Retirement Timeline
1-3 Years Before Retirement
- Make sure you can locate your birth certificate, Social Security card, and marriage license. If you cannot locate your copies, order new ones. You will need these documents when you apply for Social Security retirement benefits.
- Michigan allows you to order copies of birth certificates and marriage licenses online. You can visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
- If you need to order a new Social Security card, you can either visit a Social Security office or order one on the Social Security website.
- Visit the Social Security Office or use the tools online at www.ssa.gov to review your Social Security options, estimate your Social Security income, and see how different retirement dates could affect your Social Security income.
- Meet with a representative from Fidelity Investments and/or TIAA or with your personal financial advisor to get an estimate of your retirement income and review your risk level.
- You can contact AllOne Health, our Employee Assistance Program, at 1-800-788-8630 to order a free copy of How to Retire Happy.
2-3 Months Before Retirement
- Faculty should give no less than three months' notice before retiring (see Faculty Handbook Resignation Policy 4.2.12)
- Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for income benefits. If you will be 65 or older at retirement, you will also need to contact the SSA to enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D. You can apply online or by visiting a Social Security office.
- Research and enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan if you will be over the age of 65 when you retire.
- Schedule a meeting with a Fidelity Investments and/or TIAA representative to review your income projections and income options. Be sure to complete any forms that are required to initiate any income payment options.
- If you have retirement accounts outside of the GVSU Retirement Plans, you should consult with your financial advisor to discuss your income options.
- Review your estate plan with your attorney. Make certain that your will, trust, and beneficiaries are up to date.
- If you are a participant in the MGS or PSS Retirement Plan A (Pension), complete the Retirement Application in the Anytime Events system.
1 Month Before Retirement
- Provide an official retirement letter to your department and the Human Resources office.
- You will receive retirement information from Human resources.
- Review your auto insurance policy with your agent. You may qualify for a reduction in your premium due to your retirement. There may also be changes in Coordination of Coverage with your medical plan.
- Review and update your Long-Term Care Insurance Policy if applicable. Communicate your wishes to your family in the event a long-term care stay becomes a reality.
- If you are an Official Retiree, you should go to Public Safety before your last day to switch out your Faculty/Staff Parking Permit to a Retiree Permit. Visit the Parking Services website for specific instructions.
- Official Retirees and Emeritus faculty can receive an Official Retiree ID card through the Registrar's Office located in 150 Student Services on the Allendale Campus or 115C DeVos on the Pew Campus. Contact the Registrar's Office at (616) 331-3327 to schedule a time to get your photo taken. If you have an ID card and have misplaced it, you may also contact the Registrar's Office to receive another one.
- Turn in any GVSU property you may have in to your department (keys, computers, etc.).
During Retirement
- Please contact Fidelity Investments, TIAA, Social Security, and Medicare if you have any change in the following:
- New Address
- Death of a spouse
- Divorce
- Marriage
- Keep your beneficiaries up to date if your circumstances change.