A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.


<p>If you’re planning to retire this summer, keep in mind that you will need to complete a&nbsp;<em><a href="https://content.copera.org/how-to-retire/">PERA Retirement Application</a></em>&nbsp;90 days before your effective date of retirement. Make sure you know what your employer’s procedures are so you can complete all the necessary steps to begin receiving a monthly benefit payment from Colorado PERA.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://content.copera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-934921136-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44510" width="374" height="249" srcset="https://content.copera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-934921136-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://content.copera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-934921136-300x200.jpg 300w, https://content.copera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-934921136-768x512.jpg 768w, https://content.copera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-934921136-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://content.copera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-934921136.jpg 2000w, https://content.copera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-934921136-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 374px) 100vw, 374px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">rez-art/iStock/Getty Images Plus</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>What is my effective date of retirement?</em></h3>



<p>Generally, your effective date of retirement is the first day of the month after your last day on the job. If you’re receiving paid sick leave, annual leave, or vacation, your effective date of retirement may be the first day of the month following the last day of paid leave.</p>



<p>Tip: In less than 20 minutes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://content.copera.org/webinars-on-demand/retirement-process-webinar-19-min/">Retirement Process Webinar</a>&nbsp;will help you create your action plan for your last year before retirement, walk you through the application process, and cover other things you’ll need to know as you take this important step on your PERA journey. &nbsp;</p>
