DRS Retirement Plan for
Teachers Retirement System (TRS 1, 2 and 3)
(Employer and Employee Paid)

Eligibility

TRS is available only to employees who first established membership as a certificated teacher in the public schools. You may remain a member of TRS if you have previously established TRS membership and transfer to eligible CWU employment.

A part-time or adjunct faculty member who has previous TRS 1 members may be required by the state to enroll in TRS, even if their current position at CWU is not considered benefits eligible. If you are a part-time faculty member with pervious TRS 1 membership, please contact the Benefits Office immediately upon employment.

Eligibility exception If you move from a PERS eligible position (Classified Staff) to a CWURP eligible (Faculty or Exempt) position or vice versa, contact the Benefits Office to determine your retirement plan choices.

Contribution Rates

Below are the current rates (effective 10/1/2003). The employer rates and the TRS1 and 2 employee rates may change as determined by the state. Employer contributions are not credited to your account and cannot be withdrawn. Under TRS 1 and 2, the amount you and CWU contribute is not a factor in computing your retirement benefit. The TRS3 employee contribution rates are elected by the employee at the time of hire and do effect retirement income.

• Employer 1.39% of gross salary
• Employees TRS 1 6.0% of gross salary, TRS 2 0.87% of gross salary, TRS 3 between 5% and 15% of salary

Retirement Age

Minimum retirement age varies between the three plans. Please see the Handbook for your plan. It is recommended that you contact the Benefits Office approximately six months before your desired retirement date.

Retirement Income

Monthly retirement income and income options vary between the plans. See the Benefits Estimators for your plan.

Working After Retirement

Returning to work after retirement requires a minimum of one full calendar month break in service after retirement. There are no exceptions. Review the DRS website for more information about TRS member post-retirement re-employment rules.

Additional Retirement Savings Options

For additional retirement income, beyond what your TRS plan offers, CWU employees may contribute pre-tax money to a supplemental retirement account (not matched by CWU). See Supplemental Retirement Accounts.