Life Events in Retirement

Below are the most common situations that would require contact with ORS after your pension payments begin. Please use it as a general guide only. Because we can't list every possible event that should be reported, it's best to contact us if you're not sure.

You can use the secure message board in miAccount is the fastest, most convenient way to contact a knowledgeable ORS representative.

Address Change

Be sure we have your current mailing address and email address at all times so you receive your statements and other important notices. Address changes can be made online through miAccount or you can complete and submit us a Name and Address Change (R0357X) form.

We will notify your insurance carriers of your address change; however, it may take up to 30 days before the insurance carrier can take action. If you are insured by an HMO, ask to speak with an ORS insurance representative because an address change could affect your coverage.

See EFT Change (in this section) if you are changing your EFT account.

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Birth

Ordinarily, the birth or adoption of a child after you retire will not affect your pension. However, if you wish to enroll your child in your insurance plans, you can do so using miAccount (see Section III for more details) or by submitting the Insurance Enrollment/Change Request form (R0452H) form.

A birth or adoption could mean that you need to change your life insurance beneficiary using the Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation form. And don't forget your deferred compensation account with ING.

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Death

Death of the retiree. Upon your death, your personal representative (family member, executor) should contact ORS as quickly as possible. We will need your social security number and two certified copies of the death certificate.

If you were receiving a disability pension or a full retirement pension based on 25 years or more of service, your surviving spouse will receive the same pension and insurance benefits you were receiving.

If you do not have a surviving spouse, or your surviving spouse dies, your children under the age of 18 will receive the full survivor benefit divided equally between them. The survivor benefit will stop on their 18th birthday and be divided equally between any other children under the age of 18. This recalculation continues until the youngest has reached 18.

Note: Employees hired after July 1, 2006, will choose from survivor options that are actuarially reduced based on the survivor's age.

Death of survivor pension beneficiary. If any person receiving a survivor pension dies, ORS should be contacted immediately. We will need the social security number of the retiree as well as that of the beneficiary who was receiving benefits, along with a photocopy of the death certificate.

Death of insurance dependent. If anyone enrolled as a dependent in your health, dental, or vision insurance plan dies, report the death immediately using an Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (R0452H) form. Send a photocopy of the death certificate with the completed form.

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Divorce

If your former spouse is enrolled as a dependent in your health, dental, vision, or life insurance plan, his or her eligibility will cease. Report the divorce immediately using an Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (R0452H) form. Include a copy of your divorce decree.

Because we cannot adjust your insurance premiums until we receive your Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (R0452H) and because we cannot refund excess insurance premiums, be sure to send this form in as soon as possible.

A divorce could mean you need to change your address or name using the Name and Address Change (R0357X) form, or change your life insurance beneficiary using the Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation form. Don't overlook your deferred compensation beneficiary with ING.

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EFT Change 

Sign up for electronic funds transfer (EFT) or change your EFT bank accounts online through miAccount. If changing bank accounts, be sure to keep your old account open until your pension payment is deposited in the new account.

Ordinarily, if we receive your request by the first day of the month, your next payment will be deposited to your new account.

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Employment 

If you work after you retire, your earnings usually won't affect your pension unless you are receiving a disability pension and are required to return to work. For more information click on Duty Disability or Nonduty Disability.  

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Marriage

Marriage of retiree. If you marry after your retirement pension begins, there is no need to report the marriage because your payments will not be affected.

However, if you wish to enroll your new spouse in your insurances, you can do so through miAccount or by completing an Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (R0452H) form. If you submit the form and a copy of your marriage certificate to ORS within 30 days, coverage can begin as of the marriage date (the ordinary 6-month waiting period is waived).

A marriage could mean that you need to change your address or name using the Name and Address Change (R0357X) form, or change your life insurance beneficiary using the Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation form. And don't overlook your deferred compensation beneficiary with ING.

Marriage of survivor pension beneficiary. If you are receiving a survivor pension on the account of a deceased state employee, you don't need to report your marriage because your pension will continue as usual, and insurance benefits are not available to your new spouse.

Marriage of insurance dependent. Married children are not eligible for insurance coverage. If anyone enrolled on your contract as an insurance dependent marries, you must notify ORS immediately. Use miAccount or the Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (R0452H) form.

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Medicare 

If you qualify for Medicare, you must notify ORS when your coverage begins at age 65. If you, your spouse, or anyone covered by your insurance are offered Medicare before age 65, you must enroll, and you must provide a copy of the Medicare card and a copy of your health insurance card to ORS.

Once your Medicare begins you should see a significant decrease in the amount of your health plan premiums. Because you cannot be reimbursed retroactively for any premiums deducted, be sure to notify ORS as soon as you or any dependent on your health insurance plan becomes eligible for Medicare before the age of 65.

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Missing Payment

Notify ORS after three days if your regular EFT payment has not been deposited to your account.

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Taxes

Your pension is exempt from Michigan and local income taxes. If you live outside of Michigan, check the state and local tax regulations in your area.

Each January, ORS will send you a federal form 1099-R, so you can file your income tax returns. This statement shows how much was paid to you during the year in pension benefits, as well as how much was withheld in taxes. Log into miAccount any time after January 1 to view and print your 1099-R.

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