This section answers common questions about service retirement for those close to retirement, those in the process of retiring, and those who have recently retired and have questions about their benefits.

If you’re beginning your career with the department or catching up on your retirement planning, read “The Road to Retirement” section. It includes helpful checklists you can use throughout your career to ensure you’re continuously building toward the retirement you envision. 

If you’re ready to inform the department of your decision to retire, the “Retiring” section will walk you through your retirement from the service, help you choose and use your health care benefits, and use the other benefits you’ve earned.

Unfortunately, some members are forced to temporarily stop working and/or retire earlier than planned due to a debilitating injury, illness, or other life-changing event. The “Injury, Illness, and Leave,” “Workers’ Compensation,” and “Long-Term Disability” sections address these challenging situations. 

We’ve also included a glossary and a list of contact information for our primary retirement-related benefit providers.