Nick Stabler, outreach coordinator at the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), told webinar attendees that retirees should begin the personalized retirement interview — called the PRI — two to three months before their intended retirement date.

“This is something that you should do 2 to 3 months in advance of your retirement date,” Stabler said, explaining the PRI is how TRS verifies demographic data, service credit and beneficiaries before issuing retirement forms.

Why it matters: TRS uses the PRI to pre-fill the retirement application and related forms so that processing can move quickly once a member’s last paid day and the district’s reports are submitted. Stabler said the system typically takes 60 to 90 days from a member’s last day of work or from submission of final employer forms to issue the first retirement payment.

Most new retirees will receive three documents after the PRI: the retirement application; a direct-deposit/depository agreement; and, for members with at least eight years of TRS service credit, a participation election form for TRIP/TRAIL health coverage. Stabler said the retirement application is the formal written election to begin receiving TRS benefits and must be signed and returned.

TRS requests supporting identity documents if a birth date is missing from a member’s record and asks callers to confirm mailing addresses and a personal email (many retirees lose access to employer email accounts). Stabler recommended uploading signed forms through the member’s online account to ensure they enter TRS workflow quickly.

Direct deposit requires a bank signature on the depository agreement and a short prenote process; Stabler advised members not to submit the banking form too close to their retirement date to allow time for the verification transaction.

Once the claim is complete, the first payment is issued retroactively to the claim date and then paid monthly on the first banking day of each month. Stabler noted that if the first of the month falls on a Sunday or bank holiday the deposit will post on the next business day.

TRS contact channels: callers can reach TRS by phone during business hours (number provided in the webinar), or by email at members@trsil.org. Stabler and outreach staff urged retirees to call for live help when preparing the PRI and to download the webinar slides for supplemental details.