Retiree Benefits
Social Security FAQ | Life Insurance Information | Rehired Retiree Information
Blue Cross Blue Shield Rates | Other Benefits
Helpful Links | Information | Back to Retirement Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security
Q. How do I start my Social Security Retirement Benefits?
A. You must apply as benefits will not start until you file an application. To file an application, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Your application can be taken over the phone or you can arrange for an appointment at any Social Security Office.
Q. Do I need to provide any documents when I sign up for Social Security?
A. Yes. You will need:
- your Social Security Card or a record of your number
- your birth certificate
- marriage certificate (if signing up on a spouse’s record)
- your most recent W-2
- a check or any papers that show your bank account number if you wish to have your Social Security payment deposited directly into your bank account
Do not put off applying if you do not currently have all the documents. They can be provided later.
Q. When do I file for Social Security benefits?
A. File your application at least three (3) months before the date you want retirement benefits to begin but not earlier than four (4) months before you reach age 62. In any event contact Social Security during the three (3) months before age 65 to be sure you apply for Medicare coverage at the appropriate time. There are cost penalties for applying for Medicare after the initial eligibility period. Social Security can explain these to you.
Q. How will I receive my Social Security benefits payments?
A. Your payments will be made by direct deposit to your bank account. If you do not have a deposit account with a financial institution and can provide certification of such, your payments can be paid by check through the mail.
Q. If I work while receiving benefits, will I still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes?
A Yes, you will still pay regardless of your age.
Q. Am I subject to an Earnings Limitation?
A. It depends upon your age. You are only subject to the retirement earnings limit if you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits before attaining full retirement age.
Q. What happens if I exceed the Earnings Limitation?
A. When you exceed the earnings limit, a $1 of benefits is withheld for every $2 you earn above the limit.
Q. Do I need to notify Social Security if my earnings exceed the earnings limitation?
A. Yes, call Social Security and report this information so that benefits will not be paid incorrectly. You will have to pay back any benefits paid incorrectly. Penalties can also be incurred for intentionally failing to report your earnings or reporting them incorrectly.
Q. Where can I get more information about Social Security and Medicare?
A. You can obtain publications free of charge at any Social Security office. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Life Insurance Information
UA Basic Term Life Insurance Portability
The Basic Life coverage is not portable for a retired employee.
UA Basic Term Life Insurance Conversion
At retirement, you may continue the basic term life insurance under the “Conversion” provision for as long as you want. You will need to do this if you want to convert to a Whole Life Individual policy. The application (available from the Human Resources Service Center) must be submitted to the insurance company within 31 days following the effective date of termination of insurance. The payment options are quarterly, semi-annual or annual so you would pay premium for at least 3 months. The bill will be sent to you with the amount due for each payment option and you can elect how you would like to pay and send a check for that amount directly to the insurance company. The rates are higher and are based on your age.
UA Retiree Life Insurance
As a retired employee of The University of Alabama, you may continue $6,000 of the term life insurance and $6,000 of the accidental death and dismemberment insurance that The University paid for you while you were an active employee. The cost for continuing these two insurance programs is very nominal. You will receive counseling at the Human Resources Service Center about the continuation of other life insurance amounts that you may have had as an active employee of The University.
Rehired Retiree Information
The University of Alabama cannot guarantee the opportunity of employment after retirement. However, if The University of Alabama employs you or if you work for any other agency covered by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, employment is restricted to the following conditions:
- you must be part-time
- you cannot exceed the limitation on earnings. The limits are subject to change each year based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- you are not eligible for regular UA employee benefits
If you are employed in private industry or private education, there are no restrictions on earning or full-time employment.
UA Retiree Blue Cross Blue Shield Rates for 2008
UA RETIREE |
2007 UA RATE |
2008 UA RATE |
Individual (under age 65) |
$339.00 |
$340.00 |
Individual (age 65 and older) |
$271.98 |
$273.00 |
Family (retiree & dependents under age 65) |
$752.00 |
$753.00 |
Family (retiree age 65 or older, dependent under 65) |
$689.02 |
$690.00 |
Family (retiree under 65, dependent 65 or older) |
$689.02 |
$690.00 |
Retiree & spouse age 65 or older |
$543.37 |
$546.00 |
Retiree & 1 dependent <65 |
$613.20 |
$614.00 |
Other Benefits Available to UA Retirees
- Use of all University Libraries
- Supply Story privileges/discounts
- Parking privileges (Free Gold Hangtag)
- UA E-mail Account
- Membership with Alabama Credit Union
- University Club Membership
- University Recreation Center Membership
- Membership with The University of Alabama Retiree Association (TUARA)
- Athletic ticket privileges
- Tuition Grants for retirees and eligible dependents
- Use of University Owned Condominiums ( Bay Point, Panama City and Boone Cabin, Northport)
- Recitals and special music programs
Helpful Links
Frequently Asked Questions about TRS
Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama
Information
The Teachers’ Retirement System of Alabama
135 South Union Street
P. O. Box 302150
Montgomery, AL 36130-2150
Phone
334-832-4140 or
Toll Free 1-800-214-2158
Fax Number:
334-240-3032 or 334-240-3230
AARP 1-888-687-2277
TIAA-CREF 1-800-842-2776
AIG Retirement 1-800-448-2542
Medicare and Disability Information
1-800-772-1213
The University of Alabama Retiree Association-(TUARA)
VP for Membership, Martha Rogers
mrogers37@bellsouth.net
(205) 556-2934