In order to apply for retirement benefits, you should send a written notice to the Retirement Services Division’s Miscellaneous Systems Unit at least two months prior to your anticipated retirement date (always the first of a month). The amount of your monthly PJERS benefit will be calculated and a letter will be sent to you explaining the calculation and providing instructions for completion of the following required forms: a retirement application, the various pension option forms, a form to elect retiree medical and dental coverage, both federal and state withholding forms and a form to apply for direct deposit of your monthly pension.
You will also need to provide a copy of your and, if applicable, your spouse’s birth certificate and, again if applicable, your marriage certificate. If you and/or your spouse are eligible (or when you or your spouse become eligible) for Medicare parts A and B, you must send a copy of your and/or your spouse’s Medicare card as you will be reimbursed, in your monthly pension, for the regular Medicare part B premium.
Keep in mind that your monthly pension will be paid at the end of the month. For example, if you retire January 1st, your first pension check will be payable on the last business day of January. Also, retiree health insurance will be effective the first of the month following your retirement date. Finally, unless you currently have the Anthem State Preferred medical coverage that option is not available in retirement.
Remember, our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have about your PJERS membership and benefits.