DRS Email 22-002, Return-to-Work Rules for TRS and SERS 2008 ERF Retirees Reminder
Notice No.: 22-002
Date: February 07, 2022
Applies to: School Districts, Educational School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribal Schools, School for the Deaf, School for the Blind
Subject: DRS Email 22-002, Return-to-Work Rules for TRS and SERS 2008 ERF Retirees Reminder
Legislation was implemented in 2019 that changed how the 2008 Early Retirement Factor (2008 ERFs) are applied to Plans 2 and 3 of the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) and School Employees’ Retirement System (SERS). Retirees of TRS or SERS who retired under the 2008 ERFs can return to work in nonadministrative positions for up to 867 hours in a calendar year without impacting their benefits.
Report retirees to DRS using the correct transmittal codes to ensure DRS doesn’t stop the SERS or TRS retiree’s pension as a result of returning to work for you.
Which retirees does this impact?
Certain retirees who are under age 65 and currently working for you in a nonadministrative position. Specifically, it affects retirees who either:
- Retired from SERS using the 2008 ERFs and are under age 65
- Retired from TRS using the 2008 ERFs and are under age 65
Note: These rules do not apply to retirees who retired from the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
How do employers determine an employee’s retirement status?
- Employer provides the Retirement Status Verification to the employee (required by law)
- Employee returns the form to the employer
- Employer reviews form, then uses ERA\Processes\Member Management to look up the employee’s DRS retirement history (or they can contact ESS)
- Written instructions for Employer Verify retirement status
- Video #5a on this page https://www.drs.wa.gov/employer/ch13/
How do employers determine which transmittal codes to use when reporting these types of retirees?
Please reference these charts:
- Page two of the Rehired SERS Plan 2 and 3 Retirees Reporting Chart
- Page two of the Rehired TRS Plan 2 and 3 Retirees Reporting Chart
Where can employers find more information on this topic?
We are here to help you. If you have any questions, please contact Employer Support Services at 360-664-7200, option 2, or 800-547-6657, option 6, and then option 2, or email us.
