Your path out, step by step.
What to do in the first 72 hours, then every decision and deadline, in order.
Do these first.
1Get the decision in writing
Ask for the letter or email that states the decision, its date and the reason (for example non-renewal or abolition of post). Your deadlines count from the day you are notified.
2Note your appeal deadline
UN Secretariat staff must request management evaluation within 60 calendar days of being notified of the decision (Staff Rule 11.2(c)). Other agencies have their own procedures and deadlines, so check with your HR or staff union right away.
3Ask HR for a written final pay estimate
Ask what you will receive and when: last salary, unused annual leave (up to 60 days can be paid out), any indemnity, and travel, shipment and repatriation entitlements. Ask for it in writing.
4Run a pension estimate
Log in to UNJSPF Member Self-Service (MSS) and run an estimate for each option. You do not have to choose now: you have up to 36 months.
5Save documents before your email is cut
Download payslips, contracts, performance evaluations, training certificates and personal contacts. Ask HR for a certificate of service. Practical tip, not a rule.
6Book medical appointments while insured
The UN insurance section advises booking doctor appointments and stocking up on vital medicines before your cover switches, because the change can take weeks.
7Check your visa or residence deadline
US G-4: generally 30 days after your employment ends. Swiss legitimation card: a 2-month courtesy period. Family members are affected too. Details in the steps below.
Then, step by step
Choose your pension option
Under 5 years: a one-off withdrawal settlement. 5+ years: a monthly pension later, or the settlement.
More detail and sources
Withdrawal settlement = your own contributions plus 3.25% compound interest, increased by 10% for each year after 5 years (up to 100%). If you take it, no other benefit is paid to you or your survivors. You can delay your choice for up to 36 months after separation.
Early or normal retirement
Early retirement from 55 (joined the fund before 2014) or 58 (joined from 2014). Normal retirement at 60, 62 or 65.
More detail and sources
Normal retirement age depends on when you joined the fund: before 1990, 60; 1990 to 2013, 62; from 2014, 65. Early retirement needs at least 5 years of contributory service and is reduced for life, by 6% a year before normal retirement age (less with 25+ years of service, for up to 5 years). You can take up to one third as a lump sum, which lowers the monthly amount.
Apply for after-service health insurance
Not automatic. The deadline depends on your plan. A withdrawal settlement makes you ineligible.
More detail and sources
New York-administered plans (Secretariat in New York, UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA and others): apply within 31 days before or after separation. UNSMIS (UN staff in Geneva, including UNHCR): email unsmisaffiliations@un.org within 31 days after separation. WHO, ILO/ITU and FAO/WFP run their own plans.
UNSMIS bridging option, ages 50 to 54
Post abolished or agreed termination, aged 50 to 54? Ask UNSMIS about the bridging mechanism.
More detail and sources
Conditions: abolition of post or agreed termination; aged 50 to 54 at separation; at least 10 years in a UN system health plan (temporary service does not count); fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment; and you choose a periodic UNJSPF benefit. Apply before separation or within 30 days after, at unsmisaffiliations@un.org. Available until 31 December 2026.
Swiss health insurance or exemption
Staying in Switzerland? Take Swiss basic insurance (LAMal), or ask for an exemption within 3 months if you keep UN cover.
More detail and sources
If you stay in your former organisation's health plan (for example ASHI) and it is equivalent for treatment in Switzerland, you can ask the cantonal health insurance service for an exemption, with a written attestation from the plan. The 3 months start the day your functions end, and the deadline is strict. Family members have the same deadline.
Sort out your G-4 visa
You generally have 30 days to leave the US or request a change of status. Your family's G-4 status is tied to yours.
More detail and sources
You can ask in advance for 30 more days in exceptional cases. UN Secretariat staff contact the US Office of Host Country Affairs. The special immigrant (green card) route for retirees needs at least 15 years in the US in G-4 status, including half of the 7 years before applying, and Form I-360 must be filed within 6 months of retirement. Most people leaving mid-career will not qualify.
Legitimation card and residence
A 2-month courtesy period after your functions end. Retirees can ask for 3 months.
More detail and sources
Not retiring: you need another legal basis to stay, for example a new job with a work permit or family ties. Check with the cantonal population office (OCPM in Geneva). Retiring in Geneva: apply for a B or C permit 2 months before retirement. A C permit needs, among other things, 5 years living and working in Switzerland for an international organisation before retirement (10 for early retirement), enough money, language skills, and a written promise not to work in Switzerland or abroad.
Repatriation grant
For internationally recruited staff with 5+ years of qualifying service. Paid only after you move out of the duty station country.
More detail and sources
The amount depends on years of service and family status. If you were eligible on 30 June 2016, you keep the entitlement built up by that date. It is paid to staff the UN must repatriate, so it does not usually apply to locally recruited staff. The right ends if you do not claim within two years of separation.
Ship your belongings
Internationally recruited, fixed-term or continuing, with a 2+ year appointment or 2+ years of service. Check with your HR.
More detail and sources
Relocation shipment on separation applies if your appointment was for two years or more, or you completed two years of continuous service. It does not arise for service at a non-family duty station. The right ends if shipment has not started within two years of separation. Agency rules can differ, so confirm with your HR.
Do not let the pension choice lapse
With 5+ years, no choice in 36 months means a deferred pension is chosen for you.
More detail and sources
With less than 5 years, not claiming can lead to losing the benefit after a further 24 months. Re-joining within 36 months, with nothing paid, keeps participation continuous.
Check your pension tax
Most countries tax the pension once you leave.
More detail and sources
Not sure what to choose?
Talk numbers with a financial adviser. Talk direction with a coach.