Preparing to Retire
Retiring Under PERS 1 Rules
UNDERSTAND
You are eligible to retire from active UW service with full retiree rights and privileges at:
- any age with at least 30 years of service credit,
- age 60 or older with at least five (5) years of service credit, or
- age 55 or older with at least 25 years of service credit.
You may begin a retirement income from inactive status (not a UW employee or active, contributing PERS 1 plan member at retirement) at:
- age 65, with at least five (5) years service, with a full benefit.
- age 60, with at least five (5) years of service, with a reduced benefit, or
- age 60 or older, if you separated from service on or after January 1, 2002, were at least age 50 at separation, and have at least 20 years of service credit at separation.
Note: Beginning a PERS retirement income from inactive status does not carry UW retiree rights and privileges.
ACT
- Write to the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) within six (6) months of your projected retirement date to request an estimate of your retirement benefit and the PERS Retirement Income Options forms. Complete and return forms to DRS.
- Attend a UW Retirement Workshop.
- Notify your supervisor or department chairman or dean.
- Email Benefits & Work/Life.
- Complete your retiree insurance forms and return to the State Health Care Authority within 30-60 days of your retirement date.
LEARN MORE
Contact the Social Security Office periodically to review your file's accuracy.
Refer to the PERS 1 Plan Member Handbook.
Learn about additional retiree benefits.
Considering a return to work after retirement? Returning to work after retirement requires a minimum of one full calendar month break in service after retirement, and may require up to 90 days. There are no exceptions. In addition there are restrictions on post-retirement employment. Failure to understand and track post-retirement employment limits can result in the retiree’s loss of pension. Learn more about post-retirement employment rules for State of Washington retirees (including UW employees).
