Forms and Publications by Subject

See forms and publications listed by Name or Category.

Publications

Listed by subject

30 Years of Service

PERS Plan 1 Post-30-Year Program: Public Employees— Retirement System (PERS) Plan 1 members who earn 30 years of service credit may choose to have their post-30-year retirement contributions placed in a separate, refundable account that earns 7.5 percent interest annually (compounded quarterly).
TRS Plan 1 Post-30-Year Program: Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Plan 1 members who earn 30 years of service credit may choose to have their post-30-year retirement contributions placed in a separate, refundable account that earns 7.5 percent interest annually (compounded quarterly).

Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)

DCP Enrollment Guide: This booklet offers an introduction to a retirement savings program offered in addition to your state pension. Includes enrollment form.
DCP Overview brochure: See how you can grow your retirement savings with DCP, the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program.
DCP: See the Deferred Compensation Program homepage for more information about this program.

Disability Benefits

LEOFF Plan 1 Disability Benefits: If you are a member of the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers— and Fire Fighters— Retirement System (LEOFF) and you become disabled, you may be entitled to disability benefits.
LEOFF Plan 1 Disability Board Guidelines: Any member who believes he or she is physically or mentally disabled may apply for disability retirement.
LEOFF Plan 2 Disability Benefits: If you are a LEOFF Plan 2 member and you become disabled, you may be entitled to disability benefits. The Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) recommends that you contact a LEOFF retirement services analyst if you plan to apply for disability retirement.
PERS Plan 1 Disability Benefits: If you are a member of PERS Plan 1 and you become disabled, you may be entitled to disability benefits.
PERS/SERS/TRS Plans 2 and 3 Disability Benefits: If you are a Plan 2 or Plan 3 member of PERS, SERS or TRS and become disabled, you may be entitled to disability benefits.
PSERS Plan 2 Disability Benefits: If you are a member of the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) and you become disabled,
TRS Plan 1 Disability Benefits: If you are a member of TRS Plan 1 and become disabled, you may be entitled to disability benefits.

Dual Membership

What is Dual Membership and How Does It Affect Me?: This information defines dual membership and talks about how it affects your retirement benefit.

Early Retirement

Thinking About Retiring Early? (PERS, TRS and SERS Plans 2 and 3): As a Plan 2 or 3 member of PERS, SERS or TRS, you have the option to retire early and begin receiving a retirement benefit once you meet the minimum service requirements. This publication provides information about some of the things to consider before deciding if early retirement is right for you.

Elected Officials

Elected Official Index: As an elected or governor-appointed official, you can receive retirement benefits. However, you must meet the minimum requirements for your plan and position, and choose to participate or you will be exempt from membership.

Judicial Benefit Multiplier Program

Judicial Benefit Multiplier Brochure (PERS): For judicial members of the Public Employees' Retirement System.

Legal Orders Property Division

Can Legal Action Affect My Retirement Account?: Certain legal actions can require the Department of Retirement System (DRS) to pay a portion of your retirement account to another party.
How Can a Property Division Affect My Retirement Account?: When you become divorced or legally separated, a court can divide your retirement account between you and your ex-spouse through a property division order.

Member Handbooks

Judicial Retirement System Handbook: This handbook describes your retirement benefits under the Washington State Judicial Retirement System (JRS)
LEOFF Plan 1 Handbook: This handbook describes your retirement benefits under Plan 1 of the Law Enforcement Officers— and Fire Fighters— Retirement System (LEOFF).
LEOFF Plan 2 Handbook: This handbook describes your retirement benefits under Plan 2 of the Law Enforcement Officers— and Fire Fighters— Retirement System (LEOFF).
PERS Plan 1 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 1 of the Washington State Public Employees— Retirement System (PERS).
PERS Plan 2 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 2 of the Washington State Public Employees— Retirement System (PERS).
PERS Plan 3 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 3 of the Washington State Public Employees— Retirement System (PERS).
PSERS Plan 2 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 2 of the Washington State Public Safety Employees— Retirement System (PSERS).
SERS Plan 2 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 2 of the Washington State School Employees— Retirement System (SERS).
SERS Plan 3 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 3 of the Washington State School Employees— Retirement System (SERS).
TRS Plan 1 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 1 of the Washington State Teachers— Retirement System (TRS)
TRS Plan 2 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 2 of the Washington State Teachers— Retirement System (TRS)
TRS Plan 3 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 3 of the Washington State Teachers— Retirement System (TRS)
WSPRS Plan 1 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 1 of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS)
WSPRS Plan 2 Handbook: This handbook explains your rights and benefits under Plan 2 of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS)

Military Service Credit

LEOFF Plan 1 Military Service Credit: Interruptive military service credit is service credit available to those who temporarily leave their Law Enforcement Officers— and Fire Fighters— Retirement System Plan I (LEOFF 1) employment to serve in the U.S. military.
PERS Plan 1 Interruptive Military Service Credit: Interruptive military service credit is service credit available to those who interrupt their membership with the Public Employees' Retirement System Plan 1 (PERS 1) to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
PERS Plan 1 Non-interruptive Military Service Credit: Non-interruptive military service credit is service credit available to those who served in the U.S. military prior to becoming Public Employees' Retirement System Plan 1 (PERS) members.
Plan 2 and Plan 3 Military Service Credit: If you take a leave of absence from your retirement covered position to serve in the United States uniformed services, you are interrupting membership in your retirement system for that military service.
TRS Plan 1 Military Service Credit: Interruptive military service credit is service credit available to those who temporarily leave membership with the Teachers— Retirement System Plan 1 (TRS) to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
WSPRS Plan 1 Interruptive Military Service Credit: Interruptive military service credit is service credit available to those who interrupt their Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) commissioned service to serve in the U.S. military.
WSPRS Plan 1 Non-interruptive Military Service Credit: Non-interruptive military service credit is service credit available to those who served in the U.S. military prior to becoming Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) members.

Nearing Retirement

Documents Accepted as Proof of Age: Copies of the listed documents can be submitted to prove your or a survivor's age.
Retirement Outlook for active members: The Active Outlook newsletter provides valuable information on our programs, benefits and services.
Retirement Outlook for retired members: The Retirement Outlook newsletter provides valuable information on our programs, benefits and services.
Retirement Planning Checklist: The earlier you begin retirement planning, the more successful your retirement will be. If you haven't already sought financial planning advice, now is a great time.

New Members

Active Member Retirement Outlook: The Retirement Outlook newsletter provides valuable information on our programs, benefits and services. You can review the current or previous issues by choosing one of the links below.
Higher Education Plan 3: 30-Day Retirement System Choice: For higher education employees first hired on or after July 1, 2011, who are eligible to participate in a higher education plan (HERP).
Plan 3 for Higher Education Employees -- Facts at a Glance: For new employees of a Higher Education Institution who are eligible to make an election to participate in a Higher Education Retirement Plan or DRS Plan 3.
Plan Choice Booklet: New members of PERS, SERS and TRS have 90 days to choose between two different pension plans - Plan 2 or Plan 3. Inside this booklet you'll find information, tools and resources that will help you determine your goals for retirement and how to best meet them.
Plan Choice Video: Get an overview of the basics in this brief video. New members of PERS, SERS and TRS have 90 days to choose between two different pension plans - Plan 2 or Plan 3.

Plan 3

Plan 3: See the Plan 3 homepage for more information about this plan.
PERS, TRS and SERS: See these pages for more publications specific to your system.

Plan Choice

Plan Choice Booklet: New members of PERS, SERS and TRS have 90 days to choose between two different pension plans - Plan 2 or Plan 3. Inside this booklet you'll find information, tools and resources that will help you determine your goals for retirement and how to best meet them.
Plan Choice Video: Get an overview of the basics in this brief video. New members of PERS, SERS and TRS have 90 days to choose between two different pension plans - Plan 2 or Plan 3.

Post-Retirement Information

Can I Change My Benefit Option or Beneficiary Designation After I Retire?: Once you are retired, you can only change your benefit option or beneficiary designation in certain situations.
LEOFF Plan 1 Thinking About Working After Retirement?: If you are receiving a service or disability retirement benefit from the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 1, there are things you may want to consider before returning to the work force.
LEOFF Plan 2 Thinking About Working After Retirement?: If you are receiving a service or disability retirement benefit from the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 2, there are things you may want to consider before returning to the work force
PERS Plan 1 Thinking About Working After Retirement?: This publication describes possible impacts to your retirement benefit if you return to work for an employer covered by the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 1.
PSERS Plan 2 Thinking About Working After Retirement: This publication describes the possible impacts on your retirement benefit if you return to work for an employer covered by one of the Washington State retirement systems.
Thinking About Working After Retirement? (PERS, SERS and TRS Plans 2 and 3): Information for Plan 2 and Plan 3 Members of the Public Employees' (PERS), School Employees' (SERS) and Teachers' Retirement Systems
TRS Plan 1 Thinking about working after retirement: This publication describes possible impacts to your retirement benefit if you return to work for an employer covered by the Washington State Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
WSPRS Thinking About Working After Retirement?: If you are receiving a service or disability retirement benefit from the Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS), Check here.

Retirement Outlook Newsletter

Retirement Outlook for active members: The Active Outlook newsletter provides valuable information on our programs, benefits and services.
Retirement Outlook for retired members: The Retirement Outlook newsletter provides valuable information on our programs, benefits and services.

Service Credit

Purchasing Additional Service Credit: You may purchase additional service credit to increase your monthly retirement benefit.
Using Service Credit Earned Outside TRS (Plan 2): Includes an application in the PDF.
Using Service Credit Earned Outside TRS (Plan 3): Includes an application in the PDF.
Using or Purchasing Out-of-State Service Credit (TRS Plan 1): Includes an application in the PDF.

Substitutes

SERS Plans 2 and 3 Classified Substitutes' Guide (Includes Forms): For classified substitutes
TRS Plan 1 Substitutes' Guide (Includes Form): For Substitute teachers who belong to TRS Plan 1.
TRS Plans 2 and 3 Substitutes' Guide (Includes Forms): For Plan 2 and Plan 3 substitute teachers.

Withdrawals & Recovery of Withdrawn or Optional Service Credit

Recovery of Withdrawn or Optional Service Credit (Plan 1): Many public employees in Washington State leave public employment sometime during their careers and exercise the option to withdraw their contributions from their retirement fund.
Recovery of Withdrawn or Optional Service Credit (Plan 2): Many public employees in Washington State leave public employment sometime during their careers and exercise the option to withdraw their contributions from their retirement fund.
Recovery of Withdrawn or Optional Service Credit (Plan 3): Plan 3 members wishing to reinstate withdrawn Plan 3 contributions may do so at any time after reestablishing membership.
Temporary Layoffs/Furloughs 2009-2011 Frequently Asked Questions: If you're a retirement system member with questions about the impact of temporary layoffs (furloughs) on your benefit during the 2009-2011 biennium, this FAQ can help.
Withdrawal of Retirement Contributions (For Plan 1 and Plan 2 - Includes Form): For Plan 1 and Plan 2 members who have terminated retirement covered-employment and who are eligible for withdrawal of contributions and interest earned. When completing the request to withdraw your contributions, members need to also complete an IRS form W-9 to verify Social Security number prior to payment.
WSPRS Recovery of Withdrawn or Optional Service Credit: Some WSPRS members leave active service during their career and exercise the option to withdraw their contributions from their retirement fund.

Forms

Listed by subject

Beneficiary/Survivor

Beneficiary Designation: Use this form if you have a separate account set up as a result of a legal order splitting a member—s account. You can designate or change the person, estate, trust or organization to receive any money due from your Legal Order Payee account at the time of your death.
Name/Address Change: For retirees, beneficiaries and former members. Active members: please update your name and/or address through your employer.

Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)

DCP enrollment

DCP Quick Enrollment Form: Ready to enroll? Use this quick form to enroll in DCP and have your investments automatically selected based on your age.
DCP Extended Enrollment Form: Use this more detailed enrollment form if you want to choose your investments or include information about employer contributions.

DCP withdrawals

Separation from Employment Withdrawal: Use this form to request withdrawal after separation/retirement, or to change your current distribution option.
Automated Minimum Withdrawal: Request ongoing minimum distributions from your account to meet your required minimum distribution after age 70 1/2.
In-Service Withdrawal: Request distribution while still employed.
Beneficiary Distribution Request: Request a withdrawal from your awarded beneficiary account.
Alternate Payee Withdrawal: To withdraw funds per a Qualified Domestic Relations order, obtain this form by calling 888-327-5596.
Automatic Enrollment Withdrawal: New employees automatically enrolled in DCP have up to 90 days after the first paycheck deferral to cancel DCP and withdraw any contributions. After 90 days, standard withdrawal eligibility applies. This form can be obtained by calling 888-327-5596.

Other DCP forms

Beneficiary Designation: Designate beneficiaries for your DCP account.
DCP contribution amount: Change your contributions through your online account or call 888-327-5596.
Rollover in Request: Roll over certain distributions into DCP from an individual retirement account (IRA) or from a former employer's retirement plan.
Direct Deposit Authorization: Request direct deposit of your DCP contributions.
IRS Form W-4P: Request to have federal income tax withheld from each withdrawal or annuity payment you receive.

Finance Management

Information Release Authorization: Release your account information to a third party, such as your financial planner.

IRS Forms & Withholding Calculator

Federal Income Tax Withholding Calculator: Use this calculator to determine your federal income tax withholding.
IRS Forms and Tools: This page provides IRS forms and a withholding calculator. Note: The forms will take you to the IRS website.

Legal

Affidavit of Attorney in Fact: This completed form must accompany your Power of Attorney document.

Nearing Retirement

Direct Deposit Authorization: Set up or change the direct deposit of your retirement benefit.

New Members

Enrollment: For new members of LEOFF or WSPRS, or members returning to a LEOFF or WSPRS eligible position.
Member Information Form: Enrollment form new PERS, SERS or TRS members; for Plan 2 members who choose to transfer to Plan 3; or for Plan 3 members returning to eligible employment.

Plan 3

Enrollment

Member Information Form: Use this form if you are enrolling in Plan 3 for the first time or returning to Plan 3 service under a new employer.
Member Transfer Form: Eligible Plan 2 members, use this form transfer from Plan 2 to Plan 3 in January. Who is eligible?
Higher Education Employee Plan 3 Investment Program: This form is for employees of higher education institutions who will participate in Washington state Plan 3 TRS or PERS.

Withdrawals

Plan 3 Member Withdrawal: Use this form to request withdrawal after separation/retirement, or to change your current distribution option.
Plan 3 Automated Minimum Distribution: Request ongoing minimum distributions from your account to meet your required minimum distribution after age 70 1/2.
Plan 3 Beneficiary, Estate and Successor Withdrawal: Request distribution from your awarded beneficiary account.
Plan 3 Annuity Payment Form: Initiate a TAP Annuity payment.
Plan 3 Legal Order Payee Withdrawal: Alternate payee distribution per Qualified Domestic Relations Order.

Other Plan 3 forms

Plan 3 Change of Investment Program: Use this form to change the investment program for your future contributions.
Plan 3 Direct Deposit (ACH): Request direct deposit of your Plan 3 contributions.
IRS Form W-4P: Request to have federal income tax withheld from each withdrawal or annuity payment you receive.

Retiree or Withdrawn/Inactive Member

LEOFF Plan 2 Re-employment: This form must be completed by a LEOFF Plan 2 member or retiree hired into an eligible PERS, PSERS, SERS or TRS position. The employee has the option to become a member of PERS, PSERS, SERS or TRS.

Substitute Teacher/School Employee

SERS Plans 2 and 3 Classified Substitutes' Guide: For classified substitutes who belong to SERS Plan 2 or Plan 3.
TRS Plans 2 and 3 Substitutes' Guide: For substitute teachers who belong to TRS Plan 2 or Plan 3.

Withdrawals

Withdrawal of Retirement Contributions (For Plan 1 and Plan 2 - Includes Form): For Plan 1 and Plan 2 members who have terminated retirement covered-employment and who are eligible for withdrawal of contributions and interest earned. When completing the request to withdraw contributions, members need to also complete an IRS form W-9 to verify Social Security number prior to payment.
Plan 3 withdrawal forms: Forms for withdrawing your Plan 3 contributions are located in the Plan 3 subject above.
DCP withdrawal forms: Forms for withdrawing your DCP contributions are located in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) subject above.

Information For:

Resources:

Retirement Systems

Save With DCP

Information For Retirees:

Retiree Resources:

Information For:

Resources:

Learn More About

Voluntary Programs

All Forms & Publications:

Getting Started:

Mid Career:

Nearing Retirement/Retired:

Resources:

Connect With DRS

Public Pensions in Washington

Agency Information

Doing Business With DRS

Join Our Team

Laws and Rules

Related Links

Forms and Publications by Subject

See forms and publications listed by Name or Category.

Publications

Forms

Members

Retirees

About This Site

Quick Links