Skip to main content

Eligibility

Once you’ve made the decision to retire from ORNL, follow the steps below to ensure a smooth transition from active employment to retirement.

Who is considered retirement eligible?

  • Employees age 50 and older with a minimum of 10 years of Company Service or
  • Employees age 65 and older with any amount of Company Service

Retirement Process

Step 1: Inform your immediate supervisor to discuss dates and transition of job duties.

Step 2: Once you know your last day on payroll, email retirement@ornl.gov to request a retiree healthcare counseling appointment. Retirement is always effective on the first day of the month following your last day on payroll.

  • When to schedule your retiree healthcare counseling appointment:
    • Under Age 65 – 1 month before your retirement start date
    • Age 65 and Older – 3 months before your retirement start date
  • During the counseling appointment, you will review retiree healthcare and life insurance information and sign the following forms:
    • Retiree Personal Information
    • Retiree Benefit Summary
    • Retiree Benefits Election
  • Optional items you may bring with you to the appointment:
    • Power of Attorney (POA) for your retiree record (optional)
    • List of questions

Step 3: HR is notified of your retirement, and they will initiate your termination checklist, which informs various departments across the Lab of your retirement.

Step 4: One to two months before retirement, schedule a meeting with the Pension & Savings Department to complete pension paperwork.

  • You may request your pension forms and schedule a meeting by calling 865-341-4747.
  • For pension questions, please reach out directly to pensionandsavings@ornl.gov.