Can someone advise on best path? (retirement)

Service since mid-2002, Level 2 mgr.
Started with BellSouth, then Cingular, now AT&T Mobility Svcs. Age 58 and 4 months.

When I called Benefits I couldn't get a clear read on what I get but of course my MR75 number will happen in mid-2022. However this will put me outside the timeframe of the benefits change, which I understand is happening end-2021.

My question: is there a possibility (based on prior experience/events) that I could somehow 'bridge' retirement to Dec 31, 2021 (so about 6 months early), and get the healthcare benefits? If such a possibility exists (I understand it is nowhere near assured), then what steps would you take to work through this plan?

My thoughts are to run it by my boss around October/November. We have a good relationship and I think, although he would want to keep me on, would also help me if he doesn't have to stick his neck out.

This is causing me a fair bit of stress as I am not sure where to turn for the right advice. Recently discovered this site so hope some wise and kind person will be able to guide me.

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6 replies (most recent on top)

You can also try the ATT Retiree Issues Facebook page. Perhaps someone there could share a resource.

"You will not be eligible for post retirement healthcare. Get to MR75, collect your lump sum pension of $650K and live happily ever after"

The OP said they started with Bellsouth. The SE Management Pension Plan is not based on age and the only plan that was not reduced (future contributions) by the recent management benefit changes. The reason? It was not "one of the richest plans". So if the L2 OP has 20 years service the MR75 in 2022 will get him discounts on his landline and cellphone and a cash balance of maybe 175K if he is lucky.........................

The only way I know is if you get surplussed and offered a severance. Basically give up your severance for retiree benefits. It is call the MTP (Management Transition Plan) if you are two years within MR75.

Good luck.

You will not be eligible for post retirement healthcare. Get to MR75, collect your lump sum pension of $650K and live happily ever after

Mtp will not apply.

Based on your service date of 2002, I suspect you are not eligible for any retiree health benefits regardless of when you retire (I can't remember the exact date but for Bellsouth, believe it was sometime in 2000 - i.e. you had to be an employee by that date in order to be eligible). The Medical SPD is a little hard to read but will tell you if you are eligible (maybe it is 2002, I cant remember). Now, if you are somehow eligible, you would have to make MR75 before YE and retire. In your case you don't make MR75 until next year so you are out of luck. There is one small glimmer of hope for you. If you are somehow eligible for retiree benefits, get a severance package before YE, and select the MTP (Management Transition Plan) (which gives you MR75 if you within 2 years of it), you would qualify for benefits. I'm in the exact same boat as you are. I am eligible for retiree benefits but still have 2 years before MR75. I would probably take the MTP plan but doubt that it will be offered to me before YE. Good luck.

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Can someone advise on best path? (retirement)

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