Planning to retire? This page will help you navigate the necessary steps and paperwork to ensure a smooth transition to retirement and access the benefits available to you as a City of Manchester employee.

Steps to Retire

1. Apply for Medicare Parts A and B

To qualify for the City’s Medicare Advantage Plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.

• Online Application: Visit Medicare's website for detailed information and to apply online.
• In-Person Application: For assistance, visit your local Social Security office through SSA.gov.
• Timing: Submit your Medicare application at least 3 months before your retirement date or turning 65 to ensure timely receipt of your Medicare card.

2. Submit a Copy of Your Medicare Card

• Provide HR with a copy of your Medicare card to confirm enrollment in Parts A and B.
• Timing: Submit no later than 4 weeks before your retirement date

3. Contact Your Retirement System

If you’re part of the NH Retirement System (NHRS) for Fire and Police, or Contributory for other departments, contact them for retirement information.

• ​NHRS (Fire and Police): Contact at least 30 days before retirement. 
• Contributory (Other Departments): Contact at least 60 days before retirement.

4. Review Retiree Benefit Options

• Review this fiscal year's NHRS and Contributory Rate Charts on the Retirement Information page.
• Familiarize yourself with retiree benefits by visiting the Over 65 Plan Information page.

5. Submit Health and Dental Enrollment Forms

• Forms: Complete and submit separate enrollment forms for Health  (Instructions) and Dental benefits to Human Resources.
• Requirement: Forms must be submitted even if you are declining coverage.
• Timing: Submit all forms 6 weeks prior to your retirement date.

6. Sign Insurance Declination Form

• If you choose not to take health and/or dental insurance, review and sign an Insurance Declination Form.
• Timing: This must be done 6 weeks prior to your retirement date.

7. Submit First Month’s Premium Payment (For Contributory Retirees Only)

• Payment: Contributory retirees must send the first month’s premium payment check to the Human Resources department.
• Timing: Payment is due by the first day of your retirement month.

Important Information

• Medicare Requirement: Your Medicare Part B must be effective on your retirement date to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties and maintain eligibility for the City’s health plan.
• Spousal Coverage: If you have a spouse who is also 65, they may qualify for the Over 65 plan. If your spouse is under 65, they can join the under-65 plan at the applicable rate.
• Coverage Continuity: If you decline health or dental coverage at retirement, future re-enrollment is only possible if you have continuous employer-sponsored coverage. This also applies to spouses.
• Vision Coverage: Vision benefits are not available in retiree plans but can be accessed through COBRA.
• Basic Life Insurance: Your life insurance coverage remains in place for 8 weeks after retirement. After that, you have the option to port it to an individual term policy.

Need Assistance?

For further support in navigating the retirement process or completing your forms, please contact the City of Manchester Human Resources Department. We’re here to help make your transition to retirement as smooth as possible!