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Deciding to retire may be the hardest part of the entire process. ETF can help you master the next steps so that you make decisions that are right for you. If you decide to end WRS employment due to a disability, contact ETF about your eligibility for disability benefits before applying for a retirement benefit. Taking a retirement benefit may affect your eligibility for disability benefits. See the Disability Benefits page for more information. Request an Official Estimate and ApplicationIf you are
within 12 months of your minimum retirement age, take the first step in the application process and Plan ahead: It may take up to 6 weeks for a Retirement Benefit Estimates and Application (ET-4301) to be processed.
Member Education
Get the basics on retirement planning and pension benefits, such as how Social Security works, retiring from the civil service, and managing a private pension.
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Video: Determining a Target Retirement Saving RateMake a plan with the Retirement Saving worksheet. Learn more at Savings Fitness. Social Security and How It WorksSocial Security provides you with a source of income when you retire or if you cannot work due to a disability. It can also support your legal dependents (spouse, children, or parents) with benefits in the event of your death. What’s Social Security?Social Security is a program run by the federal government. The program works by using taxes paid into a trust fund to provide benefits to people who are eligible. You’ll need a Social Security number when you apply for a job. Find how to apply for a Social Security number or to replace your Social Security card. How do benefits work, and how can I qualify?While you work, you pay Social Security taxes. This tax money goes into a trust fund that pays benefits to:
Each year you work, you’ll get credits to help you become eligible for benefits when it’s time for you to retire. Find all the benefits the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers. There are four main types of benefits that the SSA offers:
How to Open a “my Social Security” AccountIf you receive or will receive Social Security benefits, you may want to open a "my Social Security" account. This online account is a service from the SSA that allows you to keep track of and manage your SSA benefits. You can also make changes to your Social Security record. How to Find More HelpIf you have specific questions about your Social Security benefits, you can:
Protecting Your Private Pension BenefitsRead up on how to correct calculation errors. Find out if your pension is covered if the company defaults. See if there's an unclaimed pension owed to you or someone you know. Avoid Errors in Pension Calculation and Get Help Fixing ThemIf your job is covered by a traditional pension plan, make sure you get the pension amount you're owed.
Federal Insurance for Private PensionsIf your company runs into financial problems, you're likely to still get your pension. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC):
Is Your Pension Insured?
Find an Unclaimed PensionMore than 80,000 people in the U.S. have not claimed the defined benefit pensions they've earned. Find out if you, or someone you know, is owed a pension. Civil Service RetirementIf you've retired from the federal government or plan to, get to know the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)'s retirement services. You can contact them for help with your federal retirement benefits. Federal Employee Retirement Planning and ManagementOPM has information to help you:
Thrift Savings Plan for Current EmployeesAs a current federal employee, you can contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP offers the same types of savings and tax benefits as a 401(k) plan. Retirement Credit for Military ServiceMilitary service does not automatically count toward civil service retirement. To receive credit for military service performed after 1956, you must pay a deposit. Federal Taxes on Government PensionsYour pension or annuity payment may be taxable. Find out with the online tool Is My Pension or Annuity Payment Taxable? Survivors of Federal Employees and RetireesIf you’re the survivor of a federal employee or retiree, you may qualify for death and survivor benefits. Visit the OPM website to report the death of a federal employee or retiree and apply for death benefits. Saving for RetirementRetirement requires a lot of planning and consideration. In addition to finances, you need to think about when and where you’ll retire. Experts advise that you may need as much as 80 percent of your pre-retirement income to continue your current standard of living. The exact amount will depend on your individual needs. Questions To Ask Yourself Before RetiringAs you plan, consider these important questions:
Tools To Help You Prepare for RetirementTo begin planning for your retirement:
Last Updated: October 28, 2022 TopHow do I start retirement benefits?Understand The Application Process. Gather the information and documents you need to apply.. Complete and submit your application.. We review your application and contact you if we need more information.. We mail you a decision letter.. You start receiving your retirement benefits.. How long does it take to apply for Social Security retirement benefits?Benefit applications can take up to three months to process, so apply three months before your planned start date. If you are drawing spousal or survivor benefits on another person's earnings record, your payment date depends on that person's birthday and follows the schedule above.
What paperwork is needed for retirement?Documents we may ask for include: Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. We must see the original document(s), or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
What is the form to apply for Social Security retirement benefits?Form SSA-1 | Information You Need To Apply For Retirement Benefits Or Medicare. You can apply: Online; or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.
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