If you are no longer working for a YMCA and have more than $5,000 in either Plan, you can start a lifetime annuity as early as age 55. An annuity provides monthly income for as long as you live.

5 Years before Retirement

• Complete our Personal Budget Worksheet to make sure your income will match your expenses.

• Request an Annuity Estimate from the Fund
  You want to make sure you’re on track to meet your goals.

• Make sure you’re saving all you can for Retirement

• Request a statement from Social Security
  Review your earnings history and projected benefits.

• Investigate ways to fund long-term care protection
  If you’re using a long-term care policy, the younger you are when you get the policy, the lower the premium.

• Begin to consider where you’ll be living

1 Year before Retirement

• Develop a retirement budget and begin to live based on that budget

• Request an Updated Annuity Estimate from the Fund

• Review health insurance options at your Y
  If your Y does not provide any coverage for retirees, investigate other sources of health insurance coverage, such as coverage through a spouse. (You will have 18 months to remain on your Y’s policy under COBRA.).

• Investigate state taxes you’ll be paying in retirement
  Many states have tax-advantaged rules for retirees.

90  Days before Retirement

• Notify your Y of your decision to retire

• Notify the YMCA Retirement Fund of your decision to retire
  At that time, the Fund will send you the forms you need to complete to begin your annuity.

• If you intend to claim Social Security at the time you retire, notify them of your decision
  Contact Social Security three months before your 65th birthday even if you won’t be retiring. Certain provisions of Medicare begin at 65. You must sign up for them at that time to avoid a penalty.