Section 1. The Employer will provide retirement counseling to be made available on an as needed basis, but not less than annually in which all employees in the unit nearing eligibility for retirement may voluntarily participate. It will include counseling assistance, informational material, and/or group sessions.

Section 2. Each employee who separates voluntarily or involuntarily (except by retirement) will be informed by the Employer as to:

A. Their rights to file for disability retirement;

B. The possibility of applying for a discontinued service annuity;

C. Eligibility for deferred annuity; and

D. All the options regarding the contributions he has made to the retirement funds and the Thrift Saving Plan, as appropriate.

Section 3. An employee may withdraw a resignation or retirement application at any time prior to its effective date, provided the withdrawal is communicated to the Employer in writing and received by the Employer. Employees who have resigned or retired may request that they be considered for re-employment to their recently vacated position in accordance with government-wide rules and regulations.

Section 4. The parties recognize that final decisions concerning retirement applications and issuance of retirement checks are the responsibility of the Office of Personnel Management. The Employer agrees to process and transmit all necessary paperwork in connection with retirement applications in a timely fashion. Employees are responsible for notifying the Human Resources Branch of their intent to retire at least eight (8) weeks prior to the effective date.

Section 5. Upon receipt of a written request from an employee who is eligible to retire, or who is within 120 days of such eligibility, the Employer agrees to provide a statement setting forth an estimate of the employee's monthly compensation upon retirement, types of retirement options available, and the procedures for continuing any health or life insurance policies. This information will be updated at the employee's request, but not more frequently than once a year.