Effective July 1, 2011, legislation changed the retirement eligibility rules for higher education employees hired into HERP-eligible positions. The following table is provided to help higher education employers make eligibility determinations for new employees. New employees are eligible for a one-time System Choice at each institution (all Community and Technical Colleges are considered one institution). Once a choice has been made, it is irrevocable for that institution. Please contact DRS if you have additional questions about eligibility determinations.
These are the notes for the following table.
1 If institution allows, and DRS rules permit.
2 LEOFF retirees and LEOFF members eligible to retire have additional options, please contact DRS.
3 Estoppel rules do not apply if membership was established prior to March 19, 1976.
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| Higher Education Faculty Positions | Employee’s History | HERP or DRS Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| New to HERP-Eligible Employment July 1, 2011 and after | No DRS plan history | • 30-day choice between TRS Plan 3 or HERP • Choice is permanent |
| TRS Plan 1 active and not eligible for a full retirement benefit | • HERP or TRS Plan 11 | |
| TRS Plan 1 and eligible for a full retirement benefit | • CANNOT participate in HERP • TRS Plan 11 ONLY |
|
| TRS Plan 1 withdrawn | • HERP or TRS Plan 11 • UW and WSU exception: HERP ONLY |
|
| TRS Plans 2 and 3 active and not eligible for a full retirement benefit | • HERP or previous TRS Plan1 | |
| TRS Plans 2 and 3 active and eligible for a full retirement benefit | • CANNOT participate in HERP • Previous TRS Plan1 ONLY • UW and WSU exception: Institution’s rule regarding TRS participation applies |
|
| TRS Plan 2 withdrawn | • HERP or TRS Plan 21 • UW and WSU exception: HERP ONLY |
|
| All other DRS plans, active or withdrawn and not eligible for a full retirement benefit | • 30-day choice between TRS Plan 3 or HERP • Choice is permanent |
|
| All other DRS plans2 and eligible for a full retirement benefit (with less than 15 years of service) | • CANNOT participate in HERP • TRS Plan 3 ONLY |
|
| All other DRS plans2 and eligible for a full retirement benefit (with more than 15 years of service) | • CANNOT participate in HERP • Estopped3 from TRS • Participate in previous plan if PERS1 |
|
| DRS retiree | • CANNOT participate in HERP • Hourly limits apply (see Chapter 5) |
|
| Made HERP/Plan 3 Choice July 1, 2011 and after | Chose or defaulted to HERP | • HERP ONLY, if the irrevocable choice was made at your institution • If a choice has not been made at your institution, 30-day choice between HERP and TRS Plan 3 |
| Chose TRS Plan 3 | • TRS Plan 3 ONLY | |
| Chose PERS Plan 3 | • 30-day choice between TRS Plan 3 or HERP | |
| Had Previous HERP-Eligible Employment Before July 1, 2011 | HERP participant | • HERP ONLY |
| Did not participate in HERP (with DRS history) | • Rules under the “New to HERP-Eligible Employment” section apply (except employee CANNOT be given a 30-day choice between Plan 3 or HERP) |
1 If institution allows, and DRS rules permit.
2 LEOFF retirees and LEOFF members eligible to retire have additional options, please contact DRS.
3 Estoppel rules do not apply if membership was established prior to March 19, 1976.
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