For Members Retiring Congratulations on Your Upcoming IPERS Retirement

Retirement Checklist

As you plan for retirement, keep these things in mind.

• Begin the benefit application process early. Submit a completed application 60 days before the month in which you want pension benefits to begin. You cannot receive your benefit payments if the application is incomplete or does not include all the required documentation.
• Keep your address updated with IPERS. This ensures you receive important information from IPERS. Your employer does not notify IPERS when you change your address.
• Review and update the beneficiary information you have on file with IPERS. To change your beneficiary, complete an IPERS Enrollment/Beneficiary Designation Form.
• Request a benefit estimate. The estimate will show all the forms of payment available to you, the estimated benefit you will receive under each payment option, and the benefit payable to your beneficiary in the event of your death. Request this statement before deciding on a retirement date; it may help you decide on the date that is right for you.
• Attend an educational session to learn about what you can do to prepare for retirement. For information, call IPERS or see the Training and Retirement Planning page. Schedules are also included in IPERS newsletters.
• Meet with an IPERS representative to discuss your personal situation. Retirement planning sessions are held periodically across Iowa and in our Des Moines office. You can schedule an appointment by calling IPERS.
• Consider a service purchase. If you are considering purchasing service, you should call IPERS for a quote of the cost as soon as possible. We can also help you evaluate the impact that purchasing service will have on your benefit. Service purchases can take several months to complete.
• Review the tax consequences of the payment options you are considering with your tax advisor. Benefit payments may be subject to federal and state taxes, so it's important to understand your potential tax consequences.
• Tell your beneficiary to contact IPERS as soon as possible after your death. We will determine if your beneficiary is eligible for a death benefit and discuss the application process. It’s best for your beneficiary to contact IPERS as soon as possible after your death to ensure timely processing of any benefits.
• Call us with any questions at 515-281-0020 or toll-free at
  1-800-622-3849. We’ll connect you with a representative knowledgeable about IPERS.