Retirement

What do I need to do to retire?

student on campus

It is advised that you start your retirement process at least 3 months prior to the date in which you want to retire

  • Determine in which retirement plan(s) you're enrolled - Log in to MyTSU and access Banner Services; Choose Employee, Benefits and Deductions, Benefit Summary, Retirement Plans
  • Click on 'Vendor Web Site' to access your retirement vendor's site.  Make sure you create an online profile, if you haven't already
  • For TCRS members, call TCRS M-F 8am - 7pm for information.   Benefit Estimates are no longer mailed but are available online.  Paper applications for TCRS retirement are no longer accepted; you must apply for TCRS retirement online by clicking HERE
  • For the 401(k), ROTH 401(k) and 457 plans, visit Retire ReadyTN and create an online profile, if you haven't already.  Call (800) 922-7772 M-F 8am - 7pm to discuss distribution options
  • For TIAA members, create your online profile, if you haven't already.  Contact our TIAA rep Rosaline Banks at  Rosaline.Banks@tiaa.org (901) 498-6165  to discuss distribution options.  Ms. Banks can meet with you in-person or virtually.
  • For Voya members, create your online profile, if you haven't already.  Contact our Voya rep Ed Stewart at ed.stewart@voyafa.com / (615) 627-5936 to discuss distribution options

Continuing Insurance at Retirement - Age 64 or Younger *

  • If you are age 64 or younger, you may continue group health care coverage for yourself and your family by completing this FORM and scanning/emailing it to Pam Trent, Benefits Manager at ptrent@tnstate.edu.  See the Premium schedules below.  Medical premiums are based on years of service.  You may be able to convert your term life insurance policy(ies) to a Whole Life policy(ies).  Contact Securian Minnesota Life at (866) 881-0631 for options/details

*  If you were hired after July 1, 2015 AND you have NO prior state of Tennessee service, you are not eligible to continue group insurance at retirement

Continuing Insurance at Retirement - Age 65+

  • If you are age 65 or older, you must apply for Medicare.  You may apply for the Tennessee Plan (formerly 'POMCO')  by completing this FORM and scanning/emailing it to Pam Trent, Benefits Manager at ptrent@tnstate.edu.   Click HERE for the Tennessee Plan monthly premium (supplemental medical insurance for retirees with Medicare).  Call (800) 253-9981 and choose the option for RETIREMENT if you have questions about the Tennessee Plan.  You may also want to compare plans for coverage and premiums at TN SHIP  (877) 801-0044
  • To apply for Social Security retirement benefits click HERE 

Disaiblity Retirement

  • Please review the TCRS Disability Retirement Checklist and call (800) 922-7772 for more information
  • Please note this is separate from Social Security Disability (to apply click HERE) or Long Term Disability (please contact Pam Trent, Benefits Manager at ptrent@tnstate.edu / (615) 963-7433 for long term disability separate from retirement)

What you need to provide to TSU when retiring

  • You must submit a Letter of Intent to Retire to your supervisor
  • You may opt to have your Annual Leave paid out in a lump sum, or, (this option is only available when retiring), you may opt to use your Annual Leave until it runs out.  You must specify your choice in your letter.  
  • You must complete the Supervisor Exit form with your supervisor.  You should receive a completed copy and a completed copy must be scanned/emailed to Pam Trent, Benefits Manager at ptrent@tnstate.edu 
  • The Employee Exit form will be emailed to you via DocuSign.  You will sign electronically (no special software required) and it if automatically emailed back to Human Resources.  If you have any outstanding fines/fees, you may authorize to have these funds deducted from your final paycheck
  • Scan/email the completed  Continuing Insurance at Retirement Application to Pam Trent, Benefits Manager at ptrent@tnstate.edu 
  • If Medicare requests proof of insurance after age 65, you may need this FORM

Other Retirement Information

  • If you are a member of TCRS, your Sick Leave may be used toward Service Time
  • If you are a member of the ORP, you may donate your Sick Leave to the Faculty Sick leave Bank (if you're faculty) or Staff Sick Leave bank (if you are staff).  In this case, Sick Leave cannot be donated to an individual.
  • Retirees may maintain their TSU email address by emailing Sterlin Sanders in IT at ssande20@tnstate.edu
  • Retirees may keep their TSU ID badge
  • Retirees may keep their TSU parking pass
  • Retirees are eligible for Tuition discounts.  Please contact Jo Mercer at jmercer@tnstate.edu / (615) 963-6677 for details

Guides / Resources