Preparing For Retirement

The Journey to Retirement: A Step-by-Step Roadmap

Retiring is a major milestone, and we want to ensure your transition into this next exciting chapter is as smooth, clear and celebratory as possible. 

This chronological guide breaks down your essential steps — from your early planning stages to your official final week — so you can confidently navigate your timelines, benefits and paperwork. We’re proud to partner with you every step of the way to ensure a seamless path forward.

Phase 1: Planning Ahead (6-to-12 Months Before Retirement)

When should I begin the formal retirement planning process with the university?

You should begin reviewing your retirement timelines and state pension accounts at least six to twelve months before your targeted departure date to ensure all administrative records are aligned. This early window gives you ample runway to gather documents, calculate your projections and make informed choices without any rush.

What is my first administrative step when planning for state pension retirement?

Your first step is to log into your personal account on the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits portal to run an official retirement estimate and verify that your service milestones are fully accurate.

Phase 2: Formal Application (4-to-6 Months Before Retirement)

How do I officially apply for my state pension benefits?

You must submit your formal retirement application online through the state's MBOS portal between four and six months prior to your retirement date. The state requires this processing window to review your institutional history, verify your final compensation rates, and set up your monthly distribution pipelines.

When should I register for Medicare if I am retiring at age 65 or older?

You should contact the Social Security Administration three months before your retirement date to coordinate your transition from the University's health coverage into Medicare Part A and Part B. Securing this timing prevents any gaps in your medical coverage as you transition away from active employment status.

Phase 3: Institutional Notice (2-to-3 Months Before Retirement)

When must I notify Montclair State University of my intent to retire?

You should submit a formal written notice of retirement to your direct supervisor and the Division of Human Resources at least two-to-three months before your final day. Providing this notice gives your department time to manage workforce continuity and allows the HR Benefits team to initialize your offboarding workflows.

How do I enroll in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) retired coverage?

You will complete your retired health benefits enrollment forms immediately following your institutional notification, as guided by our benefits specialists. These forms ensure that your medical, prescription and dental protections transition directly into the state's retired insurance network on day one of your retirement.

Phase 4: The Final Stretch (1 Month to Your Last Week)

What happens to my remaining vacation and sick time when I retire?

Human Resources conducts a final audit of your accrued time during your last month of employment to process any eligible payouts in accordance with your union contract, state regulations or managerial guidelines. All final time entries must be completely logged and approved within Workday before your final day.

What are a retiring employee's final-week responsibilities on campus?

During your final week, you will complete the standard University offboarding checklist to return institutional property and wrap up your technical access.

  • Asset Return: Hand over your University ID card, office keys, laptop and any department-owned equipment to your direct supervisor.
  • Stay Connected: Update your personal contact information, forwarding residential address and primary email within the Employee Self Service module in Workday to ensure you receive future tax documentation seamlessly.

For more information on when you will receive your retirement payouts, visit our Payout Processing resource.

Technical Guidance and Support Channels

Should you have specific questions or require personalized technical assistance while completing your state forms, feel free to leverage these direct helplines:

  • Montclair HR Benefits Team: Reach out to your dedicated campus guides at  askhr@montclair.edu or 973 655 7700.
  • New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits Hotline: Speak directly to state program counselors by dialing 609-292-7524.