Before you Retire, You Must Do The Following:

UPDATED

July 1, 2009

1. You need to go to the PBA office for all P-73’s, updated information and personalized instructions of procedures.

2. You should report within thirty days (30) prior to retirement, in person, to Labor Relations, Room 1011, City Hall, to sign up for Medical Benefits.  Call Tracy Healy, Assistant Benefits Manager, for an appointment at 851-5914.  Under COBRA you can continue with GHI Dental for 18 months.

3. Reminder to your spouse, as in the past, when a retired police officer dies the City of Buffalo medical insurance coverage for spouse and/or family ends at that time.  Your spouse/family will need to obtain medical insurance coverage through the City of Buffalo under COBRA and must contact City Hall immediately.  The contact person is Tracy Healy, Assistant Benefits Manager, and she can be reached at 851-5914.  Your spouse/family will be responsible for payment.

4. If you have Life Insurance with any company on payroll deduction, make payment arrangements with them as soon as possible.  If you wish to continue insurance contact L&M, Doug Berkum 839-1234.

5. You must submit a P-73 (Available at PBA Office) to the commissioner of Police, requesting payment for the following:

a) Perfect Attendance Incentive

b) Unused Vacation Days

c) Pro-rated Holiday Pay

d) Pro-rated Longevity

That P-73 also combines your requests for payment.  In addition, you should also forward a copy of the P-73 to the Deputy Police Commissioner and Payroll/Personnel. 

6. You must submit a P-73 to the PBA at least thirty days (30) in advance of retirement requesting your PBA Retirement Badge and Folder.  PBA badges take six to eight weeks for delivery, so the sooner the submission the better.  (Available at PBA Office)

7. Upon retirement you will receive a W-4P tax form (to be completed in the PBA Office).  Once completed, a stipend from the PBA Severance Benefit Fund will be issued. However, according to Internal Revenue Service regulations this PBA allotment, according to law, must be claimed as income, and a 1099 tax form will be mailed to you by January 31st.

8. You must turn in any City owned property issued to you.  Please refer to Form BPD-24 (Available at PBA Office).  When you return your Badge and Wreath to the Property Room Officer (Room 104) obtain a receipt for said items.  Manual of Procedure must be returned to Payroll.  Failure to return any City owned property could result in your final Police Department check(s) being withheld. 

9. Check with the Police Photographer at 851-4493 to get your picture taken for your Buffalo Police Department Retiree Identification Card.

10. If you are in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan, notify the HELP-Line at 1-800-422-8463 and have them send you a distribution retirement package.  If you have any questions or wish to discuss your options, contact the account executive, at 1-800-422-8463 ext. 44397.

11. Put in your retirement papers thirty to ninety days (30–90) before date of departure.  Go to the State Office Building, 65 Court Street.  They will fill out and process the paperwork as they have a direct line to Albany’s computer.  (See attachment for monthly visiting days).

12. Decide on your retirement option and make sure you have enough life insurance.  Also, as a precaution to protect your family, have a complete physical examination prior to your retirement.

13. The PBA will provide you and your family, if eligible, an eye examination and glasses prior to your retirement.

14. If you wish to retain or waive optional PBA Life Insurance Policy after you retire, you must sign the appropriate forms in the PBA Office PRIOR to retirement.  The annual charge is fifty dollars ($50.00) and you will automatically be billed annually in October with payment due no later than January 1st.

15. It is the responsibility of the retiree to immediately notify the PBA Office of any change of address for proper life insurance billing and “The Blue Line” distribution.

16. “The Blue Line” will be sent to you.  (Again, very important that the PBA be notified of any address change).

17. Any further questions or assistance needed, please contact the PBA Office.

18. Your PBA Officers and fellow membership wish you and your family the best of luck and health in your retirement years!

Stay in Touch!

Sincerely,

ROBERT P. MEEGAN, JR.

PRESIDENT, PBA