NFL Retirement Benefits
The following benefits are available to vested players under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Retirement Plan.
If you are a non-vested player, special rules may apply to allow you to receive benefits. You should contact the NFL Benefits office to find out if you qualify. In most cases, you must meet the following definition of a vested player to be eligible for benefits:
- You have 3 or more credited seasons including at least one credited season after the 1992 season;
- You have 4 or more credited seasons including at least one credited season after the 1973 season; OR
- You have 5 or more credited seasons.
1. RETIREMENT PENSION
Once you elect to begin receiving your pension, you will no longer be eligible to apply for LOD or T&P unless you are eligible under the “Open Window” exception. You may elect to receive benefits at:
AGE 55: NORMAL RETIREMENT – If you are a vested player, you are eligible to begin receiving retirement the first day of the month beginning after your 55th birthday or on your 55th birthday if it falls on the first day of the month.
AGE 45: EARLY RETIREMENT – If you are a vested player with a credited season prior to the 1993 plan year, you may elect an early retirement benefit to begin as of the first day of any month on or after your 45th birthday and before your normal retirement date. If you elect to receive an early retirement benefit, the amount of your monthly benefit will be actuarially reduced.
AGE 65: DEFERRED RETIREMENT – If you are vested player, you can choose to defer your retirement benefits. A player who chooses to do so must begin their benefits no later than their 65th birthday if you did not have a credited season between 1989 and 1992, inclusive. Your benefits must begin no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you attain age 70 ½ if you have a credited season between 1989 and 1992, inclusive. If your benefits begin after your normal retirement date, the amount of your benefits will be actuarially increased.
2. ANNUITY BENEFIT
You may be eligible to receive a distribution at:
AGE 35 – if 5 years have elapsed after the end of the Annuity year in which you earned your last credited season; At age 35 you may elect distribution in annual installments until you reach age 45.
AGE 45 – You may elect distribution in one lump sum.
Distributions must begin no later than the first day of the month after you turn 65.
Please call our office if you would like to find out about additional distribution options or if you need assistance filling out the Annuity Distribution Application.
3. 2ND CAREER SAVINGS PLAN (401K)
You are eligible to receive benefits after AGE 45. You are not required to start taking the benefit at 45, but must begin taking before April 1 of the calendar year after you turn 65.
For information on other retirement benefits including Legacy Benefit, NFL Player Care Plan, and Life Improvement Plan, please contact our office at 407-351.5151.
| BENEFIT CREDITS CALCULATION CHART
When calculating your monthly Pension or LOD benefit, assign the benefit credit associated with each appropriate credited season in Plan Year and add together all amounts for your total monthly benefit. If you need assistance, please contact us and we will be happy to calculate it for you. |
|
| Credited Season in Plan Year | Benefit Credit |
| Before 1982 | $250 |
| 1982-1992 | $255 |
| 1993-1994 | $265 |
| 1995-1996 | $315 |
| 1997 | $365 |
| 1998-2011 | $470 |
| 2012-2014 | $560 |
| 2015-2017 | $660 |
| 2018-2020 | $760 |
Helpful Forms for NFL Disablity and Retirement Benefits
Annuity Application For Distribution
NFLPB Change of Address
My Goal Line Form
NFLPB Third Party Authorization
