If considered to be eligible for the retirement benefit through the Department of Retirement Systems, you will have an opportunity to choose between DRS Plan 2 and Plan 3. Newly eligible employees have 90 days from their position start date to choose a plan, or they are defaulted into Plan 2 with a rate option of 7.76% for SERS members or 8.05% for TRS members (this rate is subject to change based on legislative changes). Your plan choice is permanent.

Newly Eligible Employees - Choose a plan  - Employees newly eligible to DRS will also meet with the Benefits Specialist to discuss the plan options and will receive directions for making their plan choice.

Current DRS Members - Learn more about your plan, create a benefit self-estimate, and log in to your account.

Nearing Retirement - Congratulations on your decision to retire! Here are some important things to consider as you near retirement. Activate your online account, prepare with a checklist, view FAQs, request an official estimate, and learn more about retirement education.

See also: OHSD Planning for Retirement Checklist

Retirees - Find out about working after retirement, retiree news, retirement pension paydays, and other plan information.

 Plan Handbooks:

• TRS Plan 2
• TRS Plan 3
• SERS Plan 2
• SERS Plan 3

Department of Retirement Systems Home Page

Phone: 360.664.7000 or 800.547.6657

Mailing address: PO Box 48380 | Olympia, WA 98504-8380

Visit: 6835 Capitol Blvd SE | Tumwater, WA 98501

You have the opportunity to save for retirement by participating in the 403(b) retirement plan. A 403(b) plan is a retirement plan for certain employees of public schools and tax-exempt organizations. You do not pay income tax on allowable contributions until you begin making withdrawals from the plan, usually after your retirement. The maximum annual contribution limit for 2023 is $22,500. Participants age 50 and older may contribute additional funds. 

403(b) Universal Availability Notice

OMNI 403(b) for Employees

For questions, please contact OMNI's Customer Care Center at 877.544.6664.

The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) is a special type of savings program that helps you invest for the retirement lifestyle you want to achieve. DCP lowers your taxable income while you are working and it delays payments of income taxes on your investments until you withdraw your funds. DCP is an IRC Section 457 plan administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). The maximum annual contribution limit for 2023 is $22,500. Participants age 50 and older may contribute additional funds. 

DCP Overview

DCP Program Enrollment Guide

For more information about DCP or assistance with your account:

Phone: 888.327.5596 or savewithwa@empower-retirement.com (or send a secure message through your online account.)

Certain eligibility requirements must be met to receive PEBB retiree insurance coverage. Depending on your situation, you may be able to enroll in PEBB retiree insurance coverage now or you might be able to take action to protect your eligibility for future enrollment. You have 60 days after your employer-paid or continuation coverage ends to notify the PEBB Program that you want to enroll or defer enrollment in PEBB retiree insurance coverage.

Timeline for those Retiring from a DRS Plan

• Contact the Social Security Administration about 90 days before your employer-paid coverage or continuation coverage ends, to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B if you or any dependents you wish to cover are entitled to Medicare.
• Request a retiree enrollment packet about 60 days before your employer-paid coverage or continuation coverage ends.
• Within 60 days after your employer-paid coverage or continuation coverage ends, return your completed retiree application and any other applicable forms to the PEBB Program.

Employment Ending Without Retirement - If you do not intend to retire when your employment ends, you may have the option to use COBRA coverage as a "bridge" to PEBB retiree insurance coverage.

Deferring PEBB Retiree Health Coverage - Postponing your PEBB retiree health plan coverage in a way that lets you keep your eligibility to enroll at a later date. In order to defer enrollment, you must meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in PEBB retiree insurance coverage.

For questions, contact PEBB Benefits Services at 1.800.200.1004.

2023 PEBB Retiree Enrollment Guide

2023 PEBB Retiree Election Form

Tutorial: How to complete Form A (PEBB Retiree Coverage Election Form)