Did you know that you started earning a pension benefit when you were hired into public service in Washington state? If you didn’t know until just now, we understand. A new job can be overwhelming – loads of information is served up to you all at once. You may have overlooked, or not had time…
Tag Archives: New Hire
How to make your plan choice
If you’re a new public employee, school employee or teacher, you have 90 days to choose between two retirement plans: Plan 2 or Plan 3. The decision you make is permanent, but don’t worry; we have the resources you need to help you select which plan is right for you. Choose a plan – See…
Member contribution rates approved
Member contribution rates have been approved by the legislature and signed by the governor for the 2025-2027 biennium. Rates for most plans are effective on July 1, 2025. Rates for TRS and SERS will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2025. 2025-2027 member contribution rates Member and employer contribution rates for Washington’s retirement systems are…
Think pennies, save more: A simple shift that can enhance your retirement savings
There are two ways to contribute to Washington’s Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). You can choose to invest a set dollar amount every month, or you can opt to invest a percentage of your gross pay. DCP is a savings program, that helps you invest for the retirement lifestyle you want to achieve. One way to…
More DCP savings in 2025
The IRS limits have increased for retirement savings programs like Washington’s Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500 per year. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute up to $31,000 per year. These limits apply to DCP Roth and pretax contributions. That means whether you contribute to…
Episode 46 – Teachers: out-of-state service credit
Episode transcript: [music intro] Jenny Welcome back to Fund Your Future with DRS. And this episode is for teachers in Washington State specifically about service credit. So, one of the questions that we get a lot at DRS is people who have worked as a public employee in other states, and they want to know…
Hey millennials, plan for your future with 3 easy steps
Millennials are defined by Pew Research as being born between 1981 and 1996 and are now ages 28 to 43. That means most are somewhere in the middle of their career. If that sounds like you, here are some things you can do now to ensure a successful retirement. 1. Understand your retirement plan benefits…
Choosing a plan
90 days to choose Plan 2 or 3
Retirement guide for new hires
Did you know that you started earning a pension benefit when you were hired into public service in Washington state? If you didn’t know until just now, we understand. A new job can be overwhelming – loads of information is served up to you all at once. You may have overlooked, or not had time…
What is vesting?
Vesting is your right to the money contributed to your pension plan by your employer. Once you become vested, you’re entitled to receive a pension benefit when you retire. You’ll receive a monthly check for the rest of your life, even if you’ve left public employment. In Washington state this benefit is considered a contractual…
