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Need Assistance?

≥18 months prior to retirement:

  1. Review your accounts
  2. Meet with a counselor semi-regularly
  3. Participate in learning opportunities 

6 months prior to retirement:

  1. Review eligibility guidelines
  2. Review the USG site
  3. Make an Appointment

3 months prior to retirement:

  1. Begin the off-boarding process
  2. Begin the retirement process

Planning

What should I be thinking about when it comes to my retirement? A. Ask yourself, "Who do I want to be in retirement?" Consider what your life will look like every day; if you'll want to move or continue working in a different capacity; and how much savings you will need.  

When should I start planning for retirement? Begin as soon as possible. The earlier you start planning the more likely you are to have a great retirement. However, the logistical process of retiring doesn't begin until you're about three months from retirement.

Review the University System of Georgia Retirement Planning Guide

Retirement Process

The official process begins with a conversation with the Retirement Program Leader from Human Resources. You'll discuss your options and the unique path available to you. 

  1. Make an appointment with GTHR for counseling 
  2. Review eligibility requirements (age & years of service)
  3. Determine what benefits will be available to you (during counseling session)
  4. Meet with TRS for pension calculations
  5. Notify your department
  6. Review your vacation & sick time

* You may complete the Retirement Dinner Application and Georgia Tech Silver Jackets Invitation during your retirement planning meeting or fax to 404-894-6978.

Benefits in Retirement

Can you keep your benefits in retirement? Yes, as long as you have them directly before retirement. However, you can not add benefits. E.g., if you have supplemental life insurance but no dental, you cannot add dental once you are retired. 

  • Not all benefits are available to retirees, even if you have them while you are active. Only medical, dental, vision, BOR basic life, and BOR supplemental life are offered. 
  • OneUSG Connect will deduct premiums from checking/savings between the first of each month. 
  • As a retiree, if you terminate any coverage you cannot re-establish with USG.

Who is Eligible to Retire?

Regardless of the plan, an employee must meet one of the following three conditions:

  • If you have at least 10 years of continuous service and age 60
  • If you are between 25 and 30 years prior to age 60 with early pension benefits penalty (TRS only)
  • If you have 30 years services (regardless of your age)

If there is a break in service there may be additional provisions under the USG Retirement policy that must be met for eligibility.

Read the USG Policy

Unused Time

Vacation Time

Up to 360 hours unused vacation time is paid out on last check (if included by the department on retirement PSF).

Sick Time

Unused sick time counts toward TRS only and is unlimited. ORP unused sick leave can only be transferred to Donated Sick Leave at any Annual Enrollment prior to retirement.