New York State and Local Retirement System

A Checklist For Those Nearing Retirement

Become Informed. This is the most important step to take in planning for your retirement. Here are some things you can do:
- Read your Plan Booklet found on our Publications page
- Make an appointment with an Information Representative at one of our Consultation Sites
Commit to Paying Off Your Retirement System Loan and/or Outstanding Balance for the Purchase of Credit for Previous Service. If you retire with an outstanding loan balance, you will receive a permanently reduced annuity or retirement benefit. If you have an outstanding balance to purchase credit for previous service, you may only receive credit for a prorated portion of your service. In most instances, with less service credit at retirement, you will receive a smaller retirement benefit.

Complete a Request for Estimate (RS6030) form to learn the approximate amount you can expect to receive monthly. Employees’ Retirement System members can also visit our benefit projection calculator to get an idea of the amount of your annual benefit. It will be based entirely on the data you input.
Locate Proof of Your Birth Date. We cannot pay any benefits without proof of your birth date. The most common documents we accept are:
- Birth certificate
- Baptismal certificate
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
- Passport or passport card
- State or Provincial Enhanced Driver’s License (A special driver license that can be used as an identity and citizenship document at land and sea border crossings between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries instead of a passport.)
- Naturalization papers
The National Center for Health Statistics’ website contains information for each state on where to write for your vital records.

Review Your Health Insurance Coverage. Check with your health benefits administrator to determine your eligibility for post-retirement coverage. You may have to investigate private health insurance plans.

Review Other Income Sources. Experts say you will need at least 80 percent of your pre-retirement income to maintain your current standard of living
Prepare a Retirement Budget. Having a budget allows you to decide how you want to spend your money and aids you in keeping your long-term goals in focus.

Submit Your Application for Service Retirement (RS6037)
Submit a W-4P Form . Use our tax calculator to determine approximately how much you should have withheld from your retirement benefit. Review more tax services information.

Choose a Retirement Payment Option. Base your selection on your most recent estimate.