Preparing for retirement:
- Request a general estimate 12-18 months before you retire to determine the approximate amount of pension you can expect to receive monthly. Use form RS6030, found on the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) website.
- Locate proof of your birth date. No benefits can be paid without this proof.
Filing for retirement:
- Submit your retirement application, along with your proof of date of birth, at least 15 but not more than 90 days prior to your date of retirement. Use form RS6037, found on the Office of the State Comptroller website.
- Submit a W-4P form, also found on the OSC website. Use this tax calculator to help you determine how much you should have withheld from your retirement benefit.
Selecting your retirement option:
- Review your general estimate and select the option that best fits your specific needs.
- Found on the OSC website, fill out your Retirement Option Election form no later than the last day of the month in which you retire.
Beneficiary Information:
- Before and after retirement, periodically check to make sure your beneficiary information is up to date.
Retiring from a New York State Government Agency And Continuing Health Insurance in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP)
The New York State Department of Civil Service Employee Benefits Division has produced a publication “Planning for Retirement” as well as a “Benefits Checklist” which will help you in planning your retirement. These documents can be found on their website at www.cs.ny.gov/employee-benefits.
The Planning for Retirement booklet explains your health benefits in retirement; i.e.:
- Eligibility requirements for continuing your health insurance in retiree status
- Sick leave credit and how it helps pay for health insurance as well as a sick leave calculator
- Single and Dual annuitant sick leave credit
- Dependent Survivor coverage
- Medicare and your NYSHIP coverage
- Medicare premium reimbursement
- Deferred coverage
- Returning to work
We recommend you visit with your Health Benefits Administrator in your agency or the New York State Business Services Center for benefit information and filling out all documentation required before you retire. You can also download these documents.
Retiring from a Participating Agency and Continuing Health Insurance in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP)
Your employer may permit enrollees who meet certain eligibility requirements to continue NYSHIP coverage in retirement. These requirements vary from employer to employer. You should contact your Health Benefits Administrator for specific details about how this applies to you.
Non-NYSHIP Retirees from Local Government, School Districts or Public Authorities
Check with your employer regarding the availability of health benefits in retirement and if you qualify.