Thinking About Retiring?

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Below are recommended first steps that are intended to connect you with the most appropriate and knowledgeable resources to help you answer this very important and personal question.    

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1. Go to Teachers’ Retirement System Kentucky (TRS) website

• • Reference ‘Preparing for Retirement’ tab at the top of the page
  • Speak with a TRS Retirement Counselor
    • M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
    • Call 1-800-618-1687
  • TRS member self-service portal (Pathway)

2. Go to Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) / Kentucky Employees Retirement System (KERS) website

• • Reference ‘Ready to Retire’ in the left-side menu
  • Speak with a KPPA Retirement Counselor
    • M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
    • Main Office: 502-696-8800
    • Toll Free: 1-800-928-4646
  • KPPA member self-service portal

3. WKU Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• • Contact your investment provider/vendor to discuss post-employment options
  • To request a withdrawal/transfer/loan:
    • Log in to Retirement Manager
    • Select desired transaction from the ‘I want to' dropdown menu and follow the system prompts.
    • Print a copy of the Distribution Eligibility Certificate
    • Submit the approved certificate and supporting paperwork, if applicable, to your investment provider/vendor for processing
    • Retirement Manager support: 1-866-294-7950

 

Additional Resources

1. COBRA Health Care Continuation Coverage

• • Administrator: Employers Risk Services (ERS)
    • ERS will send you information by mail related to the continuation of medical, dental, and vision benefits programs.
    • ERS Contact: 270-529-1423

2. Life Insurance Continuation of Coverage and Conversion

• • Carrier: Lincoln Financial Group (LFG)
    • Contact LFG for information about continuing or converting your WKU term life insurance policy
    • LFG Contact: 800-423-2765
    • WKU Group ID: WESTKENTUC