Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Retirement Guidelines
Everything you need to know to plan and execute a smooth transition into retirement.
Overview
Important Information Before You Begin
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This guide outlines the 13 essential steps to retirement. Each step is designed to help you navigate the process smoothly and ensure you don't miss any critical deadlines or requirements.
The retirement process involves coordination between you, PSERS (Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System), the School District of Philadelphia, and the PFT Health & Welfare Fund. Following these steps in order will help ensure a seamless transition.
13 Steps to Retirement
Follow these steps for a smooth retirement transition
Working After Retirement
Important information about post-retirement employment
General Rule
Employment Emergency or Shortage
Employment Emergency:
An increase in workload which creates a serious impairment of service to the public. The Pennsylvania public school employer makes the initial determination that an emergency exists.
Shortage of Personnel:
A public school employer may hire a PSERS retiree if no other appropriate certified teachers or other personnel are available within the required subject or work area.
The school employer is expected to make a "good faith" effort to secure non-retired personnel first before hiring a PSERS retiree.
Employment may continue throughout the school year so long as the emergency or shortage of personnel exists. PSERS reserves the right to review an employer's determination.
Extracurricular Employment
A PSERS retiree may work for a Pennsylvania public school entity in an extracurricular position provided the employment:
- Is performed primarily outside regular instructional hours
- Is not part of the mandated educational curriculum
Required Contract Provisions:
You must have a separate written contract with the school employer which must contain both:
- A waiver by you of any potential retirement benefits that could result from the post-retirement employment
- A release of both the employer and PSERS from any liability for benefits related to the post-retirement employment
Questions About Retirement?
Our member services team is here to help with eligibility, benefits, claims, and everything in between. Reach out — we'll point you to the right person.