Pension Time

On October 5th in 1981, I resigned from AT&T complete with a vested pension.  I couldn't imagine myself getting to 65 to collect all promised $441.93 per month.  However, I've dragged the paperwork around for 30 years just in case.  Well, time has caught up with me.  On November 19th I will turn 65 so last month I hunted down the forms that are now brown around the edges.  Would I be able to hunt down the benefits department?  All the old phone numbers are defunct.  They didn't have my current address and the people who issued my paperwork are most likely retired as well. 

Thirty years is a long time.  In fact, it's so old that the "Application for Distribution on Termination of Service" form has key punch operator instructions for what should be on each of three cards. I found the website for retirees, but none of my information is electronically accessible.  This makes a girl feel really, really old.  However I persevered.  After multiple phone calls and listening patiently through multiple phone instructions, I reached a young man confirmed that my records were not available online but reassured me when he explained, "We tried to send you a retirement package in June, but it was returned." 

"Wow! I'm not lost!" I exclaimed. 
"No, ma'am.  You are not lost.  We have your information."
"Can I still get my pension?"
"Yes, of course.  Give me your current address and we'll send you the new paperwork."

I wait with great expectations for the new paperwork to arrive.  The next challenge is to decide what I might do with my monthly stipend.  Wrinkle cream?  Personal trainer?  Champagne?