Active Member FAQ
How do I change my beneficiary?
You can download the CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY FORM from the site under our ‘FORMS’ section. Submit either by email, fax, mail or in person.
How can I change my mailing address?
Active members need to contact the City’s HR department. Your information as an active employee is received electronically from the City.
What's my balance of the contributions in the pension plan?
In February of each year we send out a Member Statement that details your contributions for the year and your total contributions life to date. The statement includes the 4% interest that is added the balance based on the prior year’s balance. You may call our office to obtain a copy of last year statement or to obtain the correct balance.
I want to buy back time. How do I do that?
There are many different types of buybacks. Please review the Service Buybacks page for the different types of service you may be eligible to buy.
If you think you may be eligible for a buyback, please call the office at (305) 441-2300.
Buybacks may be purchased through bi-weekly payroll deductions, a lump sum payment or a direct rollover from a qualified retirement plan.
Can I obtain a loan on my contributions?
Loans to participants are prohibited per Ordinance 40-258.
When can I retire?
Your eligibility for retirement is based on your age and years of service. A minimum of ten (10) years is required. For more details see Retirement Eligibility or Summary Plan Description.
How can I sign up for automatic deposit for my pension?
How can I change my mailing address?
Retired members can download the Change of Address – Retirees FORM from the site under our ‘FORMS’ section..
Inactive or Vested Rights Members can download the Change of Address – Inactive/Vested Employees form.
Forms can be submitted via email, fax, mail or in person at the pension office.
How can I change bank information?
When are Tax Form 1099-R mailed?
Tax Form 1099-R are mailed in late January.
How do I notify GESE of a missing check and get a replacement check?
Please call the pension office at (305) 441-2300 immediately if you think your check is lost or stolen. You may need to wait 10 days, for the bank to confirm/verify that the check has not been cashed. We will then issue you a replacement check.
To minimize incidents of lost or stolen checks, we recommend to sign up for DIRECT DEPOSIT FORM from the site under our ‘FORMS’ section in order to minimize any delay in payments.
How do I inform GESE of a member’s death?
Please call the pension office at (305) 441-2300 to advise us of the passing of a member. We will need the date of death and copy of death certificate in order to process any survivor benefits which may be due.
How do I change tax withholding from my monthly pension benefit?
How do I change or stop my insurance coverage?
For the health insurance coverage changes, please call City of Miami Risk Management – Group Benefits division at (305) 416-1700. They will review with you any options you may have to change or stop your coverage.
For the Minnesota Life insurance coverage changes, please call the City of Miami Risk Management – Group Benefits division at (305) 416-1700.
For Reliance Life Insurance, please call Caroline Brown 1-985-951-9251 or email [email protected]. They will then submit the appropriate paperwork to the pension office.
Can I exit the DROP early, before my 4 years have expired? Or How do I Exit the DROP?
Yes, you may exit DROP prior to your scheduled time. Please contact the pension office two weeks prior to exiting the DROP at (305) 441-2300 so that we may provide you with the proper paperwork. Also, complete the following forms:
- DROP EXIT FORM
- DIRECT DEPOSIT AUTHORIZATION FORM
- Tax Form W-4P