Retirement Checklist

If you are considering retirement, contact the HR Benefits Service Center at 212-851-7000 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a retirement facilitation with a Benefits Specialist to review your eligible benefits in retirement.

The checklists below also outline what you should do before and after you retire, to avoid a gap in your benefits.

Officers Checklist

  • Notify your department or school in writing at least 90 days before your retirement date.

  • Contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center for a retirement counseling appointment. Advise if you are currently completing a degree program or have children that are or may be eligible for continued tuition benefits.

  • Contact any retirement plan carriers where you have your retirement assets to discuss options 90 days before retirement. To inquire if any necessary forms are required, please contact TIAA and/or Vanguard.

  • If eligible for a defined benefit pension, request final calculation of your benefit and return the completed forms to the University.

  • If you have a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, contact Vanguard before retirement to discuss payment options.

  • Faculty should also contact the Office of Faculty Retirement for information on transitioning to retirement.
     

  • If you are 65 or older, contact Via Benefits and identify yourself as a Columbia University Officer. Via Benefits will provide general information about the medical plans you may be eligible for when you retire.

    • If you are 65 or older, contact the Social Security Administration 90 days prior to your retirement at 800-772-1213 to request enrollment in Medicare Part A & B and inquire about Social Security payments.

  • If you are under age 65 at the time of retirement, contact Social Security at least three months prior to your 65th birthday. 

How to enroll in retiree medical and dental benefits:

  • FSA, Transit and Parking benefits should be reviewed in order to submit reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to retirement. Submit claims for reimbursement before March 31 of the year following retirement.

  • Dental, life insurance and long-term care benefits can be continued after retirement. Respond to mailings received at home promptly.

  • If you are age 65 or over when you retire, Medicare is your primary medical coverage. Via Benefits also offers retired Officers options through the Medicare Marketplace, and personalized support to best meet the unique health care needs of you and your Medicare-eligible dependents.

  • You can continue to enroll in the University-provided dental plan, or you can select a new individual insurance plan through Via Benefits. These options may include lower-cost plans with comparable coverage, or plans better suited to your needs.

  • Update your Columbia ID in order to maintain your continued association with Columbia and have access to discounts, library, gym facilities, class auditing, etc.

Support Staff Checklist

  • Notify your department or school in writing at least 90 days before your retirement date.

  • Contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center for a retirement counseling appointment. 

  • Contact any retirement plan carriers where you have your retirement assets to discuss options 90 days before retirement. To inquire if any necessary forms are required, please contact TIAA and/or Vanguard.

  • If eligible for a defined benefit pension, request final calculation of your benefit and return the completed forms.

  • Complete the Beneficiary designation form for the life insurance benefit provided by Columbia University.

  • If you are age 65 or older, 90 days prior to your retirement, contact Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 to request enrollment into Medicare Part A & B and inquire about Social Security payments.

    • If you are over age 65, you are eligible for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a secondary insurance to Medicare. Medicare would be your primary insurance and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield would be secondary.

  • If you are under age 65, you are eligible for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield at no cost to you.

    • If you are under age 65 at the time of retirement, be sure to contact Social Security at least three months prior to your 65th birthday.

How to enroll in retiree medical benefits:

  • FSA, Transit and Parking benefits should be reviewed in order to submit reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to retirement. Submit claims for reimbursement within 90 days of your retirement.

  • Life Insurance benefits can be continued after retirement. Respond to mailings received at home promptly.