This section applies to a public employee who is not a retiree. Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a public employee may submit an application for retirement. If a public employee is eligible to apply for a retirement allowance, a public employee’s application for retirement benefits: shall be considered submitted on the first day of the month after it is properly completed and submitted to the State Retirement Agency; and may not be processed by the State Retirement Agency unless and until the final adjudication of the charge that does not result in conviction.