Retirement Checklist - Officers
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.
Before You Retire
- You must notify your department or school in writing of your retirement date as soon as possible.
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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.
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Contact any retirement plan carriers where you have your retirement assets to discuss your options upon retirement. To inquire if any necessary forms are required, please contact TIAA and/or Vanguard.
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If eligible for a defined benefit pension, request final calculation of your benefit and return the completed forms to the University.
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Complete the beneficiary designation form for the life insurance benefit provided by Columbia University.
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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.
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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 and provide your retirement date as soon as possible. Call 800-772-1213 to request enrollment in Medicare Part A & B and inquire about Social Security payments.
- If you are 65 or older, contact the Social Security Administration and provide your retirement date as soon as possible. Call 800-772-1213 to request enrollment in Medicare Part A & B and inquire about Social Security payments.
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If you are under age 65 at the time of retirement, contact Social Security at least three months prior to your 65th birthday.
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You can choose to elect the Columbia retiree medical coverage offered through UHC 80, 90 or 100 plans.
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How to enroll in retiree medical and dental benefits:
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Review medical plan comparison charts and premiums to elect your medical plan under Columbia University’s retiree medical plans.
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Complete and return your Medical Plan Election Form for Retirees and your Dental Plan Enrollment form.
After Retirement
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FSA, Transit and Parking benefits should be reviewed in order to submit reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to retirement. Submit claims for reimbursement as soon as possible.
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Dental, life insurance and long-term care benefits can be continued after retirement. Respond to mailings received at home promptly.
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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.
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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.
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If you are enrolled in one of the voluntary benefit plans, you will receive materials directly from the carrier regarding coverage continuation.
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Update your Columbia ID in order to maintain your continued association with Columbia and have access to discounts, library, gym facilities, class auditing, etc.