Benefit Connections    Retirement
When You’re Ready to Retire
One of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime is when to retire. You should consider several factors, including your pay, service, age and just how they affect your retirement benefit. Also, don’t forget about Social Security and Medicare. You must remember to apply for these benefits.

Applying for Your CITGO Retirement Benefit

The First step is to determine your retirement date. Once you have made that decision, the second step is to start the process.

To start the process:

  • Active employees:
    • Contact your Human Resources Consultant or Business Partner at least 45 days but no more than 90 days prior to your proposed retirement date to request your Retirement Benefit Summary and Pension Kit. We also encourage you to contact the Benefits Helpline.
  • Former employees:
    • Contact the Benefits Helpline to request a Pension kit at least 45 days but no more than 90 days prior to the date you would like your payments to commence.

NOTE: CITGO Benefits Representatives are available to answer all of your retirement questions. Be prepared to provide the required information about yourself and your spouse or other beneficiary, as applicable, in order for them to process your retirement. You may call or email the Benefits Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If necessary, please leave a message and a Representative will return your call or email within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. Messages left on Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday will be responded to on Monday. If you leave a message, be sure to leave pertinent details including your name, social security number and phone number. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Active employees will receive the following materials within 2 to 3 weeks after you contact Human Resources:

  1. Retirement Eligibility Sheet - Reflects if you are retiree eligible under the CITGO benefit plans.

  2. Benefit Summary - Includes information regarding your medical, dental, vision, life and personal accident coverage’s, along with additional information about spending accounts, the 401(k) Plan, and the pension/retirement benefits.

  3. Benefit Confirmation Statement

  4. Rate Sheet

  5. Benefits into Retirement Continuation Form and EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) Enrollment Form and letter of explanation.

  6. Pension Kit - This will include an estimate of your pension benefits and all applicable retirement forms.

  7. 401(k) Statement

  8. Special Tax Notice

  9. Benefits Contact Sheet

  10. Social Security/Medicare Booklet (This will be included if you are age 64 or older)

  11. Postage-paid Return Envelope Be sure to check your forms to ensure that all the necessary information has been completed, and return the forms by the date indicated in your kit. If you need help in understanding or completing any of the forms, please do not hesitate to contact the CITGO Benefits Helpline for assistance. They will be happy to assist you through this process and answer any of your questions. Remember, they are here to help you! Call toll free 1-888-443-5707 or email benefits@citgo.com.

All required forms must be completed, signed and returned along with the requested documentation 30 days prior to your requested retirement date. Otherwise, the date your pension benefit payments begin may be delayed. The date your pension benefit payments begin and the type of payment option also depends on when you complete and return all of the required forms included in your retirement kit. If you are eligible to begin receiving your monthly retirement annuity benefit, your monthly benefit payments will begin the first day of month following your elected retirement date, which will include payment for the first and second month. (First month’s payment is paid in arrears, thereafter, payments are made the 1st of each month for that month.)