Former APS teacher, board speak on delayed retirement applications

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A former Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) teacher has waited months to receive money from her retirement plan through the state. She said things are now looking up after receiving paperwork this week to move the process forward.

“I felt a deep sense of relief,” said Sarah MacKenzie, a former teacher with APS.

MacKenzie worked for the district for 21 years. Back in March, she started paperwork to receive retirement payments through New Mexico’s Education Retirement Board (NMERB). Months went by, but the money never came.

“Twice, I went into two different buildings that were supposed to be entities of the retirement board, and each time, I basically got the runaround,” MacKenzie explained. “No one would give me any direct answers in terms of when I would receive my retirement.”

Just this week, MacKenzie said she did receive a packet in the mail, notifying her that the payments would begin in 45 days.

“I’ve been waiting for this mystery envelope to arrive for months,” MacKenzie said.

According to the NMERB, instances like this are far and few between, but for folks who no longer work, paying bills on a fixed income can become burdensome, and the extra cash from the retirement plan can go a long way.

“Sometimes, it’s the way paperwork is filled out. There could be errors in the paperwork from the member,” said NMERB Benefits Processor Supervisor Crystal Macias. “There could be errors in the paperwork that we get from the school.”

For MacKenzie, it was another member’s application that delayed her payments. According to the state, while MacKenzie’s application was getting processed, the board received an update to a different member’s paperwork- which they say took priority.

“Once everything is filled out correctly and completed by the member, we do get them placed on payroll,” Macias added. “So, a little bit of a process, but we try to get it taken care of without hitches.”

The board suggests that getting an early start on the retirement application can help alleviate stressful situations similar to this.

“I would say a good idea is to request an estimate to be done a year before retirement,” Macias said.

They said the program is a two-step process. First, the member must fill out the application which is then analyzed to determine what benefits the member will receive. Once decided, more paperwork is sent back to fill out once again.

“Plan time in advance,” MacKenzie added. “Have your money lined up.”

Officials with NMERB urged members to reach out if they’re experiencing any delays with their application.

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