Search with Ask George®

• Home

• Members

• TRS Plan 1 Handbook
• Table of Contents
• Key plan provisions
• Plan 1 membership definition
• When should I start planning for retirement?
• Who pays for my benefits?
• What is service credit?
• Claiming credit for substitute teaching
• Can I purchase credit for past service?
• What if I leave my TRS position?
• Reestablishing membership
• Can I restore credit for past service?
• What if I’ve previously been a member of another retirement system
• How do I retire?
• Can I obtain a refund of contributions paid after 30 years of service?
• What is my service retirement benefit?
• What are my benefit options?
• What is the purchase additional service credit option?
• Can I continue health care coverage after I retire?
• Can my benefit increase after I retire?
• What if I work after retirement?
• What if I become disabled?
• What benefits do my survivors receive?
• Taxation and assignment of benefits
• Why does DRS need my Social Security number?
• Administrative information
• Contacting DRS

This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 1 of the Washington State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). TRS is administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). The plan is a 401(a) and provides a lifetime benefit. It is designed to be an important retirement income that, along with Social Security benefits (if you are eligible), personal savings, and other investments, will help pay your living expenses when you retire.

Plan 1 membership definition

You are a Plan 1 member if you established membership in TRS at any time before October 1, 1977. The equivalent of 90 days of full-time employment during a fiscal year (July 1-June 30) is required to establish membership. If you terminate your employment and withdraw your contributions, Plan 1 will be the plan you join if you ever reestablish membership in TRS.

For purposes of this plan, “teacher” means any person who is qualified to teach and is employed by a public school in Washington as an instructor, administrator or supervisor. This includes:

• School district and educational service district superintendents and their assistants,
• State, school district and educational service district employees who are certificated by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and
• Any full-time school doctor who is employed by a public school and who renders instructional or educational services.

If you are a substitute teacher you should request the publication The Substitute Teacher’s Guide to Obtaining Service Credit to determine your eligibility. This is also available from your employer or TRS.