Planning to Retire–Staff enrolled in state employees' pension plan (SEPP)

Human Resources

For non-exempt staff considering or who have decided to retire from the University, this page offers everything they need to know about the process and the steps they need to take for a smooth transition to retirement.

As always, members of the Total Rewards Team are here to answer questions and guide employees through this significant stage in their life and career.

Congratulations on reaching this important milestone, and sincerest thanks for working and contributing to the University of Delaware.

Please contact Human Resources at least four months in advance of your proposed retirement date.

Medicare Information

Important: Please use the Secure Document Submission Form to provide HR with important documents. Log-in with your Employee ID and password and follow the directions on the form.

Employees who satisfy the SEPP age and service criteria are eligible to apply for retirement income through the Office of Pensions. SEPP recipients may also apply for health, dental, and vision insurance as well as a death benefit through the Office of Pensions.

Office of Pensions Age/Service Requirements to Retire Chart

Hired 7/1991 - 12/31/2011	Hired 1/1/2012 and after
Full Pension: any age and 30 years service age 60 and 15 years service age 62 and 5 years service	Full Pension: any age and 30 years service age 60 and 20 years service age 65 and 10 years service
Reduced Pension (Early Retirement): any age and 25 years service age 55 and 15 years service reduction factor = 0.2% Must have 5 consecutive years of service	Reduced Pension (Early Retirement): any age and 25 years service age 55 and 15 years service reduction factor = 0.4% Must have 5 consecutive years of service

Resources: For additional information, including a pension calculator, frequently asked questions, rules & regulations, and details about benefits, see the SEPP website.

Additional Information: To begin the SEPP income and benefits application process, please contact Human Resources at least five months in advance of your proposed retirement date.

UD Pensioners who also meet University of Delaware criteria for retirement eligibility have access to participate in additional benefits, including retiree-paid University group life insurance, educational benefits, UD ID card, Employee Health and Wellbeing program and parking privileges for retirees.

Effective January 1, 2024, individuals will be subject to the Rule of 75 eligibility criteria:

any age and 30 benefits-eligible years of service
age and service when combined equal 75 (must be at least age 55 when combined with service; must have at least 10 benefits-eligible years of service when combined with age)

The Roth contribution option: Another way to save for retirement

In the University of Delaware 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, your pretax contributions accumulate tax deferred, and withdrawals are taxable.¹ With the “designated Roth” option, your after-tax, Roth contributions also accumulate tax deferred, but may be taken tax free in a qualified distribution.

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A qualified distribution is one that occurs at least five years after the year of your first Roth contribution and is made either on or after attainment of age 59½, on account of disability, or on or after death. These potentially significant tax benefits are similar to a Roth IRA. However, Roth contributions have higher contribution limits than a Roth IRA. Read more.