Applying for Your Pension

The first step in applying for your Pension is to request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (213) 386-8590 or (800) 293-1370 at least 60 to 90 days prior to the date you want your monthly payments to start.  Pensions are usually effective on the first day of the month following the month all conditions for the Pension are met, including filing of a Pension Application.  A claim for a Pension cannot be filed more than 12 months prior to your Annuity Starting Date.  If you file your claim too soon you will be asked to complete a new application closer to your expected date of retirement. 

Along with your pension application, you must provide a copy of the following documents:

• Birth Certificate for you; if married, also for your spouse
• Marriage Certificate, if applicable
• Divorce Decree(s) and any Qualified Domestic Relations Order(s), if applicable
• Copy of your Tax Returns (Form 1040 and W-2’s), if you are retiring before age 62 and have had periods where you have not worked in Covered Employment after 1992.
• Name and location of  Related Plans in which you have earned pension credit

The Pension staff will review your complete application to determine your eligibility for benefits.  If you are not presently eligible for benefits, you will receive a letter of explanation.  If your application is approved, you will receive an Approval Letter.  Provided you have submitted all the necessary documents, you should expect to receive your first payment at the beginning of the following month.