Retirement Checklist

Contact Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration (MPERA)

When you are ready to retire as a member of MPERA’s Defined Benefit Retirement Plans, follow these simple steps to retirement:

• Three to four months before you plan to retire, contact MPERA at (406) 444-3154 for an official defined benefit estimate packet. The estimate in your packet will give you an approximate amount of your monthly benefit and allow you to plan your retirement accordingly. It will also include your required forms to be completed and returned to MPERA:
  • Application for service retirement
  • Direct deposit agreement
  • Withholding certificate

Are You Currently Enrolled in Deferred Compensation 457(b)?

Contact Empower at (877) 699-4015 or call one of the local retirement plan counselors. You may be eligible to defer your excess vacation, sick or leave time into your 457(b) account:

• Julie Lucas – (406) 417-1690; lucas@empower.com
• Trevor Bell – (406) 880-9144; bell@empower.com
• Corinne Moncada – (406) 876-2933; moncada@empower.com

If you are a member of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan or the State of Montana’s 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, reach out to Empower one to two months prior to retirement to discuss your account and/or withdrawal options. If you have questions about your investments and individual account balance, Empower is available to assist you.

Don’t forget to inform your employer of your retirement! If you have any questions, contact MPERA at (406) 444-3154; (877) 275-7372; or mpera@mt.gov.

For more information on retirement health care benefits such as medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life insurance and VEBA, visit the Retirees tab found on the Health Care & Benefits Division website.