I’m thinking about retiring, what do I need to do?
OP&F urges members to apply for retirement at least 90 days before their anticipated final day of employment. Doing so helps ensure there is no lapse in health care coverage between your employer's plan and the coverage options available through OP&F.
- Verify your eligibility.
Make sure you meet the age and service requirements for retirement or participation in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). To confirm your eligibility, contact the OP&F Customer Service Center at 1-833-521-4OPF (4673), Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Review your DROP status.
If you are currently participating in DROP and considering retirement, review your DROP status to ensure you understand the program's minimum and maximum participation requirements. - Review retirement information and begin planning early.
Log on to the OP&F Member Portal to review retirement information and requirements. If you have questions, contact the OP&F Customer Care Service Center for assistance with completing the necessary retirement and health care selections. You can also choose to web chat live with a Customer Care Representative during Service Center hours. We recommend beginning this process at least 90 days before your anticipated retirement date. - Generate a benefit estimate.
Use the OP&F Member Portal to generate a retirement benefit estimate. Your initial retirement benefit will be paid as an interim amount while OP&F receives and verifies your final contribution information from your employer. Once your final benefit is calculated and approved, that amount will become your permanent monthly retirement benefit. - Schedule a retirement appointment.
To meet one-on-one, you can schedule an appointment to meet with a Customer Care Representative via the OP&F Member Portal at a time that is convenient for you. During the appointment, the Customer Care Representative will provide an overview of the retirement process and answer any questions you may have. Appointments are offered in 30-minute increments and you will receive reminder notices based on your preferred delivery method. Members who prefer an onsite appointment can continue to receive one-on-one support from OP&F by contacting our office directly. - Receive your interim benefit notification.
OP&F will provide you with information regarding your interim benefit amount before your retirement date.
Becoming eligible for the health care stipend
When you submit a Service Retirement Application or a Disability Benefit Application, members must also complete the Health Care Stipend Eligibility form, which is included in your retirement packet. This form will outline the eligibility requirements for receiving the stipend. New retirees must enroll in a health care or prescription drug plan through Alight Retiree Health Solutions within 60 days of losing access to health care from their employer. If more than 60 days elapse, the member must have a Qualifying Life Event to again become eligible for the stipend.
Once OP&F receives the Health Care Stipend Eligibility form and confirms eligibility for the stipend, it takes approximately two weeks for Alight (OP&F’s health care partner) to send information about enrolling in a health care plan and using your stipend to help pay for the plan. OP&F will notify the member if they are not eligible for a stipend.
Pre-Medicare members:
Members who are not yet eligible for Medicare will receive information from Alight to have a scheduled phone appointment with an Alight benefits advisor who can assist you in what plans are available. To contact Alight, please call 1-844-290-3674. You should set up your Alight account, complete your profile, and shop for plans on the Alight website, which is customized for OP&F retirees.
Medicare-eligible members:
Retirees who are 65 years of age or older must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and provide OP&F with a copy of your Medicare card. This is also necessary for early Medicare recipients. Medicare-eligible members will also have a phone appointment set up where an Alight benefits advisor can assist you in what plans are available to supplement your Medicare coverage.
Once enrolled in an eligible plan, the providers you selected will contact Alight, who will then create a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for the member. Members should be aware that once they enroll with a health care provider, a premium may be required. Reimbursement for this premium through your HRA may not be available for several weeks. To contact Alight, please call 1-844-290-3674.
If you are applying for a disability benefit…
OP&F encourages you to apply for COBRA coverage through your employer for health care coverage if you are applying for a disability benefit. Once you leave employment there will likely be a gap between when your employer’s health care coverage expires and when you will be eligible to enroll in a plan through OP&F. Obtaining COBRA coverage will prevent a lapse in coverage while your disability application is being considered. Once you are retired, COBRA is an eligible stipend expense.
Health care in retirement
If you plan on using the OP&F health care stipend in retirement, here is important eligibility information.
Scheduling a retirement interview
OP&F encourages members to apply for retirement at least 90 days before their anticipated retirement date. Applying early helps ensure a smooth transition and reduces the risk of a gap in health care coverage between your employer-sponsored plan and the coverage options available through OP&F.
Schedule a One-on-One Retirement AppointmentMembers can schedule an appointment with a Customer Care Representative through the OP&F Member Portal at a time that is convenient for them. During the appointment, the representative will:
- Provide an overview of the retirement process
- Answer questions about retirement benefits and retirement planning
- Assist with navigating retirement-related resources
Appointments are available in 30-minute increments, and reminder notifications will be sent based on your preferred communication method. Members who prefer an in-person meeting may continue to receive one-on-one assistance by contacting the OP&F office directly.
Meet with an OP&F Member Education RepresentativeMembers who prefer an onsite appointment can continue to receive one-on-one support from OP&F by contacting our office directly.
Appointment AvailabilityService Retirement and DROP interview appointments are available Monday through Friday at:
- 8:30 a.m.
- 10:00 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m.
