Category Archives: Employer

Applies to: LEOFF EmployersSubject: DRS Notice 25-020, Reporting of Non-LEOFF Employer Contributions (NLEC) Employer pickup of state contributions on LEOFF Plan 2 non-employer services Does your agency ever charge a fee or recover costs for services rendered by a LEOFF Plan 2 member to a non-LEOFF employer? If yes, then your agency must cover the…

Applies to: All EmployersSubject: DRS Notice 25-019, Employer survey DRS is exploring how we can improve services to our customers and tools for employers. There’s no better way for us to enhance the resources we provide than by learning from you. Your input is vital in helping us measure the quality of our services. With…

Applies to: DCP EmployersSubject: DRS Notice 25-018, Employer contributions for DCP What’s changing? Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, employer contributions to Washington’s Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) must be made before the employee reaches the normal IRS limit, which is $23,500 in 2025 and may change in 2026. This is an IRS requirement. If an employer wants…

Applies to: School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribal Schools, Educational Service DistrictsSubject: DRS Notice 25-017, Return to work retirees must wait 30 days to avoid a reduced pension Return to work retirees must wait 30 days to avoid a reduced pension Retirees must wait at least 30 consecutive days after their effective retirement date (accrual date)…

Applies to: Fire Protection Districts and Municipal Fire DepartmentsSubject:  DRS Notice 25-016, FAQs regarding volunteer firefighter participation in DCP The following FAQs provide additional information related to DRS Notice 25-014. What if volunteers are issued a 1099? Are they eligible to participate in DCP? No. What if volunteers are issued W-2? Are they eligible to…

Applies to: All EmployersSubject: DRS Notice 25-015, Contribution Rate Changes for SERS and TRS Pension contribution rates The contribution rates presented in the chart below become effective Sept. 1, 2025. Contribution rate changes for SERS and TRS are based on ESSB 5357. Employers who have additional questions regarding this notice should contact DRS Employer Support…

Applies to: Fire Protection Districts and Municipal Fire Departments Subject: DRS Notice 25-014, Volunteer firefighters can now enroll in DCP  Beginning July 27, 2025, volunteer firefighters can enroll in Washington’s Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) under HB 1156.  Who is eligible? Volunteer firefighters who are paid wages and issued a W-2 are eligible to participate. There are…

DRS Notice: 25-013Date: July 10, 2025Applies to: DCP EmployersSubject: DRS Notice 25-013, New requirements coming for age 50+ catchup contributions What’s changing? Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, employers who offer Washington state’s Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) will be required to identify and report all highly compensated employees who are age 50 or older to DRS. DCP…

Posted on: June 24, 2025Applies to: All EmployersSubject: DRS Notice 25-012, Reporting Accurate Separation Dates and Using a Retirement Checklist Understanding and reporting accurate separation dates for your retiring employees is crucial. To separate from service means a member has terminated all employment with their employer (WAC 415-02-115). The separation date is the last day…

DRS Notice: 25-011Date: May 28, 2025Applies to: School DistrictsSubject: DRS Notice 25-011, Return to Work exception extended Retirees who return to work at a school district can continue to work through Jan. 1, 2030. This is because House Bill 1936 passed in the 2025 session. Retirees can work up to 1,040 hours and still receive…