Retiring from Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is a big change. We understand that the process can seem complicated at times. We assure you that transitioning your benefits is not difficult; LAPRA is here to assist you along the way.
Contact LAPRA 3 Months Prior to Your Retirement
LAPRA encourages you to plan ahead and contact us at benefits@lapra.org or (213) 674‐3701 approximately three months prior to your retirement to begin the process. Our benefits representatives are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to help answer questions you may have.
Transitioning from Active to Retired
A retired member is defined as a sworn employee of the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Los Angeles Port Police (LAPP) who is receiving a pension from the City of Los Angeles Department of Fire & Police Pensions (LAFPP).
As mentioned, there are other departments and agencies with whom you will have to discuss your retirement prior to contacting LAPRA. When you decide that you are ready to retire, follow these steps:
Appointment with Your Department’s Retirement Counselor
Schedule an appointment with your department’s retirement counselor to begin the application process. At your appointment, your counselor will help you prepare your Letter of Intent (LOI) to Retire and:
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- Provide information regarding unused sick, vacation and overtime balances.
- Help you select a pension effective date that will be advantageous to you; and
- Make your retirement appointment with LAFPP DROP/Service Pensions.
Appointment with The LAFPP Benefits Specialist
Schedule an appointment with the LAFPP Benefits Specialist to apply for service
retirement. During this appointment you will complete required forms and receive information on your pension payment.
Contact LAPRA
Contact LAPRA after you have discussed your retirement with the departments listed above. Then follow these steps approximately 2‐3 months prior to your retirement date.
- Make a telephone appointment with a LAPRA Benefits Representative.
- During this meeting we will review your current benefits and walk you through enrolling in your retiree coverage. Contact LAPRA at (213) 674‐3701 or benefits@lapra.org to make an appointment. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes for this meeting.
- Provide a copy of your Letter of Intent to Retire to LAPRA.
- This letter is obtained from your department’s retirement counselor (referenced above).
- Review, complete and submit the forms provided by LAPRA.
- LAPRA will review and provide you with the forms that your specific situation requires.
Submitting Your Forms to LAPRA
All completed forms can be emailed to benefits@lapra.org or uploaded on LAPRAlive.org.
After Retirement
Look for your new medical plan ID card in the mail. Your new medical plan ID card should arrive in the email six to eight weeks after your retirement date. However, coverage is effective the first of the month following your separation date. If you need to access care prior to receiving your new card(s), please contact LAPRA.
About three to four weeks after you retire, you will receive a required COBRA Qualifying Event notice. If you have already elected to enroll in retiree medical coverage, you may disregard the notice.
Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA)
Some retirees who are ineligible for a subsidy opt to enroll in COBRA, prior to enrolling in their retiree coverage, because it could be more cost effective.
If you would like more information about COBRA including rates, please request it from a LAPRA representative.