How to Retire - M-NCPPC: Employee Retirement System

The ERS encourages you to review our Retirement Checklist below for a step-by-step guide to help prepare you for retirement. Members should call the office at least two (2) months prior to retirement to schedule an appointment for a retirement counseling session.

Retirement Checklist- All Plans

One to Three Years Prior to Retirement

Attend pre-retirement education programs offered by the ERS.
Request a Retirement Benefits Estimate and schedule a One-on-One Counseling session. The Estimate is designed for planning purposes and provides specifics on retirement benefits and options. During the session someone from the Member Relations Team reviews the data and answers questions.
Consider meeting with a financial planning professional.
Consider the Deferred Compensation “catch-up” provision that is available in the MissionSquare 457 Plan. Contributions from annual leave to the 457 Plan may be possible depending upon whether the annual plan maximum has been reached. For more information, please contact the Health and Benefits Office.

Twelve Months Prior to Retirement

Thoroughly review your Social Security Statement. The Statement is a concise, easy-to-read personal record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes and a summary of the estimated benefits as a result of those earnings. Keep the Statement with other important papers.
Select a retirement date for planning purposes. The effective date for retirement must be the first of the month (e.g., January 1 or July 1).

Six Months Prior to Retirement

Discuss estimated benefits/options with family and/or a financial advisor.
Prepare a retirement budget, estimating retirement expenses versus the ERS benefit, Social Security benefit and any other income and/or savings.
Undergo a complete medical check-up.
Update or prepare a Will and other estate plan documents.

Three Months Prior to Retirement

Contact Social Security to file for benefits. Full-retirement age has been 65 for many years. However, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, that age will gradually increase until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959. Early retirement is still age 62; however, there is a reduction for electing to receive benefits early.
Sign up for Medicare if you are 65 years of age or receiving disability benefits.
Request an updated Retirement Benefits Estimate; especially if there have been salary changes and/or leaves of absence since the last estimate.
Discuss retirement benefit payment options with your spouse or planning partner.

Two Months Prior to Retirement

Contact the ERS (301-454-1415) to make an appointment for a final Retirement Counseling session. Usually the appointment is made for the following month
Gather proof of birth for contingent beneficiary and contact information for all beneficiaries.

One Month Prior to Retirement

Submit a formal letter of retirement. Submission requirements may vary by department; therefore, inquire about the procedure in your department. The ERS does not need a copy of the retirement letter.
Sign a Personnel Action (“PA-2”) form for retirement. Individual departments prepare PA- 2’s and forward them to the Commission’s Personnel Office. The ERS must receive a copy of the PA-2 from Personnel.
Attend a pre-scheduled Retirement Counseling session to complete final paperwork.