Application Process

We recommend submitting your application 60-90 days before you want to begin receiving your benefit. We cannot accept applications more than six months in advance. 

Here is what we need to begin paying benefits.

1. Completed and Notarized Retirement Application

   Your completed application must be signed in the presence of a notary public. If you are married, both you and your spouse must sign in the presence of a notary public, no matter which benefit option you choose. Only the original application will be processed. We cannot accept photocopies or applications by fax or email. See our How to Complete Your PERA Retirement Application video for more information.

2. Proof of Your Date of Birth and Any Name Changes

   A copy of your passport, REAL ID, or enhanced driver’s license covers all identification requirements. If you don’t have one of these, then we will need a birth certificate and marriage certificate(s) if your birth name has changed. If you choose a survivor option, we also need identification documents for that individual. A regular driver’s license is not acceptable; if your driver’s license reads “Not for federal identification” at the top, it cannot be used for application identification. Identification requirements can be found on the Retirement Application.

3. Federal W-4P and Minnesota W-4MNP Tax Forms (Optional)

   Your benefit is subject to federal and state taxes (based on residency). We can withhold state taxes for Minnesota residents. Non-residents, contact your state to determine any tax responsibility. PERA can withhold the default tax amount OR you can complete the Federal W-4P and/or Minnesota W-4MNP tax form(s) to withhold a different amount. If tax selections are incomplete or no tax selections are provided, we will automatically withhold the default selections for Federal and State (MN residents only).

Notify Your Employer

Your employer signs the Verification of Termination form confirming your date of separation and that you have no written or verbal agreement to return to work. If you have been inactive in public service for six months or longer, this form is not needed. The Verification of Termination form can be uploaded in myPERA.

Termination Requirements

If you intend to return to public service in Minnesota after retirement, we recommend that you receive your first benefit payment before returning to work as it may interfere with your benefit processing.

1. Terminate all Minnesota public service.

   PERA law requires a complete separation from all Minnesota public employment. A termination could mean you retired or resigned, or it may mean you were dismissed.

2. No pre-arranged agreement to return to public service.

   You cannot have a written or verbal agreement to return to work or volunteer at any Minnesota public employer before terminating service.

3. Do not return to public service for 30 days after your termination date

   You cannot return to Minnesota public service, or work as an independent contractor for your current employer, within 30 days from your public service termination date. 

Public employment includes paid services to any Minnesota government employer (e.g., schools including sub lists, cities, counties, townships, universities, or state agencies).

If you do not meet PERA’s termination requirements:

• Your retirement benefit will be canceled.
• You may be required to repay any benefits you received, along with missed contributions.
• You will have to terminate from your new position and resubmit your retirement paperwork.

Verify that all parts of your application are completed including your:

• Benefit choice
• Notarized signature (and your spouse’s notarized signature, if married)
• Requested tax withholding.

There can be no cross-outs, white-outs, or other alterations on the benefit selection page (Part F and G).