I am planning on retiring the end of the year (Dec 2026).

8 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 5,2026 at 2:46PM UTC

   IDK the answer but congrats on retiring!

2. AnonymousMarch 5,2026 at 6:49PM UTC

   I would imagine some of the answers are in your company's short term disability policy. Not sure if you have access to this or have a benefits partner you can ask without raising questions.

   Anecdotally, I feel like it's not that uncommon for someone to go on STD and eventually separate from the company (retirement, illness that needs full time attention, etc).

3. Pauline Mosca-CyphersMarch 6,2026 at 1:41PM UTC

   STD policy depends on your company's benefits and state requirements. The first thing I would do is speak with your doctor, who has to certify your disability. Do not worry, as HIPPA laws apply, so your employer does not know your illness. Usually, there is a 5-7 day period of being sick, then STD starts. STD is usually 26 weeks, and then LTD applies. Again, speak with your doctor.

4. Vanessa WillardMarch 6,2026 at 1:47PM UTC

   I had to do short term disability the year before retirement due to a prescription suddenly being unavailable and my body took a couple of months to respond to the new medication. I would start by talking to your doctor. If they agree with the need, go to your HR person and ask where to fill out forms ( likely online). I'm not sure for other states, but in Oregon you are protected when you inform them that you are filing. Then you wait to see if it is approved. Don't be surprised if it takes weeks until the payments start coming.

5. AnonymousMarch 6,2026 at 2:02PM UTC

   I agree with the answers below - check you STD policy and talk with your dr. I know in our company STD is only 6 months long and you can only take one a year. We have some people who work the system. Take STD from June and come back in Dec for a few weeks and then turn around in Jan and take another 6 months STD. These are not people doing this to get to retirement, it is people in all types of situations.

6. Dr. Patty GrossMarch 6,2026 at 8:40PM UTC

   If you are eligible now for full disability benefits, the STD issue should not matter, as long as you have already adjusted your spending and standard of living to your retirement income. I'm only asking because you apparently have the option of retiring before December. BTW, if December is when you are eligible for full SSA retirement benefits, applying for those before you are fully eligible could cost you dearly, as it will impact you past December as well. SSA has a tool on its website (make sure you go to SSA.gov for it, as some knock-offs could give bad information) that lets you run "what-if" scenarios for the outcome of your benefits based on today's benefit calculations and when you actually choose to retire and apply for benefits. If you are relying on a pension, most pension websites would likely have a similar tool.

7. Dawn CrossMarch 8,2026 at 8:32PM UTC

   Check your employee handbook for information on STD, LTD, and retirement. What is required of all.

   Also check with Medicare about moving to Medicare plans when you do retire. Some basics -

   Medicare Part A is automatic when you turn age 65. This is the hospital portion and you do not pay for it

   Medicare Part B - you need to enroll in it when you 1)turn 65 if not covered by an employer plan or 2) enroll within 7 months of turning 65 (3 months before, month of birth, 3 months after) to avoid penalties. The penalties will follow you through your life and can be significant.

   Medicare D is for drugs. You will need to enroll in it the same as Medicare B (same type of process).

   There are multiple types of plans available - you can check them out at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-medicare for help.

8. AnonymousMarch 9,2026 at 4:04PM UTC

   Your doctor puts you on disability and it is managed by the state not your employer. Your employer accommodates the disability and usually holds your job for a specified time anticipating your return. My suggestion is to consult with your doctor about going on disability, consult with the state about how much you will receive. It's usually a large percentage of your current salary and the good news is (double check with your state) you are not taxed on the disability. Don't make a retirement announcement as yet. Wait until you have your disability ducks in a row. Then go on disability take care of your health and see if you really want to retire or not. Good luck and I hope your health issues subside.