One Month Before

• Closely review your most recent Annual Statement (mailed in March each year) or examine your account using MyTMRS.
• If you find errors or need another copy of your annual statement, call the TMRS Phone Center at (800) 924-8677 or e-mail us at phonecenter@tmrs.com.
• Resolve questions about purchasing any eligible service credit.
• Make sure TMRS has your current home mailing address and phone number.

10 Months Before You Retire:

• Make a list of what you will do with your time after retirement. Consider all of your possibilities: another career (part-time/full-time), volunteering, travel, pursuing hobbies, etc.
• Gather information on Social Security benefits and Medicare. The Social Security Administration Website is: www.ssa.gov or you can call the local SS office ((800) 772-1213).
• Be sure you understand how your TMRS benefit can affect you or your spouse's Social Security benefit. These links provide good information on Social Security offsets:
  • Government Pension Offset
    http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10007.html
  • Windfall Elimination Provision
    http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10045.html
• Review your post-retirement health care and insurance options.

Eight Months Before You Retire

• Request an estimate of your TMRS benefits, using your planned retirement date, from the TMRS Phone Center or click here.
• Meet with your financial advisor or attorney to discuss financial and estate issues.

Six Months Before You Retire

• Consider making an appointment with a TMRS Analyst.
• Compare your expenses after retirement to your anticipated retirement income.
• Plan a retirement income budget for your household.

Five Months Before You Retire

• Request the Service Retirement Packet from your City, TMRS or download it by clicking here.
• Finalize your estate plan.
• Make decisions concerning tax withholding, etc.

Four Months Before You Retire

• Work on your Service Retirement Packet.

  Remember, applications for retirement must be received by your retirement date, but not more than 90 days prior to your retirement date.

  Any employee preparing to retire should check with the employing city to determine the city's retirement policy first before filing a retirement application with TMRS.

• Learn the TMRS regulations for post-retirement employment.
• Research exercise and wellness programs.

Three Months Before You Retire

• Set up an account with your financial institution. All TMRS retirement payments must be electronically deposited.
• Notify your employer in writing of your last date of service and subsequent retirement date. Keep a copy for your records.

  Remember, your employer may have requirements related to health care coverage and other non-TMRS benefits.

Two Months Before You Retire

• Submit your Service Retirement Application (TMRS-15) to TMRS. Getting your retirement paperwork in early helps avoid any delays in processing your retirement.
• Promptly respond to any correspondence or communications you receive from TMRS.
• Check on your health insurance coverage so as to avoid any problems.

One Month Before You Retire

• Make sure your Service Retirement Application (TMRS-15) and related retirement information have been submitted to TMRS.
• Fulfill all employment obligations and complete any outstanding paperwork.
• Be prepared to venture into the next exciting chapter of your life!