Leoff1:Overview

This handbook describes your retirement benefits under Plan 1 of the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System (LEOFF). The plan is designed to be an important source of 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.

Highlights

The plan provides a lifetime retirement benefit at age 50, with five or more years of service credit. See service benefits.
The plan provides disability leave, disability retirement, and medical benefits if you meet the requirements. See disability benefits
The plan provides survivor benefits if you meet the requirements. See survivor benefits for more information.
You, your employer, and the state may be required to contribute toward your future benefits. See contributions.
Your contributions are refundable only if you leave LEOFF-covered employment as a fire fighter or law enforcement officer. If you withdraw your contributions, you lose your right to future benefits. You may restore your withdrawn contributions and reestablish your benefits under certain circumstances. You cannot withdraw contributions made by the state or your employer. See withdrawing contributions for more information.

Complete the Enrollment and Beneficiary Designation forms

If you change LEOFF employers, your new employer will have you complete an Enrollment Form. The Enrollment Form provides the information needed to verify your eligibility for membership.

All new employees complete a Beneficiary Designation Form. This form identifies the person(s) or entity that you wish to receive any benefits due from the retirement system in the event that you should die prior to retirement. You should update this form periodically if your personal situation changes. You can obtain a Beneficiary Designation Form from either your employer or the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).