Life Events

Returning to Work

Some retirees choose to go back to work after they retire. You can do this and still receive a pension benefit as long as you follow a few rules.

If you return to work for a non-DRS employer: Your benefit is not affected.
Example of non-DRS employer: Local businesses like a coffee shop or grocery store. 

If you return to work for a DRS employer: Your benefit could be affected.
Examples of DRS employers: Schools, Police, Fire, Department of Transportation.

If you’re in PERS, TRS or SERS, you must wait at least 30 days after your effective retirement date before returning to work for any DRS employer. Also, you may not have any pre-arranged agreement, verbal or written, to return to work with your current employer before retiring. Check your plan webpage below for more details.

Exceptions for nursing positions and school districts

New state laws allow some retirees to return to work up to 1,040 hours without affecting pension benefits. See the new exceptions.

Return to work rules vary by plan:

Plans

PERS 1
PERS Plan 1 (Public Employees)
PERS 2
PERS Plan 2 (Public Employees)
PERS 3
PERS Plan 3 (Public Employees)
TRS 1
TRS Plan 1 (Teachers)
TRS 2
TRS Plan 2 (Teachers)
TRS 3
TRS Plan 3 (Teachers)
SERS 2
SERS Plan 2 (School Employees)
SERS 3
SERS Plan 3 (School Employees)
LEOFF 1
LEOFF Plan 1
(Law Enforcement and Firefighters)
LEOFF 2
LEOFF Plan 2
(Law Enforcement and Firefighters)
WSPRS 1
WSPRS Plan 1
(Washington State Patrol)
WSPRS 2
WSPRS Plan 2
(Washington State Patrol)
PSERS 2
PSERS Plan 2 (Public Safety Employees)

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