Apply for Retirement
Retirement is a major career milestone and plays a pivotal role in your financial future. OHRM Benefits and Pensions staff are available to help you navigate through the retirement process and ensure you feel confident in your decision to transition into retirement.
You are encouraged to review the suggested timeline and begin planning for retirement at least a year in advance.
Until further notice, all counseling sessions will be held virtually. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Retirement Analyst, please complete the Request for a Counseling Session.
You may also contact the Division at 301-883-6390 or at pensions@co.pg.md.us with any questions you may have.
Retirement Timeline
12 Months Before Retirement
- Request an estimate
- Contact your Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b) Plan Provider
- If applicable, contact Social Security Administration
6 to 9 Months Before Retirement
- Review your estimate and benefit options
- Prepare retirement budget
- Consider your long-term healthcare needs
2 to 3 Months Before Retirement
- Contact the Pensions Division to schedule a counseling/officially apply for retirement
- Submit Completed Retirement Packet
- Review your leave balances
1 Month Before Retirement
- Submit notice of intent to retire to your Appointing Authority
- Adhere to all required checkout procedures
Requesting an Estimate
If you are enrolled in one of the County's four (4) Public Safety Pension plans or one of the seven (7) Supplement Pension plans, you are encouraged to enroll in MemberDirect. MemberDirect provides you with on-demand access to your retirement account and the ability to generate your own estimate.
Estimates may also be requested by completing the Request for a Benefit Estimate form. Requests may take up to ten (10) business days for processing.
For those enrolled in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, who wish to obtain an estimate of their retirement benefit. Please visit the State's website at https://sra.maryland.gov/mysrps. Here, you will be able to create an account on their secure portal and generate your estimate.
Requesting an Appointment
A retirement counseling appointment provides:
- Assistance with completing necessary paperwork
- Explanation of retirement options
- Answer questions regarding the retirement process
Retirement Counseling Sessions are not required, however, employees requesting this service must schedule an appointment.
Appointments must be scheduled by completing the Retirement Services Appointment Request Form. A Retirement Analyst will contact you within 24 to 48 hours to schedule an appointment. Counseling sessions are strictly confidential.
The Retirement Services team provides both virtual and in-person options.
Appointments are reserved for no more than 60 minutes.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Appointment Protocol
- Arrive to your scheduled appointment on time.
- Notify the Retirement Services team if you will be more than 15 minutes late.
- Notify the Retirement Services team immediately if an appointment will be missed or needs to be rescheduled.
- Employees arriving outside of their designated time will need to reschedule.
What to Bring
- Proof of birth documentation for beneficiary, if selecting a joint and survivor option (Birth Certificate, Passport, Driver’s License)
- Voided Check, Deposit Slip, or letter from bank for Direct Deposit.
What You Need to Know
- Your Social Security Number
- New address (if moving)
- Social Security Number and date of birth of beneficiary
- Separation date
- Retirement date