Retirement Checklist for Educational Support Personnel (ESP)

Retirement Checklist

 Call the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) at 888-286-3544 with eligibility questions, to make an appointment with a retirement counselor or register for a retirement workshop. You may also register on their website at http://www.in.gov/inprs/workshops.htm.

INPRS will confirm your years of creditable service and review your pension options. IPS cannot calculate your pension benefit or advise you of your pension options.

A member may become eligible for normal retirement benefits at Age 65 with at least 10 years of creditable service; Age 60 with at least 15 years of creditable service; Age 55 if age and creditable service total at least 85 (Rule of 85)

 Contact Social Security

If you are of retirement age (age 65 or older, depending on your year of birth) or if you are any age and disabled, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) suggests that even if you are not receiving Social Security benefits you need to apply for Medicare. Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, or who are disabled per SSA guidelines.

 Submit your Letter of Intent to Retire to IPS Human Resources

Once you have confirmed you are eligible for retirement and have decided to retire, you must submit a letter to Human Resources. Your letter should include the date you plan to retire (last day to work) and be signed and dated by you.

Your letter should be delivered or mailed to the IPS Human Resource Services Division, JMF Center for Educational Services, 120 E. Walnut Street, Room 103, Indianapolis, IN 46204 to the attention of your Employment Coordinator. A copy of your letter should also be sent to your immediate supervisor or principal. Once you have submitted your letter of intent to retire, it cannot be rescinded.

 Submit your Retirement Application to INPRS

Complete your Retirement Application and forward directly to INPRS at least 3 months prior to your retirement date. You can also apply online at http://www.in.gov/inprs.

 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

If you have a 403(b) annuity account with one or more of the approved vendors providing tax sheltered annuities, you will need to contact them directly for instructions on how to access your funds. To access your funds in your Matched 403(b) account, you will need to contact VALIC directly at 800-448-2542. To avoid multiple transactions, be sure that all deposits due to you have been made into your account before taking a distribution.

 401(a) Retirement Plan

If you received a deposit into the 401(a) Retirement Plan with VALIC as part of the 2010 Buy-Out of the former Years of Service Benefit, you will need to contact them directly for instructions on how to access your funds, if eligible. To access this account, you will need to contact VALIC directly at 800-448-2542.

 Benefit Continuation

After the Benefits Department is notified of your intent to retire, you will receive important information about your eligibility to continue your medical, dental insurance and vision benefits after retirement until you reach Medicare eligibility. Eligibility requires participation in the benefit for five consecutive years immediately prior to retirement. You will receive this information from TASC, the third party administrator for Retiree and COBRA billing. Continuation of life insurance is only available by conversion to an individual policy. Conversion information will be sent to you separately from the Benefits Department, if applicable. For any optional benefits in which you are enrolled, contact the appropriate vendor to be billed directly.

 Payment of Unused Sick, Personal and Vacation Time

The Benefits Department will calculate any unused sick, personal and vacation time, if applicable, as soon as administratively feasible following your retirement and the balance of your unused time has been verified. Certified retirees will have this payment (unused sick and personal time) sent to VALIC for deposit into your 403(b) account. You will receive notification when this has been done. Please wait until you have received this notification before you close your account with VALIC. Classified retirees will have this payment paid via a payroll check and mailed to your home address.

Updated 1/21/2016