Retiring from the University of Iowa is an important career milestone. Whether you are planning a regular retirement or considering phased retirement, Human Resources offers resources and guidance to help you prepare and make informed decisions.
Use the information below to understand eligibility requirements, explore retirement options, plan key steps, and review benefits available after retirement.
Your Future, Our Commitment: Retirement Made Easy
Explore eligibility, phased retirement, planning tools, and retiree benefits to help you navigate your retirement journey.
Eligibility Guidelines
Learn about eligibility requirements for regular and phased retirement, including age and service criteria. This information can help you determine when and how you may retire from the university.
Phased Retirement
The Board of Regents Phased Retirement Program allows eligible faculty and staff to gradually reduce their work schedule while preparing for full retirement. Review program requirements, timelines, and the request process.
Retirement Planning Resources
Access tools and step-by-step guidance to help you prepare for retirement. Resources include planning checklists, timelines, and information about notifying your department and completing required actions.
Retiree Benefits
Learn about health and dental insurance options, as well as other benefits available to you as a University of Iowa retiree.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am planning to retire within the next few years, where should I start?
5-7 Years Before Retirement
Start planning early to set yourself up for success.
- Confirm your eligibility to retire from the University.
- Meet with your retirement plan provider (IPERS or TIAA) to estimate your income and discuss payout options.
- Review your budget and consider future healthcare costs.
- Increase contributions if able, including catch-up contributions.
- Request a Social Security estimate at www.ssa.gov.
1-2 Years Before Retirement
Fine-tune and stress-test your plan as retirement approaches.
- Use retirement calculators or meet with a financial planner.
- Review expected health, dental, housing, and travel costs.
- Understand how taxes may affect retirement income.
- Estimate Social Security benefits and determine when to claim them.
- Research Medicare and supplemental insurance options if you are 65 or older.
If I want to continue University health and dental, what will my cost be? How long can I keep UI Retiree health and dental insurance?
Retirees may continue the University of Iowa health insurance (UIChoice or UISelect) and dental insurance (Dental II) for themselves and eligible dependents in retirement.
If a retiree chooses to continue coverage, the retiree's health and dental plans will take effect on the first day of the month following the retirement date.
Cost of Coverage
Retirees pay the full monthly premium for health and dental coverage, including any elected dependent coverage. Premium rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
- If an employee meets the age and service requirements at retirement, they may be eligible for the $288 monthly contribution toward health insurance. Please note that the $288 monthly contribution is not guaranteed year to year.
Current retiree premium rates can be found on the Retiree Benefits webpage.
Length of Coverage
Retirees may remain enrolled in the University of Iowa retiree health and dental plans for as long as they wish, provided premiums are paid, until they choose to cancel coverage.
Once a retiree leaves University retiree coverage, they may not enroll again at a later date.
What do I need to do with Medicare?
If you are retiring and are age 65 or older (or will turn 65 soon), you’ll need to take steps to enroll in Medicare.
At a minimum, you must enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) once you are no longer actively working and covered by an employer health plan.
Can I come back to work at the University after retirement?
Yes, retirees can come back to work for the University of Iowa after retirement.
Retirement plan rules and returning to work can be complex, so feel free to contact the Benefits office before returning to work or accepting a new position so we can guide you through the next steps with your benefits.
Disclaimer:
The University of Iowa's retirement planning resources are designed to help employees navigate the retirement process. While we provide guidance and support, we are not certified retirement specialists. Our team can help you understand your options and connect you with relevant resources, but we do not offer professional retirement advice.
Additionally, we do not represent or endorse any specific vendors or service providers mentioned in our resources. Any references to external vendors are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement.