PERS 2 Members Can Choose to Join PERS 3 in January

Every January, certain PERS 2 members have the opportunity to transfer to PERS 3. An eligible PERS 2 member who can make this change is someone who first established membership in PERS 2 prior to March 1, 2002.

Resources are available to help you with this decision. Member Handbooks and other Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) publications are available at www.drs.wa.gov. Investment education information and Financial Modeling Software is available at http://www.icmarc.org/washingtonstate.html.  These resources will help you compare projected Plan 2 verses Plan 3 benefits. You will need the current account balance from your most recent annual statement from the DRS, which can be accessed under “Your Retirement Account” at http://www.drs.wa.gov/member/, or by contacting DRS at 800-547-6657 or recep@drs.wa.gov.  

The decision to transfer to PERS 3 is irrevocable. To transfer to PERS 3, complete a Member Information Form and submit it to Human Resource Services no later than Jan. 31, 2013. The form is available at the Pullman HRS Office at 139 French Administration Building or online at http://www.drs.wa.gov/forms/member/memberinformationform.pdf