If you participate in the State Retirement & Pension System (SRPS), this information will help you with steps you'll take as you're approaching retirement.
Your first step will be a meeting with the Benefits Specialist from Human Resources. The Benefits Specialist will be your best resource for guiding you through the retirement process. Your meeting is confidential.
The following topics are addressed on this page:
Retirement Planning Timeline
The information below is intended as a general guideline for those soon approaching retirement. Each person's situation is different; if you have questions about your personal situation as it relates to retirement requirements, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Recommended Timeline
1-3 Years Before Retirement- Make an appointment with the Benefits Specialist and obtain a “Confirmation of Retirement Intent” letter.
- 2 years prior to retirement, a faculty member would want to meet with his or her department chair or dean to discuss possibilities for a modification of duties for a phased retirement plan.
- Attend one of the pre-retirement seminars offered by the State Retirement Agency. Sessions are intended for any who are within 8 years of retirement.
- A faculty member should finalize his or her retirement agreement with the appropriate department chair or dean.
- File for an estimate of retirement allowances using Application for an Estimate of Service Retirement Allowances (form 9). This is not a retirement application, yet it's vital for planning. When completing the form select all of the option choices under "Retirement Allowances" to obtain information on each of the various payment plans. File this no later than 6 months before your targeted date but preferably closer to 1 year out.
- Apply to purchase any previous eligible state service by submitting a Request to Purchase Previous Service (form 26).
- Apply for any eligible military credit using a Claim of Retirement Credit for Active Duty Military Service (form 43).
- Schedule an appointment with the Benefits Specialist to discuss any questions you may have.
- Discuss your estimated benefits with your family and financial advisor.
- Prepare a retirement budget, comparing estimates of your retirement expenses to your state retirement, social security and other income.
- Update or prepare a will.
3 Months Prior
If applicable, apply for Medicare.
- Contact the Benefits Specialist to file your retirement application. You will use the Application for Service or Disability Retirement (form 13-23). If selecting Option 2, 3, 5, or 6, you will also provide proof of birth for your designated beneficiary.
- If eligible, complete forms to continue your health coverage.
- Direct deposit for retirement payments is mandatory. Complete a Direct Deposit Electronic Fund Transfer Sign-Up Form (form 85).
- Complete the Re-employment After Retirement (form 127) to acknowledge an understanding of the consequences of re-entering the workforce.
- Complete a Federal and Maryland State Tax Withholding Request (form 766).
1 Month Prior to Retirement
Submit a formal letter of retirement to your department.
Benefits Available to Retirees
Retirees have access to some of the same benefits available to active employees. Please see the sections for each benefit to read about eligibility requirements.
- medical plan
- prescription plan
- dental plan
- term life insurance (read requirements)
- long term care (read requirements)
- tuition remission
Some benefits offered to active employees are not available to retirees. They are:
- long term disability
- flexible spending accounts
- personal accidental death and dismemberment insurance (PAD&D)
Medical Coverage for Retirees (Hired Prior to July 1, 2011)
If you meet the age and service requirements when you retire, you and your eligible dependents may continue to receive medical benefits under the State’s health plan. As a retiree, you are eligible for either partial or full subsidy of your State health benefits if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have at least 16 years of State creditable service.
- You retired directly from State service with a State retirement allowance and with at least five years of State creditable service.
- You left State service (deferring your retirement allowance) with at least 10 years of State creditable service and within five years of normal retirement (age 60 for the members of the Retirement system, old system) and (age 62 for the members of the Pension System, new system).
- You retired directly from the State service with a disability retirement allowance.
NOTE: A State employee or faculty member who retires with less than five years of creditable service is not eligible for participation in the State health plan unless retiring directly from State service with a disability retirement benefit.
After retirement, you are subject to the same enrollment restrictions applied to active employees.
Dependent Eligibility - The surviving spouse of a deceased retiree with health benefits is eligible to receive continuing State health coverage provided the surviving spouse is receiving a monthly allowance under options 2,3,5,6. A surviving spouse can only cover dependents that would also be eligible dependents of the original State retiree.
Cost - The State subsidizes health premium costs for retired State employees. The amount is determined according to each retiree’s State credibility service. If you have 16 years or more of State creditable service you receive the same subsidy provided to an active employee. If you have at least five years, but less than 16 years of State creditable service, the subsidy will be prorated. You will be paying the uncovered portion of the prorated subsidy in addition to the normal retiree’s portion of the premium. The cost is deducted from your monthly pension check.
Medicare Eligibility - If you are 65 or older, or you have a disability entitling you to Medicare benefits, then you are eligible for Medicare. A retired State employee or a covered spouse who is 65 or older at retirement must enroll in Medicare parts A and B. The State health plan is, thereafter, supplemental to Medicare. Anyone covered under the State retiree’s health benefits program that does not have Medicare Parts A and B when eligible will become responsible for approximately 80% of claim amounts that would have been paid by Medicare. If applicable, apply to the local Social Security office three months prior to your retirement.
Life Insurance for Retirees and Dependents
You can continue life insurance coverage with MetLife or UNUM if you were enrolled as an active employee. A retiree cannot start this benefit as a retiree. Your dependents may keep the same coverage, as long as you remain enrolled.
- MetLife members need to enroll as a retiree on the health insurance worksheet.
- UNUM members can call 1-800-749-1792 to convert your plan to individual coverage.
Long Term Disability
Long Term Disability with UNUM is not available to retirees.
Long Term Care
You can continue your Long Term Care coverage if you were enrolled as an active employee. Call Prudential at 1-800-732-0416 to convert your coverage to an individual plan.
Tuition Remission
Retirees are eligible for tuition remission if they:
- are receiving a State of Maryland retirement check
- earned at least five years of University System of Maryland service credit inclusive of the former University of Maryland and Board of Trustees of State Universities and College institutions
Your tuition remission benefit level is based on your FTE status at retirement. If you were full time when you retired, your tuition remission benefit would be equivalent to that of an active full time employees. If you were part time when you retired, your tuition benefit would be equivalent to an active part time employee. Spouse and dependent children of retirees are eligible for tuition remission benefits in accordance with the guidelines for that of spouse and dependents of regular active employees. Upon retirement tuition remission is not available for St. Mary’s College.
Re-employment
If you seek re-employment in any state agency or a USM institution after retiring, state law imposes a 45-day break minimum.
Resources
Questions?
The Office of Human Resources is here to help. Contact us if you have questions about any of this information.