pension benefit

When you’re ready to apply

Benefits Connect is the place to start. Contact us using the Benefits Connect Secure Message option at least four months before your planned retirement date. We’ll need important information about your retirement. Here’s what to do:

• Log on to Benefits Connect.
• 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:
• Marital status
• Spouse’s name, Social Security number, and date of birth
• 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.

A representative from the Member Services team will contact you within three to five business days to help you understand your pension and medical options.

Make sure we can reach you

• 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.
• If your spouse’s information in Benefits Connect is not accurate, be sure to submit a Life Event Change with supporting documentation (e.g., a marriage certificate for a name change).