Pre-Retirement Checklist

Five Years Prior to Retirement

Attend seminars and other retirement education offerings for information on health, lifestyle, and financial issues during pre- and post-retirement years.
Begin to discuss with your network of peers their experiences regarding retirement planning, retirement decisions, and use of advisors.
Begin to think about post-retirement use of time, retirement careers, part-time work, possible relocation, and long-term commitments such as family, friends, community, health and fitness.
Find out what you may expect in the way of Medicare coverage. review your insurance policies. Evaluate long-term care coverage. identify gaps and duplications.
Request your "Personal Earning and Benefit Estimate Statement" from Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Employees under a defined contribution plan: Review and adjust asset allocation with consideration of proposed retirement date and distribution options. Schedule an individual appointment with a plan representative if desired.

Three-four Years Prior to Retirement

Continue your education by attending seminars, talking with peers, and meeting with advisors.
Review annually your projected social security and Medicare benefits.
Review annually your asset allocation and adjust as needed.
Explore life style options:
- Join or volunteer for an organization you consider giving your retirement time, effort or support.
- Visit for an extended time and/or at different times of year possible relocation locations.
- Begin education or training for new career or avocation.
- Begin on a limited basis any new activity you plan to do during retirement.
- Build a network of friends, associations and contacts who are already retired.
- Consider an Elderhostel or other senior-travel experience.
Consider joining a retirement organization such as the APSU Retirees Association.

Two Years Prior to Retirement

Continue your education by attending seminars, talking with peers, and meeting with advisors.
Calculate projected healthcare and medication costs and coverage options. Investigate Medicare Parts A, B and D and a supplemental insurance plan.
Calculate projected living expenses and compare them to anticipated income from all sources.
Examine pension distribution options through individualized illustrations through your defined distribution plan.
Increase participation in proposed retirement activities and locations.

One Year Prior to Retirement

Continue your education by attending seminars, talking with peers, and meeting with advisors. Schedule a meeting with the APSU Human Resources retirement staff member.
Reevaluate projected healthcare/medication needs and coverage.
Review existing or new policies for life insurance, long-term care coverage, and protection insurance.
Reevaluate projected living expenses and income. Plan for method of retirement income distribution.
Locate your original birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate (or divorce decree.) You will need to present these when you apply for benefits.
Faculty should inform their dean or department chair of intended retirement date in adequate time to initiate a search for a successor. This will usually require a written notification of intention of retirement and a date. Begin preparation for transfer of duties.

Six Months Prior to Retirement

If you have not already done so, both staff and faculty should write the letter of intention to retire to the appropriate supervisor. Schedule a follow-up meeting with the APSU Human Resources staff member.
Staff should schedule unused paid-leave days or evaluate payment option through one's supervisor.
Collect and review applicable forms from Social Security at www.ssa.gov/retirement , by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting the local Social Security Office. In Clarksville the address is 108 Center Pointe Drive, 37040, telephone 931-647-5381.
Collect and review forms for pension plans distribution. (See the telephone numbers and web sites as listed below.)
Collect and review forms for Medicare Parts A. B and D, and other intended insurance coverage.

Three Months Prior to Retirement

Finalize your pension distribution decisions. Request forms from retirement plans.
Apply for Social Security 3 months before you want benefits to start. (1-800-772-1213)
Begin to inform business-related organizations of your address change.
Review your pay stub and, if desired, make alternative arrangements through Human Resources for payments currently made by payroll reduction or deduction.
Make an appointment with the appropriate benefits office for you and your spouse (if married) to complete the necessary paperwork to start your pension payments.
Finalize decision on healthcare and enroll in Medicare Parts A, B and/or D and other coverage as planned.
Plan your first day of retirement. Decide on three things you wish to accomplish during your first month of retirement.
Pick up a "Check out sheet" from Human Resources.

Retirement Day