Q. I always thought retiring Jan. 3 was a good idea, but let’s assume I plan to retire in 2014. If there is a retiree cost-of-living adjustment in 2015, and I retire Dec. 3, 2014, will my annuity increase in January by the 2015 COLA percentage? (If not, how far back into 2014 would I need to retire to get the next COLA?) Is it 1/12 of COLA per month prior to the January increase?
A. To receive the full January 2015 COLA, you’d have to retire no later than Dec. 3, 2013 (that’s today). If you retired Jan. 3, 2014, you’d receive 11/12th of that 2015 COLA.
