When Can I Retire?
Eligibility
You are eligible to retire if you are:
- Age 65 or older and have at least five service credit years, or
- At least age 55 and have at least 20 service credit years. If you retire before age 65, your benefit will be reduced.
See “How does retirement before age 65 affect my benefit”.
How do I retire?
As you get closer to retirement
Consider the following:
- If you are within a year of your retirement
date, request an estimate of your benefit from DRS. DRS will return a retirement
application with your estimate.
- Obtain a copy of Internal Revenue Service Publication 575, Pensions and Annuities, available on the IRS Web site (www.irs.gov).
Applying for retirement
You can complete the entire retirement process through the mail. Contact DRS to request a retirement application packet. (If you request a benefit estimate, you will receive an application
packet when your estimate is mailed to you.)
