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Preparing to Retire
Retiring Under PERS 3 Rules

UNDERSTAND

Your age and length of service determine when you can retire from active UW service. Under PERS 3, normal retirement age is 65 with at least ten service credit years. You are also eligible to retire from the UW and begin a PERS income if you meet the following criteria:

Age Service Credits Level of Benefit
age 65 or older at least five (5) years of full-time equivalent service credit. 12 service credit months must have been earned after reaching age 54 Full benefit
age 65 or older at least five (5) full time equivalent service credit years in PERS 2 by June 1, 2003 and transferred to PERS 3 during an annual open enrollment Full benefit
age 55 or older at least 10 years of full time equivalent service credit Actuarially reduced benefit. Contact the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) for current actuarial reduction rates.

ACT

  1. 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.
  2. Attend a UW Retirement Workshop.
  3. Notify your supervisor, department chairman, or dean.
  4. Email Benefits & Work/Life.
  5. 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 Plan 3 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 Washington State retirees (including UW employees).