Approaching Retirement Timeline
One Year Before Retirement
Review your retirement income sources, such as Social Security and your retirement savings plan(s) to make sure you are still on track with your goals.
DRS Participants
Log in to your DRS Account and request an official estimate of your monthly benefit. Check out the DRS: Retirement Planning Checklist for more detailed information.
3-6 Months Before Retirement
Page Contents
Retirement Resources
Social Security
If you will be collecting Social Security when you retire, apply on Social Security's website or visit a Social Security Office.
Arrange Retirement Payments
Contact your investment company (Fidelity, TIAA, or DRS) to make arrangements for retirement income payments. Contact information can be found on the Retirement Contacts page.
Enroll in Medicare
If you or your spouse is 65 or older at the time of retirement, you can enroll in Medicare on the Medicare website or visit the local Social Security Office. If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A before your retirement, and want to add Part B once you retire, please reach out to HR's Benefits department for a form you will need to submit to the Social Security Office with your application.
1-3 Months Before Retirement
WWURP Participants: Apply for Retirement
WWURP participants need to complete the WWU Retirement Application.
- If you are a DRS participant, do not fill this out.
DRS Participants: Apply for Retirement
DRS participants, apply for retirement through your DRS Account online or by calling DRS.
Keep in mind that your DRS retirement date is the first day of the month following your last day of employment at Western. For example, if your last day at Western is July 13, your retirement date with the DRS is August 1.
Enroll in Medical Insurance
If you are enrolling in a Wa Health Care Authority (HCA) Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Retiree medical or dental insurance plan, submit your retiree enrollment form directly to the HCA. The HCA may also need:
- Copy of Medicare part A or B enrollment card (if you, your spouse, or state-registered domestic partner are 65 or older).
- You may also need to send your first month's payment, depending on your payment method. Learn about your options for paying for benefits on the HCA website.
2 weeks before retirement
Submit Letter of Resignation
Submit letter of resignation to your department indicating your last day of employment at WWU and use retirement as your reason. Confirm that your department will submit a personnel action form to communicate your departure from Western to HR.
Complete Check Out Paperwork
Complete the exit interview, job documentation tool, and check out forms linked below.