Benefits Plans - Retirement Savings Plans:
Credit to Retire from the State of Michigan

I work for the State of Michigan; can I receive credit for the time worked at the University of Michigan to retire from the state?

Yes, in certain circumstances you may be able to purchase service credit to retire from the state based on your employment at the University of Michigan. However, you cannot receive credit for any time in which you received University contributions to the Basic Retirement Plan. Eligibility requirements and forms may be found by contacting:

Michigan Department of Management and Budget
Office of Retirement Services
P.O. Box 30171
Lansing , MI 48909-7671
517-322-5103

http://www.michigan.gov/ors/

Can I receive credit for time worked at the University to retire from another state’s system?

Check with the your current employer to determine if they will allow you to receive credit to retire based on your time worked at the University and what information they require.

How will the Payroll Office verify my University employment?

The Payroll Office will confirm that you were employed based on any time periods during which you received a paycheck from the University. Payroll will also confirm whether any deductions were taken for the retirement plan. Allow three to four weeks for processing.

Is there a fee?

Yes, the Payroll Office assesses a $15 fee to research your records and provide verification of your employment. Make your check payable to “The University of Michigan.”

How do I start the process to verify my employment at the University?

Send the following to the University of Michigan Payroll Office:

  1. A letter requesting verification of your employment and the approximate dates when you worked for the University.
  2. The State of Michigan form to be completed. If you are applying for credit to retire from another state’s retirement system, include their form or a letter stating the information they are requesting.
  3. Payment of the $15 service fee.

Mail everything to:

The University of Michigan
Payroll Office
G395 Wolverine Tower
3003 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1279

Phone: (734) 615-2000, Option 2
FAX: (734) 647-3983

Next: Your Retirement Income Choices

Limitations
The University of Michigan in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their dependents. Although the university has elected to provide these benefits this year, no individual has a vested right to any of the benefits provided. Nothing in these materials gives any individual the right to continued benefits beyond the time the university modifies, amends, or terminates the benefit. Anyone seeking or accepting any of the benefits provided will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the benefits programs and the university's right to modify, amend or terminate them.