How to Retire

STEP 1: Get a pension estimate

• Click here for a Pension Estimate Form (fill out and submit online) 
• Review the preliminary calculation of your pension benefit, sent to you via e-mail

STEP 2: Choose last day of current pay period as last day of work (effective date of retirement, first day of next pay period)

• Click here for a Pension Clearance Form (fill out and submit online)
• Expect first check within 60 days of COA Office of Retirement Services & GEMGroup receipt of Pension Clearance Form

STEP 3: Exit Interview

• GEMGroup will contact you via e-mail to set up an in-person exit interview (this is a safety feature that protects you as a pensioner)
• In-person: 225 Peachtree Center, Suite 1460, 225 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA

STEP 4: Pension Board of Trustees Approval

• Board meets first Wednesday of each month

STEP 5: First pension checks

• Expect "retroactive pension check" (covers "effective date of retirement" until initial "monthly pension check"),within two weeks of board approval
• Initial "monthly pension check" will be at end of the month in which board approval was granted
• Pension monies can be delivered straight to your checking account via direct deposit (highly recommended); click here for a Direct Deposit Form (fill out and submit online) Let us know if you change your address; click here for a Change of Address Form (fill out, have notarized, submit original hard copy to address in STEP 3)