Common Subjects!
No Check?
If you do not receive your pension check by the first day of the month, call the Pension Bureau 1-313-224-3362 or toll free at 1-800-339-8344. Protect your pension check and avoid problems by signing up for direct deposit.
Moving?
You must notify the Pension Bureau and the City of Detroit General Retiree Healthcare Trust Fund Office in writing. Provide your complete new address to ensure your pension, medical coverage and other benefits are not interrupted. Don’t forget to also notify DRCEA.
Turning 65?
When you or your spouse turns 65 you must notify the City of Detroit General Retiree Healthcare Trust Fund Office and the Pension Bureau in writing. Medicare coverage starts and your medical and hospitalization coverage will change.
Death?
The Pension Bureau must be notified in the event of your death. Only the beneficiary you designated when you retired can collect a continued pension or other benefits.
Beneficiary Change?
If your beneficiary dies before you, you must name a new beneficiary for any entitled benefits.
Trouble Getting Help?
Contact DRCEA by phone, in writing, or e-mail when you do not receive a response from the Pension Bureau or the City of Detroit General Retiree Healthcare Trust Fund within a reasonable time. Provide your name, contact information and your concern. If calling please clearly give your name and a daytime telephone number in your message. The DRCEA is and has always been a volunteer-based organization. All services provided by the directors and elected officers are done in the spirit of service without compensation.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who chooses the retiree representative to the General Retirement System Board of Trustees?
All retirees are eligible to vote in an election to choose the retiree representative. The person elected is entitled to serve as an ex-officio member with a vote on the DRCEA Board of Directors.
How are candidates nominated to the DRCEA Board of Directors?
DRCEA members interested in nominating candidates for the Board must do so in writing to the Nominating Committee at P O Box 40713, Detroit, MI 48240-0713. Include the candidate’s name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address if available, department from which the person retired and biographical information.
Are all pensions calculated the same?
City civilian retiree pensions vary considerably, depending upon when you retired. Information can be obtained by requesting a copy of “Questions and Answers on the General Retirement System” from the Pension Bureau. You can also refer to the Introduction section of the Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the General Retirement System which is mailed to you every year.
How can I join DRCEA?
Every civilian city retiree or surviving spouse collecting benefits receives a membership renewal card each Fall or you can go to the Membership tab on this website for a form. Return the form with your check for $12 payable to DRCEA [you can also make a donation to help the Association defray expenses, reduce the legal balance resulting from the Detroit Bankruptcy, and/or make a voluntary contribution to the “DRCEA-PAC” at the same time].