You will need to complete a retirement application when you are ready to retire and begin collecting monthly benefits. Go to our Forms Page to download this application or contact MSRS and we will mail the form to you. (University of Minnesota employees should call the University of Minnesota Employee Benefits Office at (612) 624-9090.)

In addition to your retirement application, we will need the following documents:

• A copy of your birth certificate
• A copy of your survivor's birth certificate if you elect survivor coverage
• A tax withholding form (IRS Form W-4P)
• A Direct Deposit Agreement form

Applying for retirement is easy, but your retirement decisions can be complex. We want to make sure you fully understand your retirement benefits and options before you actually file your paperwork. Retirement counselors are available for one-on-one sessions at any of our offices, which are located in St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Mankato and Detroit Lakes, or, if you prefer, we can help you over the phone.

You can elect to receive a lower monthly benefit to provide monthly survivor benefits to your named survivor. More information regarding the survivor options can be found under Benefit Options. You cannot change your survivor benefit selection or the person you named to receive survivor benefits if 30 days has passed since your first check date.