New Member
Welcome to Washington State public service
As a public employee you are eligible for retirement benefits administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Below, are the tools and resources that will help you determine your goals for retirement and how to best meet them.
Congratulations on your decision to become a public employee. We look forward to serving your retirement needs.
Your Benefits
As a retirement plan member, you can get up-to-date information on this Web site. You may also call us or e-mail your questions. Also be sure to sign up for online account access. With this service, you can calculate your benefit under different scenarios, using your individual account information.
Please refer to the Plan Definition Pages if you're a new member of the:
- Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF);
- Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS); or
- Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).
Learn about your 90 day deadline for choosing a plan if you're a new member of the:
- Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS);
- School Employees' Retirement System (SERS); or
- Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
Plan Choice for Members of PERS, SERS and TRS – you have 90 days to choose a plan. It's important that you make a choice between plans within 90 days after you're hired. You may choose either Plan 2 or Plan 3. The Plan Choice Booklet provides you with the information, tools and resources that will help you determine your goals for retirement and how to best meet them. One of the tools you may find helpful is the financial modeling software. With this software, you can make financial projections and comparisons of your estimated retirement benefits under either plan. Carefully consider your options. Once you make a choice, you cannot change plans. If you don't make a choice between plans within 90 days of becoming an eligible public employee, you will automatically be placed in Plan 3, and you cannot later decide to become a member of Plan 2.
As you're making your decision to choose Plan 2 or Plan 3, you may also wish to consider your option to join the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
Deferred Compensation Program – The Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) is a voluntary retirement savings program that offers you the opportunity to invest money toward securing the retirement you envision. DCP offers you an excellent opportunity to enhance your financial future. Learn more about the program and how to enroll in the DCP Overview.
Plan Definition Pages
Public Employees' Retirement System -- PERS
School Employees' Retirement System -- SERS
Teachers' Retirement System -- TRS
Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System -- LEOFF
Washington State Patrol Retirement System -- WSPRS
Public Safety Employees' Retirement System -- PSERS
Publications for New Members
These publications provide you with the information you need to learn about your system and plan.
The Retirement Outlook newsletter for all members is your source for the latest news about your retirement benefits.
Forms for New Members of PERS, SERS and TRS
As a new member, there are some important forms you need to fill out and keep up to date. Your employer can also provide these forms to you.
Questions about Retirement Planning
It's never too early to start planning for retirement. These questions and answers help you understand the kinds of things you need to know when making a plan.
Pension System Roles and Responsibilities
Learn more about the entities involved in the Washington State pension system.