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Preparing to Retire
Retiring Under UWRP Rules

UNDERSTAND

Under the UWRP rules, you are eligible to retire from active UWRP participation starting at age 62. Retirement from UWRP requires separation from your UW employment and UWRP-eligible position. A UWRP Retirement Application must be submitted to the UW Benefits Office no later than 60 days from the qualifying event to be considered for retirement from active service. Contact the Benefits Office to request an application.

UWRP members are also allowed to retire from active UWRP participation under the same criteria as offered to employees who participate in the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) plans. You may consider retiring before age 62 if you meet the age and service criteria for retirement "as if" you had been a participant in the state Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) plans.

Consult your fund sponsors to understand the tax implications associated with starting an income before age 62.

Disability Retirement

UWRP allows participants under age 62 to apply for a retirement “Because of Condition of Health” if they become disabled. This is also known as "disability retirement." (This is a complex process requiring extensive documentation and review. For details, review the UWRP Disability Retirement web page and contact the Benefits Office at 206-543-2800.

Income Options

Your retirement income will be based on the amount of money you and the UW contributed to your retirement accounts, the investment earnings attributed to these monies, your age, and the income option you select.

There are a wide range of income options including:

Supplemental Benefit

In addition, if eligible, after your retirement a supplemental benefit calculation will be performed by the university if you meet the age and years of service requirements for this benefit. This calculation will determine whether there may be any additional benefits due to you. The formula, defined in state law, is based on years of service and average final salary.

ACT

Steps to Retire

  1. Start discussing your retirement income needs and options with your fund sponsors at least three to five years prior to retirement.
  2. Attend the UWRP Retirement Workshop within six months of your retirement date.
  3. Give notice to your department chairman, dean or supervisor.
  4. Email Benefits &Work/Life to receive a UWRP Application for Retirement form. Complete and return the form to Benefits & Work/Life 90 days prior to your intended retirement date.
  5. Decide whether or not you want to start an income right away.
  6. Complete your retiree insurance forms and return them to the State Health Care Authority within 30-60 days of your retirement date.

Accessing Your Retirement Income

You do not have to start an income at the time you retire. The IRS has what are called Minimum Distribution Requirements, which require you to begin an income by April 1 following your 70-1/2 birthday. See the IRS website or your UWRP fund sponsor for more information about this rule.

Your retirement income cannot begin until your final UWRP payroll deduction has been deposited in your account.

to begin your income:

  1. Talk to your UWRP fund sponsor(s) about ways you can take an income.
  2. Send completed applications to your fund sponsor(s) at least one month prior to your income starting date.

EXPLORE

Learn about additional retiree benefits.

Contact the Social Security Office periodically to review your file's accuracy.

Working After Retirement - UWRP retirees may be re-employed up to a maximum of 40% of full time. The 40% limit applies to the UWRP plan year which is from July 1 through June 30 each year. Specified job class codes must be used by the department for each appointment type.

Tenured faculty also have specific re-employment rights.