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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Ready to Retire

 

The Gwinnett Retirement Services Department staff is at your service. To get the most current information and begin your retirement application process, please contact us at 678-301-6267 or 678-301-6269. Our staff will provide all the information needed to get the process started. We will confirm your eligibility date, go over the Gwinnett Retirement System benefit options, provide you with benefit payment estimates, and help you complete any necessary forms. Your decisions are important and your privacy is respected. We take pride in providing individual retirement counseling sessions so you can make informed decisions about your retirement benefits. Our staff will assist you every step of the way.

 When can I begin receiving a Gwinnett Retirement System (GRS) benefit?

When you are:
•             Age 65 (if you have at least 9 months of service)
•             Currently receiving a benefit from a state of Georgia retirement plan, or
•             Age 60 and are eligible to receive a benefit from a state of Georgia retirement plan

 

If you are vested and are no longer contributing to GRS, it is your responsibility to apply for retirement benefits at the time you become eligible.  You may apply during the 6 months prior to turning age 65, but no later than the month during which benefits are to become effective.  If you do not apply within the required time frame, GRS will not pay any benefits between the time of your first eligibility and the date of your application.

You can also find detailed information about the Plan in the Gwinnett Retirement System Employee Handbook.

If you are planning to retire within the next year, now is the time for you to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our retirement specialists. We suggest that you schedule a consultation appointment one to two years prior to retirement.

What do I need to bring to my appointment scheduled with a Retirement Specialist if retiring with GRS/TRS? 

What do I need to bring to my appointment scheduled with a Retirement Specialist if retiring with GRS/PSERS?

Since employees of Gwinnett County Public Schools are also members of the State of Georgia Teachers Retirement System (visit TRS website) or the State of Georgia Public School Employees Retirement System (visit PSERS website), we can assist you with completing these applications too.

Teachers Retirement System employees can sign retirement papers in the GRS office 6 months prior to the retirement date. TRS application for retirement should be completed and submitted to Teachers Retirement System no later than 2 months prior to the retirement date to insure prompt payment of the first monthly benefit.

Public School Employees Retirement System employees cannot sign their retirement papers earlier than 3 months prior to the retirement date. Applications should be completed as soon as possible to insure prompt payment of the first monthly benefit.

GRS has two convenient locations at 437 Old Peachtree Road in Suwanee and 53 Gwinnett Drive in Lawrenceville.  Normal business hours for the Gwinnett Retirement Services Department are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with GRS counseling appointments scheduled Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Benefits Continued In Retirement
All benefits to be continued in retirement must be in place the year prior to retirement. Deductions must be coming out of active paychecks prior to retirement in order to continue an optional benefit after retirement.

Be aware of a change in the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) subsidy policy for retirees that took effect on January 1, 2017. Please visit the SHBP website for information about the Annuitant Years of Service Subsidy Policy, including Retiree Rate Calculators. This change could have a substantial impact on the cost of healthcare in retirement. Which rate structure applies to me?  Learn more on the SHBP website.

Benefits Dropped Prior To Or After Retirement
Any benefits dropped prior to or after retirement cannot be picked back up during retirement (this includes health insurance).

Contact us:

Delores Buckland 678-301-6267 (A-D)

Traci Knowles 678-301-6269 (E-R)

Bernadett Lorton 678-301-6274 (S-Z)