If you are contemplating retiring soon, you may be wondering how to begin. It's important to begin preparing for the application process well in advance of your intended retirement date.

The following checklist should help you prepare for the retirement process.

• Review your service credit as soon as possible, to ensure you are eligible to retire;
• Consider taking a loan or, if applicable, an excess withdrawal;
• Choose a method of distribution for your TDA funds;
• Elect a payment option and designate your beneficiaries, if applicable;
• Tier I and II members should make a QPP investment election at retirement;
• File the Service Retirement Application for your tier;
• Read any of the applicable TRS Retirement Series brochures; and
• Check for the forms you may need to file with your retirement application
• Before filing for retirement, TRS must have your Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) information on file. If you haven’t already done so, please establish your Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) information with TRS to receive your retirement allowance directly into your bank account electronically. TRS cannot pay your retirement allowance until we have your bank account information on file. Log in to the secure section of our website and access the Payments section to designate an account.