How to prepare for retirement

Published On: June 16, 2026

Retirement is a major milestone, and a few simple steps can make the process smooth and stress-free. To start collecting your pension, you must have 5 years of vested pension credits.

1 pension credit is earned by working 1,000 hours in a calendar year.

You may also qualify for:

  • Early retirement at age 55 (with reduced benefits)
  • Full retirement benefits at 30 pension credits (at any age)

Here’s how to get started:

  • Notify your employer of your retirement date
  • Go online to print and complete a retirement application
  • If you choose, you may call the Fund Office to speak to a representative about retirement or request an application
  • You may also call to schedule an appointment with a representative to walk you through the retirement process
  • Submit your completed pension application and supporting documents 30-180 days before your benefits begin

Planning ahead helps you avoid delays and ensures a smoother, more secure transition into retirement.