Member News
2009 pension legislation
You can view a summary and track the progress of pension-related legislation on our 2009 Legislation Web page.
Leaving or changing a job?
Should you leave or change jobs, our career transitions information can help you understand the retirement account decisions you'll need to make. If you're a PERS member with questions on the impact of furloughs during the 2009-2011 biennium, this furlough summary can help.
Three bills affecting pension rights of domestic partners signed into law
Three bills addressing the rights of domestic partners (including receipt of survivor and death benefits for state-administered pensions) were passed by the 2009 Legislature and signed into law by Governor Gregoire. They are:
- House Bill 1445, which is specific to the Washington State Patrol Retirement System;
- House Bill 1616, which is specific to the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System; and
- Senate Bill 5688, which would apply to all retirement systems.
House Bills 1445 and 1616 take effect at the end of July 2009. The portions of Senate Bill 5688 that affect public employee pensions will be effective January 1, 2014.
Additional Early Reduction Factors available for PERS, TRS and SERS Plan 2 and 3 members
PERS, TRS and SERS Plan 2 and 3 members who are at least 55 and have at least 30 years of service credit have a choice between the three-percent reduction factor and the 2008 Early Retirement Factor (ERF). A 62-year-old member with 30 years of service can retire with no benefit reduction.
The choice between factors became effective July 1, 2008 for PERS Plan 2 and 3 members and September 1, 2008 for TRS and SERS Plan 2 and 3 members. Those who use the 2008 ERF to retire have stricter return-to-work rules. Returning to work for a public employer before age 65, will stop their pension. This includes any work performed under a personal service contract, as a temporary or project employee, or under any other similarly compensated relationship with a public employer. Read the FAQ.
Other items
Were you a teacher in another state? You may be eligible for retirement credit. Check our TRS Plan 2 and 3 calculator.
Plan Choice — New PERS, TRS and SERS members have 90 days to make a choice.