READY TO RETIRE
Thank you for your service to the state of Louisiana! It’s important to remember that retirement is not an overnight process and involves teamwork – you, your agency, LASERS, and ample planning time.
When you are ready to retire, review our checklist and resources in this section to get acquainted with the process and begin your retirement planning.
Retirement Readiness Planner
This planner contains LASERS benefit package information, a checklist for state employees nearing retirement, direct deposit information, insurance vendor information, a personal data organizer, and more.
Ready to Retire Checklist
Click on each section below to learn more about each step. You can also view this checklist as a PDF and print it at your leisure.
12-18 Months Away from Retirement
- Finalize any purchases or transfers of time to have included in your retirement benefits.
- Review the Retirement Readiness Planner on our website (above).
- Attend a PREP Seminar and check out other seminars available to active members.
- Obtain an estimate of benefits by making an appointment with a LASERS representative or by mail using Form 05‐01: Request for Retirement Estimate. Appointments are held by phone, video, or in person in Baton Rouge.
6 Months Away from Retirement
File a retirement application with your Human Resources office.
You will also need:
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A copy of your Social Security card
- A copy of the birth certificate of your beneficiary
- A copy of the Social Security card of your beneficiary
- A copy of marriage license, if Option 4A is selected
- A Judgment of Divorce, if applicable
- A copy of death certificate of spouse, if applicable
These documents may be submitted at any time during your career. They will be held in your file at LASERS until you are ready to retire.
Additional Forms to Complete
- Form 4‐05: Authorization for Direct Deposit
- Form 6‐02: Insurance Premium Deduction Authorization (if applicable, available to agency reps)
- Form W4‐P: Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments
- Form 4‐04: Spousal Consent Form (if applicable)
Please Note: Any forms requiring agency certification are not available directly to members. You must contact your Human Resources representative for assistance in completing these forms.
OGB Insurance Coverage
LASERS retirement eligibility rules DIFFER from the Office of Group Benefits (OGB) retiree eligibility for insurance coverage. Please review information about OGB’s coverage for retirees on their website.
If there is a break in service between your date of termination and your effective date of retirement, you will be considered out of state service and your monthly benefit may be reduced and your eligibility to receive credit for leave balances may be impacted. Retiring out of state service may also impact your coverage eligibility with the Office of Group Benefits (OGB). LASERS recommends members contact OGB Customer Service at 1.800.272.8451 with any questions.
What to Expect as an Applicant for Retirement
- LASERS will issue a notification to you when your application is received.
- A delay in submission of retirement documents will delay your retirement benefit.
- Your first retirement check should be issued within 45 days of the effective date of your retirement, provided all required documentation has been received.
- Your first retirement check will be mailed to your home address. Future checks should be directly deposited to your financial institution.
- If you selected an IBO, 80% of the IBO amount will be transferred to Empower shortly after the effective date of your retirement, provided all required documents are received, and the balance will be transferred once your retirement has been finalized; approximately 3 months after your retirement date.
- You must pay your insurance premiums directly through your Human Resource office until deductions from your retirement check are activated (generally 2-4 months).
Countdown to Retirement
This video provides the essential steps you should take in the months, weeks, and days leading up to retirement.