Start Thinking About Your Options
Once you have a retirement date in mind, it’s time to start thinking about your options for disbursement of your MERP benefit.
6-12 Months from Retirement
- If you haven’t already done so, make sure you’re registered on the IAFF MERP Member Portal. Only use a personal email, not a work email. If you need to reset your email, please contact the Trust Office.
- Brush up on IAFF MERP by reviewing the available content on this website and contact the Trust Office with any questions or concerns about how things will work when you retire.
- Use the benefit calculator on the IAFF MERP Member Portal to estimate what your various benefit options will look like.
- Level vs. Accelerated Benefit Options
- Will you have a Lump Sum Transfer to convert?
- What are your Survivor Benefit options?
- Do you plan to commence benefits before age 53? If so, how will that impact your Monthly Benefit Level?
1-6 Months from Retirement
Visit the IAFF MERP Member Portal again:
- Review your estimated benefit options using the Benefit Calculator in the Member Portal.
- Be sure your mailing address, spouse and IRS-eligible dependent details are up to date. Submit a Participant Data Form or contact the Trust Office to update your information.
- Ensure a personal email (not a work email) is being used to access the Member Portal. If you need to reset your email, please contact the Trust Office.
*Effective July 1, 2025, BPA is the new Trust Administer. To access your account, you must be registered on the new Member Portal – the SIMON portal has been discontinued and your former SIMON login credentials will no longer work.
1 Month from Retirement
Your Employer will notify the Trust Office of your retirement when they confirm your final IAFF MERP contribution, at which time your Benefit Election Packet will be processed and sent to the home address on file in the Member Portal. Remember to check the IAFF MERP Member Portal to ensure your address is up to date.
Included in your Benefit Election Packet:
- Benefit Election Letter & Forms
- COBRA Election Notice
- Information on accessing your benefits
If you have a final leave or lump sum transfer, you will also receive:
- Conversion Information Bulletin & Election Form
- Fact Sheets for available Investment selections
Please note: Your Benefit Election Packet cannot be mailed until your final contribution is received, including any final leave or lump sum transfer, as these amounts must factor into your final benefit calculations. This timing often depends on your employer’s payroll cycle and may take several weeks following your actual retirement date. Your IAFF MERP benefits are effective the first of the month following the date of your final contribution.