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 determine if this may be a prudent decision.
- Presentations providing information about the differences between PERS 2 and PERS 3 will be occurring on Jan.15. Visit “Current Benefit Events” on the Human Resource Website at https://hrs.wsu.edu/Benefits for more information.
- 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 https://www.icmarc.org/washingtonstate.html. This resources will help you compare 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 https://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. The form is available at the Pullman HRS Office at 139 French Administration Building or online at: https://www.drs.wa.gov/forms/member/memberinformationform.pdf
If you miss this opportunity, you will have to wait until next January for the next transfer window. If you have questions or need additional information regarding the annual PERS transfer you can call the Pullman HRS office at 509-335-4521 or email hrs@wsu.edu.
