I retired about 2 weeks ago. Shockingly, I am having issues both both my last paycheck and payout on the lump sum retirement plan.
Regarding my paycheck - first thing this morning I checked my bank account...no deposit. I called HR "Help," and they opened a ticket. A couple of hours later, a deposit showed up, but I quickly figured out it was short several hours (I am salaried). I called back and was told it was "being worked." My recommendation: get HR to give you, in writing, the details of your last paycheck. I regret not doing this.
On the lump sum retirement plan: I called last week to initiate the distribution process. I received an email yesterday asking me to log on to select a payout option (lump sum vs annuity). I logged on, and reviewed the estimated payout only to see that they had shorted my years of service, which is a significant input to the payout calculation. Fortunately, I had requested a payout estimate last year, which was on file, showing the correct years of service. This is also "being worked." My recommendation: request a payout estimate and review it for accuracy before you check out.
Are these innocent mistakes, or part of a nefarious scheme to pad the bottom line? Would most people assume that HR is always right, and not challenge such discrepancies? I would hope these are simply mistakes, but can't help but wonder...