Retiring

Are you within a few years of retiring? Here are a few resources to get you started.

How do I retire with DRS?

1. Request an official benefit estimate from DRS 3 to 12 months prior to your retirement date. Make this request through your online account or by contacting us. In most cases, we will provide your estimate 5 to 8 weeks before your retirement date.  If you haven’t received your requested estimate within 5 weeks of your retirement date, contact us.
   Estimates are prioritized by retirement date, which allows DRS to use the most recent information available for you and gives you ample time to submit your retirement application. An official benefit estimate is not the same as the benefit estimator tool available to all customers. To assist your retirement planning any time before or after requesting your official benefit, you can use the benefit estimator tool through your online account.
2. Complete a retirement application at least 5 weeks from the date you intend to retire (once you receive your official estimate). Complete the application online or request a paper form.

Looking for pension retirement applications?

These applications are only available to customers who qualify for retirement. When you are within one year of retiring, you must request an official benefit estimate from DRS before online retirement or a paper application is available to you. Review your plan information or contact us to see if you qualify for retirement.

Example DRS Retirement Application

Whether you retire through your online account or complete a paper application, preview the questions you’ll answer using this example application.

Retirement Checklist

This checklist can help you successfully transition into retirement. You might be able to increase your retirement income or even retire sooner than you had planned.

Use your online account to check your service credit, update beneficiaries, estimate your retirement income or request an official estimate.

Also be sure to check out retirement information on your plan page:

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Podcast episodes to get you ready for retirement:

• Ep 09 – Retiring at 55 – pros and cons
• Ep 10 – Frequently asked questions
• Ep 15 – How to choose a financial advisor
• Ep 19 – How SHIBA helps with Medicare questions

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Contacts

Here are some organizations customers commonly contact when retiring. 

Department of Retirement Systems
Website: www.drs.wa.gov
Phone: 360-664-7000 or 800-547-6657 (TTY dial 711)
Visit the DRS contact page for more options to reach us. 

Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
Website: www.drs.wa.gov/dcp
Phone: 888-327-5596 

Plan 3 Record Keeper
Website: www.drs.wa.gov/rk
Phone: 888-327-5596 

Social Security Administration (SSA)
Website: www.ssa.gov
Phone: 800-772-1213 

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Website: www.irs.gov
Phone: 800-829-1040 

Health Care Authority (PEBB or SEBB)
Website: www.hca.wa.gov
Phone: 800-200-1004 PEBB Phone: 360-725-0440 or 800-200-1004 

Medicare/Medicaid
Website: www.medicare.gov
Phone: 888-633-4227

Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA)
Website: www.veba.org
Phone: 888-828-4953

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
Website: www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba/
Phone: 800-562-6900