Retirees
Towson University values its retired faculty and staff. We hope you'll stay engaged with us!
Towson University Retired Faculty Association
As a retired faculty member, you have the option of joining the Towson University Retired Faculty Association (TURFA). Membership in TURFA offers you the opportunity to stay connected to the University and other retired faculty members to share information, scholarship, and social interaction.
Retiree Perks and Discounts
Retired faculty and staff maintain use of their Towson University email account and have access to other perks and discounts.
Retirement Benefits
Whether you are enrolled in the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System or the Optional Retirement Program, advance planning for retirement is an important step to ensure a smooth transition from active employment to retirement.
Maryland State Retirement & Pension System (Pension Plan)
Participants in the Pension Plan should request an Estimate of Service Retirement Benefits (PDF) from the Maryland State Retirement Agency. Law enforcement officers should use the LEOPS estimate form (PDF). Request an estimate well in advance of your retirement date, as it takes two to three months for the retirement agency to process your request.
Once you receive your estimate, contact the Employee Benefits unit to schedule a pre-retirement counseling meeting. We will explain the payment options on the estimate, discuss the required forms and retirement process, explain reemployment after retirement rules, and review retiree health benefits information with you.
Quick LInks
- Maryland State Retirement & Pension System
- Retirement Handbooks
- Applying for Retirement
- Retirement Estimators
- Personal Statement of Benefits
- Understanding Your Retirement Options (PDF)
- Understanding Your Retirement Options - LEOPS (PDF)
- Claiming Military Service for Retirement (PDF)
- Retirement Checklist (PDF)
- Guide to Disability Retirement (PDF)
- Pension Plan Newsletter
- Pension Plan Pre-Retirement Seminars and Webinars
Optional Retirement Program (ORP)
Retirement benefits are determined by the balance of your ORP account at retirement, which includes contributions from the University, plan expenses, and investment gains and losses. You can elect to receive your account in a lump-sum payment or a periodic distribution. However, if you wish to participate in the retiree health benefits program, you must elect a lifetime distribution that is paid periodically (i.e., monthly or quarterly).
Contact your ORP plan provider to discuss distribution options and to complete the required forms to establish a periodic distribution during retirement. Contact the Employee Benefits unit to schedule a pre-retirement counseling meeting. We will review the required forms and retirement process, explain reemployment after retirement rules, and discuss retiree health benefits information with you.
ORP Vendors
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Fidelity Investments- 1-800-343-0860
- TIAA- 1-800-842-2252
Retiree Health Benefits
Retiree health benefits are administered by the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division. Eligibility for retiree health benefits for yourself and your eligible dependents is based on a number of factors including years of service and whether you are enrolled in the Pension Plan or the ORP.
Please consult the Benefits Guide (PDF) and the state of Maryland retiree health benefits web page for eligibility rules, subsidy information, and how you will pay for retiree health benefits.
Retirees and covered spouses who are Medicare-eligible are required to enroll in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B as of the date of retirement.
Contact information:
Retiree Health Benefits
State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division
301 West Preston Street, Room 510
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-767-4775 or 1-800-307-8283, EBD.mail@maryland.gov
Quick Links
- State of Maryland Retiree Health Benefits
- Retiree Health Benefits Enrollment Form
- Retiree Health Benefits Rates with State Subsidy (PDF)
- Retiree Health Benefits Rates for ORP with 16 & 25 Years of Service (PDF)
- ORP Retiree Health Benefits Handbook - Hired Before 7/1/11 (PDF)
- ORP Retiree Health Benefits Handbook - Hired on or After 7/1/11 (PDF)
- Claim ORP Service Credit (PDF)
Social Security
Please visit the Social Security website to explore the many tools and resources available. You can apply for benefits online, visit their frequently asked questions page, utilize a variety of calculators to help you plan for the future, and more.
Medicare
- Medicare Brochure
- The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare
- Medicare - Request for Employment Information
Tuition Remission Benefits
The University encourages retirees to utilize tuition remission benefits to enroll in eligible academic courses for the improvement of skills or for personal development. Typically, retirees can use the tuition remission benefits at Towson University or any school in the University System of Maryland:
Bowie State University
Coppin State University
Frostburg State University
Salisbury University
University of Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore County
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
University of Maryland Global Campus
As well as Baltimore City Community College, Morgan State University, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Review the Tuition Remission Summary (PDF) for more information.