DRS Checklist to Retirement

1-2 years Before Retirement

• Sign up to access your retirement account at www.drs.wa.gov. With online account access, you can view all of your retirement accounts administered by DRS.
• Review your plan handbook for retirement eligibility rules.
• Use online account access to verify the accuracy of your service credit. If you find information you think is incorrect, contact DRS.
• Use the Online Benefit Estimator to estimate your future monthly benefit.
• If interested, sign up for DCP or another employer-sponsored voluntary retirement plan. You might also consider using a “catch-up” savings option, if your chosen plan offers one.
• If interested, contact DRS to find out whether you’re eligible to purchase optional service credit.
• Plan for health care coverage during retirement. Note options that are available to you.
• Contact your employer to find out whether it participates in a health reimbursement arrangement with the Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA).
• Register for a retirement seminar or watch a seminar video online.*

3-12 Months Before Retirement

• Request an official estimate of your monthly benefit payment. You can do this securely through online account access or by calling DRS.
• Complete payment of any outstanding optional service credit invoices.
• Ask your employer about which health care coverage options are available to you when you retire. If you are covered by the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, or will be after you retire, contact PEBB Benefit Services.
• Decide when you should apply for Medicare and retirement benefits available through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

30-90 Days Before Retirement

• Contact DRS if you need to make changes to your official estimate (for example, you want to change your retirement date or survivor option).
• Apply for retirement through online account access. Review Documents Accepted as Proof of Age.
• Review your acknowledgment letter. Ensure it’s accurate. This important letter summarizes the options you picked. It also tells you which forms still need to be turned in so DRS can process your retirement application. If you applied online, you won’t receive this letter. Instead, review the final page of your application and emailed receipt to verify your retirement option and to see whether additional documentation is needed.
• Pay any outstanding optional service credit invoices.
• If you have Plan 3, decide when you want to begin receiving payments from your defined contribution account once you retire. Contact the Plan 3 record keeper to talk about your options.
• If you’re eligible for PEBB health care, send your PEBB retiree coverage election form to the Health Care Authority (HCA).
• If you are a DCP member, consider contacting DCP to learn about deferring lump sum payments for any unused leave.
• Tell your employer your intended retirement date.

At and During Retirement

• Make sure the retirement information on your benefit letter is correct. You will receive this letter once DRS calculates your monthly benefit.
• Contact DRS if you do not receive your first payment within one week of the date listed in your benefit letter.
• Ensure the deductions on your benefit statement are correct.
• If you have a PEBB health plan, contact PEBB Benefit Services with any questions you have about health plan premium deductions.
• Contact DRS if you have questions about other non-PEBB deductions.
• Keep your address and beneficiary information current with DRS.
• Enjoy your retirement!

You can also view this checklist on the Department of Retirement Systems website and download the PDF version here.