Skip to main content

Eligibility

Age and service requirements

To be classified as retiree of the University, an individual must meet the age and service requirements below as well as be benefits eligible at the time of retirement from Northwestern. 

Age at Retirement Years of Continuous Service Required as of the Date of Retirement
Full Time Part Time
55 10 10
56 10 10
57 10 10
58 9 10
59 8 10
60 7 10
61 6 9
62 5 8
63 5 7
64 5 6
65 2 2

NOTE: A retiree may elect the University's pre-65 retiree health, dental, and vision plans, based on their benefits enrollment at retirement, within 31-days of retirement only. The Annual Open Enrollment period for pre-65 retirees only allows changes between plans, not new enrollment or adding coverage for a family member who was not covered by the plan at the date of retirement. Post-65 retirees may pick-up the Group Medicare Advantage plan at retirement or during Open Enrollment each year, regardless of whether you were enrolled in benefits at the time of retirement. 

403(b) Retirement Plan and Voluntary Savings Plan

As you prepare for retirement, consider evaluating your retirement income and eligibility to access your retiree plan funds.  

Prepare for retirement by evaluating your retirement income: