Eligibility for TRAF benefits depends on a number of variables such as:

• The date you terminate your contract with your employer
• Your number of years of qualifying service
• Your age

It is important that you understand when you are eligible to apply for your pension or pension benefit and that you apply on time. TRAF cannot pay your benefit until we receive your application.

Retirement at normal retirement age (age 65)

You are eligible to begin your pension the month following normal retirement age regardless of the length of your service.

If you have less than 15 years of qualifying service, you must terminate your contract with your employer.

If you have more than 15 qualifying years, you can start your pension without terminating your contract.

Retirement before normal retirement age

The earliest you can receive your pension is the month following your 55th birthday. You must terminate your contract with your employer in order to start your pension.

Retirement after normal retirement age (postponed retirement)

If you decide to postpone your retirement and continue working after age 65, the following rules apply:

If you have less than 15 years of qualifying service, you are required to continue contributing to TRAF until you accumulate 15 years of qualifying service or until the end of the year in which you turn age 71, if earlier.

If you have at least 15 years of qualifying service, you can choose one of the following options and you must complete an Age 65 Election form in advance of your 65th birthday to advise TRAF of your decision.

• You are entitled to receive your pension the month following your 65th birthday without terminating your contract. You are no longer required to make TRAF contributions and will no longer accrue pensionable service.
• Alternatively, you may choose not to receive your pension. You will continue to make TRAF contributions and accrue pensionable service. The latest you can contribute to TRAF and accrue pensionable service is the end of the year in which you turn age 71.

Before your pension can start, you must terminate your employment contract (unless you are age 65 with at least 15 years of qualifying service) and submit your pension application to TRAF. A late application will result in lost income since pensions are not paid retroactively.

Note: If you are employed elsewhere and no longer contributing to TRAF and are at least age 55, you are eligible to start your TRAF pension. You are responsible to submit your pension application to TRAF. You will lose pension income if you do not apply on time.

Eligibility rules are complex. We suggest you contact TRAF to confirm when you are eligible to retire.