How Much Do You Need to Retire?

Moneying.com has some very useful charts

Click here:  Retirement charts

Ultimate Guide to Retirement

I ran across a really helpful website on CNN Money.  It's called the Ultimate Guide to Retirement. 

For more information on CNN click here:  The Ultimate Guide to Retirement

How Does Social Security Work?

According to Money.cnn.com:

A financial safety net for older Americans, Social Security was established in 1935 by the Social Security Act. Before that, support for the elderly wasn't a federal concern - it mostly fell to states, towns and, of course, families.
The program is based on contributions that workers make into the system. While you're employed, you pay into Social Security; you receive benefits later on, when it's your turn to retire. Contributions take the form of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes that are withheld from most paychecks.
Medicare benefits are commonly considered part of Social Security benefits, although technically Medicare is a separate program. Medicare contributions are withheld from your paycheck in much the same way as your Social Security contributions; FICA taxes support Social Security and Medicare.

For more information from CNN click here:  How Does Social Security Work?

Social Security Website

If you are considering retirement from Meijer or elsewhere another area to research would be how much social security can I collect?  When can I collect it?  How do I start?

To get started, here is a link to the Social Security Website
Click here: Social Security U.S. Government Main Web Page

UFCW Local 951 Union page information Meijer Retirement

Just wanted to share the unions website page regarding Meijer retirement.

Click here: UFCW Local 951 webpage

How do I log on to the Meijer Retirement Plans (Your Benefits Resources™) web site to view my benefits or retirement information?

Go to resources.hewitt.com/Meijer.  Click “Log On.”  Type in your user name and password and click “Log On.”
If you have not registered with the site yet, click on the words “Register as a New User.”  You will be asked to enter the last 4 digits of your social security number and your birthday.  This information is used to verify that you are a Meijer team member.
Click “Continue.”  You will then choose a user ID and password.  Follow any further instructions on the screen.  Once you’re logged on to the site, you can view information about retirement plans, benefits and other retirement information.

Will I get Medicare when I retire from Meijer?

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, your Medicare benefits will start automatically.  Otherwise you must enroll.  Enroll in Medicare 3 months before your retirement date to ensure that your benefits begin when you need them and to avoid possible premium penalties.

When should I apply for Social Security if I retire from Meijer?

You may begin receiving a reduced benefit as early as age 62.  You’ll receive a full benefit between 65 and 67, depending on your birth date.
Apply for Social Security benefits 3 months before your retirement date, if you’re of eligible age, to ensure your benefits will begin when you need them.
Visit the Social Security web site or call  1-800-772-1213 for more information.

Am I still eligible for Meijer Credit Union membership after I retire?

Yes, Meijer retirees are still eligible for membership.  Call the Meijer HR Contact Center at 1-800-346-8281 with any questions.

Will I be paid for my unused paid time off when I retire from Meijer?

Any unused paid time off days will be paid out to you.  If you have any questions, call the Meijer HR Contact Center at 1-800-346-8281.

**note:  If you give notice.

If you are planning on retiring from Meijer soon what should you do?

Log on to the Your Benefits Resources ™ website to view the Retirement Guide.  Click on Knowledge Center, then Retirement Planning, then click on the Retirement Guide

Can Meijer retirees be rehired at Meijer?

There must be a Termination of Employment, which occurs when there is a complete severance of the employment relationship between you and Meijer.

1. Meijer retirees must wait 6 months before applying for reemployment.
2. There cannot be arrangements made in advance to reemploy a retiree.  This includes arrangements made before the team member retired or any time within the 6 months between retiring and rehiring.
3. A complete severance of the employment relationship does not occur if the retiree provides services to Meijer during the first six months following retirement as an independent contractor or as an employee of a temporary services agency. However, working for Daymon, Elite or another supplier of goods or services that is not a temporary services agency is consistent with a complete severance of the employment relationship.

Am I eligible to keep and use my Meijer team appreciation card after retirement?

You are able to use your team appreciation card if you are a retiree and:

• An active team member, age 55 or older with 10 years of continuous service, or
• An active team member, age 65 or older with 5 years of continuous service, or
• A disabled team member, age 40 or older with 10 years of continuous service

What are Meijer’s age and service requirements for retirement?

When can you collect your Meijer pension?  At what age?

You can retire from Meijer after reaching either:
1. Age 55 with at least 10 years of continuous service, or
2. Age 65 with 5 years of continuous service.

Contact Information for Meijer Retiree

Here is the contact information for Meijer Retirement and Pension

Service Center: 866-681-6116 [Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. EST]

Call Meijer Retirement Services at 1-866-681-6116 with any questions.