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When should I start planning for retirement?

Planning for retirement is an ongoing process. The sooner you start, the more likely you are to achieve your retirement goals.

As early in your career as possible, attend one of DRS' Retirement Planning Seminars. These full-day sessions feature qualified speakers on a number of retirement subjects and are free of charge. The dates and locations for these seminars are announced in the newsletter, Retirement Outlook. And on the DRS Web site.

Because there are statutory limits on restoring contributions withdrawn from your retirement plan, read the DRS Publication Plan 1 Recovery of Withdrawn or Optional Service Credit and review the rules that apply to your situation.

As you get closer to retirement

Consider the following:

• Contact the Social Security office periodically to review your file's accuracy. Call toll-free: (800) 772-1213. You can also obtain valuable information about Social Security and Medicare by visiting the Social Security Web site.
• Read the IRS publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income.
• If you are within a year of your retirement date, request a benefit estimate from DRS. DRS will return a retirement application with your estimate.
  

Applying for retirement

You can complete the entire retirement process through the mail. If you prefer to review your account information and retirement options with a DRS Retirement Services Analyst, please call for an appointment. See DRS contact information.

If you write to DRS for specific information about your retirement account, be sure to include your Social Security number and signature.