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Retirement
Plans

UNDERSTAND

Your retirement plan is primarily determined by your employment program. In general, contract-classified, classified non-union and GCIU staff participate in a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plan, and professional staff and faculty participate in the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP).

There are sometimes exceptions for new employees who have worked for another employer participating in PERS or have worked for another employer with an employer-matched 401K or 4013b plan. Email Benefits & Work/Life if you are uncertain as to which UW retirement plan may apply to your situation.

ACT

Use the chart below to find your employment program and corresponding retirement program.

If You Are Link to Your Plan
A faculty member, librarian or professional staff employee AND
  • you are employed in an eligible job class, and
  • you are employed at least 50%, for a minimum of 6 consecutive months
UW Retirement Plan (UWRP)

A contract classified, classified non-union, or GCIU bargaining unit employee*, and

Work a minimum of 70 hours/month in any 5 months of a 12 month period.

PERS PLAN ELIGIBILITY
Membership in PERS 1, 2, or 3 is based on your original date of employment in eligible state service. In addition, PERS 3 is an option for those in PERS 2.

If you move from a PERS-eligible position to a UWRP-eligible position or vice versa, contact Benefits & Work/Life to determine your retirement plan choices.

For additional information, see the individual plan criteria below.

*If you participated in an employer-matched, defined contribution, basic retirement plan (e.g. 401k or 403b) with your former employer, you may be eligible to participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan (UWRP) instead of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Contact Benefits & Work/Life you think this applies to you. Election must be made within 30 days of date of hire.

PERS 2 or PERS 3

  • When you start work at the UW, you have 90 days to choose either PERS 2 or PERS 3
  • You will be enrolled in PERS 2 until you make a choice
  • You will be defaulted to PERS 3 with a 5% contribution rate if you do not make a choice.

Whether you chose PERS 2 or PERS 3, or you make no selection and default to PERS 3, you will not be able to change your plan at a later date. The plan choice is irrevocable. For more details, see Choosing between PERS 2 or 3.

PERS 1 - Employees eligible to participate in PERS 1 include those who first established State of Washington retirement membership before October 1, 1977. (PERS 1 is closed to new participants.)

A full-time commissioned UW police officer

Law Enforcement Officers' & Fire Fighters' Retirement System Plan 2 (LEOFF 2)

Already a participant in Teachers' Retirement System Plan 1. Only available to employees who first established membership before October 1, 1977, as a certificated teacher in the public schools. It is closed to new participants. You may remain a member of TRS 1 if you have previously established TRS 1 membership and transfer to UW employment.

Teachers' Retirement System Plan 1 (TRS 1)

EXPLORE

The faculty and staff assistance program, UW CareLink can help you cope with life stage challenges, including retirement.

The UW Retirement Association is a membership organization that offers information resources and events.

Already retired? View retiree programs and services.

DRS announces rate increase. Employee contribution rates for PERS 2 and LEOFF 2 plans are scheduled to increase on July 1, 2007. Find out more at the DRS website.

Save even more for retirement with the Voluntary Investment Program

If you move from a UWRP-eligible position to a PERS-eligible position or vice versa, email Benefits & Work/Life to determine your retirement plan choices.

Need assistance with elder care? As we age, elder care often becomes more important. Benefits & Work/Life offers elder care information & resources.