Applying for Benefits

To-do List

Contact the Administrative Agency at least 90 days in advance of your retirement date. The Administrative Agency will send you an estimate of your monthly pension benefit and a pension application package.

Gather your documents. You’ll need proof of the following (copies only):

• • Your date of birth and your spouse’s or beneficiary’s date of birth. A birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport covers it.
  • Any changes to your or your beneficiary’s legal name (if not already provided on your proof of age documents). If required, please submit copies only of your name change, or a marriage or divorce decree.
  • Proof of your marital status. If applicable, submit a marriage or divorce decree, or, if your spouse is deceased, a death certificate.
  • If applying for a Disability Pension, a certificate or letter from the Social Security Administration showing your date of entitlement to disability benefits.

Review the pension application instructions before completing your pension application. Note the sample pension application herewithin cannot be used to apply for your pension benefits. Before an application can be sent to you, you must request an estimate of your accrued benefits from the Administrative Agency. If the Administrative Agency determines you are eligible within 180 days of your request to retire, an application package will be sent to you along with the estimate of your accrued benefits.

Complete the pension application and include your verification documents. Don’t file your pension application more than 180 days before your retirement date.