Detroit Public Schools Community District Retirement Process Overview

Whether you are just beginning to consider retirement or actively preparing to make the transition, having a clear understanding of the process can help you ensure a successful retirement experience. To assist you in this process, we have outlined the following four (4) steps for the DPSCD and Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) retirement processes.

1. Verify your retirement service credits and service years with ORS six (6) months prior to your retirement date.

2. Submit your application for retirement to ORS three (3) months prior to your retirement date.

3. Submit your separation to Human Resources by completing the survey in the following link: https://bit.ly/dpscdemployeeseparation

4. Submit application for retirement at any time. Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) members must submit their application for retirement by May 1st of your retirement school year (effective date July 1 or August 1)  to be eligible for the negotiated benefit in the DFT Contract.

Below is a copy of a retirement process presentation with general questions and answers.

052024 DPSCD-ORS Retirement Presentation with QA

DPSCD Contacts

Human Resources: (313) 873-6897 / hr.records@detroitk12.org

Payroll Help Desk/Service Years: (313) 873-4269 / payroll.audit@detroitk12.org

Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)

The Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) has prepared online resources to help with learning more about the retirement plans and the retirement process. Resources such as the retirement workbook, workshops and short e-learning modules. Links are below for your usage and convenience.

• Download the ORS Planning Your Retirement workbook.
• View the online Planning Your Retirement workshop presentations. The Planning Your Retirement workshop provides clear and concise information about your retirement plan and insurance options.
• Short e-learning modules - specific topics for planning your retirement.
• Have questions prior to applying for retirement? Send a secure message on the miAccount Message Board using the message category Retirement Eligibility.

Submitting Your Application for Retirement to ORS

When you’re ready to apply for retirement, follow these helpful steps:

Step 1: Complete the Preparing to Apply for Retirement checklist  and then apply using the five-step electronic application.

Step 2: Send your required proofs along with your retirement confirmation and checklist.

Step 3: Have questions after submitting your retirement application? Send a secure message on the miAccount Message Board using the message category Retirement Application.

ORS can be contacted via phone at (800) 381-5111 or secure email from your miAccount.

Employees at DPSCD are provided with several options to save for retirement beyond the State pension and/or savings plans with pre-tax payroll deductions.

Office of Retirement Services (ORS)

All employees are automatically enrolled in a State retirement plan effective their first day of work.  Employees who have worked for a participating school in the past will be reenrolled in their previous plan.  New employees must make a lifetime election within 75 days of the end of the first pay period.  Additional information can be located at:

http://pickmiplan.org for employees hired on or after July 1, 2010

http://michigan.gov/orsschools for employees hired before July 1, 2010

https://www.michigan.gov/orsmiaccount for information specific to you

or by phone at (800) 381-5111

The Omni Group

Employees also have the opportunity to invest in a 403b and/or a 457 plan.  Additional infomation can be obtained through The Omni Group at http://omni403b.com or (877) 544-6664.