Benefits

Thinking of Retirement

• As early as one year before retirement, contact the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) or visit them on their website at www.ssa.gov. You may request an estimate of income or apply for income benefits (age 62 or older), or sign up for Medicare Part A and B (age 65 or older). More information on Applying for Social Security Benefits.
• At least four months before your retirement date, contact your investment sponsor for information on distribution options, forms or for scheduling an individual appointment. Contact information for all investment sponsors is available on our website at www.hr.msu.edu/Hrsite/Benefits/FacStaff/Retire/.
• At least three months before your retirement date you should complete an Application For Retirement Form with the required signatures and send it to MSU Human Resources Benefits.  Shortly before your retirement, MSU Human Resources Benefits will send you a personalized letter providing information about health/dental coverage and related University benefits.
• If you will receive additional income (AY Retirees or sick leave payoffs) you may wish to consider deferring this income to a supplemental or deferred compensation plan. Contact MSU Human Resources at least one month prior to your retirement date, for assistance in determining deferral limits.
• If you will receive any type of post-retirement pay from the University (i.e. severance pay, SRO payment, return to active employment) you need to be aware that current deductions and tax withholding will continue unless you take action. To cancel parking fees contact DPPS at (517) 355-8440; to cancel union dues (if applicable), contact your union directly; contact Payroll at (517) 355-5010 if you have any questions or wish to change your withholding.
• Employees authorized to have a MSU Purchasing Card are required to send a cancellation notice to the MSU Purchasing Card Team, prior to your retirement date. Please send your notice to the MSU Purchasing Card Team, Purchasing, 102 Angell Bldg or email purchasing@usdwp.msu.edu. Employees should submit all receipts to their department business office. If you have questions, please contact the Purchasing Card Team at 355-0357 ext. 121 or ext. 127.
• If you are within five years of retirement, The Road Next Traveled workshop is for you.  This two-day workshop covers a range of retirement issues and is designed by MSU Human Resources to address the questions that all retirees face.