Backdating Your Retirement Claim

Who is eligible to backdate a retirement claim?

A member who has terminated employment with all SURS-covered employers and meets the minimum age and service requirements to qualify for a lifetime monthly retirement benefit may be able to backdate their retirement claim up to 12 months before the retirement application is received by SURS.

Why should I consider backdating my retirement claim?

Depending on your individual situation, it may be beneficial to backdate your retirement claim and receive retroactive retirement benefits. While the monthly benefit may be higher if you forgo the backdating option and retire with a current retirement date, you might consider the amount of retroactive pay you would be eligible to receive up front if you were to backdate your retirement claim.

Example: Current Date vs. Backdating One Year

Backdated Retirement Benefit: $3,000 per month (eligible to backdate 12 months)

Total Backpay received up front: $36,00

Current Dated Retirement Benefit: $3,300 per month

Total Backpay: $0

Backpay recovery: 120 months ($36,000 divided by $300 per month

The current dated retirement estimate is $300 more per month than the retirement estimate that is backdated 12 months. However, $36,000 in backpay would be forfeited. It would take approximately 120 months of receiving the higher monthly benefit to recover the forfeited backpay.

How to apply?

The retirement application is available on the SURS Secure Member Website. Once logged in, click on the Forms tab.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding this information, please call the SURS Call Center at (800) 275-7877 Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.