If you are vested (you have served at least five years as a DCPS teacher) when you separate from the DCPS system, and you are not yet eligible to retire, you may elect to receive a deferred retirement benefit, or you can elect to receive an immediate lump-sum refund of the contributions you made to the Plan.
If you elect the deferred retirement benefit, you may begin receiving your retirement when you reach age 62, but you must begin receiving your retirement benefit no later than April 1 following the calendar year in which you reach age 70½. If you receive a refund of your contributions, you will not be entitled to any other benefits from the Plan.
