CWU Retirement Preparation Checklist /

INCOMeDRS: 800-547-6657 * Fidelity: 800-343-0860 * TIAA: 800-842-2776

PERS 1 or 2 / PERS 3 / CWURP
Request retirement estimate two to three months prior to retirement from the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) online at or by calling 800-547-6657 / PENSION: Request retirement estimate two to three months prior to retirement from the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) online at or by calling 800-547-6657 / Contact your vendor when you’re ready to begin withdrawals:
FIDELITY: 800-343-0860

TIAA: 800-842-2776

Apply for retirement online: / INVESTMENT: Decide when to begin receiving payments from defined contribution account. Contact Plan 3 record keeper at or 888-327-5596 to discuss options.

health insuranceHCA: 800-200-1004

Active employee ANDretiree insurance is administered by the Health Care Authority (HCA). Sign up for retiree coverage to begin the first of the month after you leave, as active employee coverage ends the last day of the month in which you retire.Enrollment form and rates available online:

PERS 1, 2, 3 (drawing pension) / CWURP or PERS 3 w/out pension
CompleteRetiree Coverage Election Form
Submitto CWU benefits staff – payment can be deducted from PERS pension payment / Submit to Benefits OfficeOR mail with payment
(made payable to Washington State Treasurer) to:
Washington State Health Care Authority
P.O. Box 42695, Olympia, WA 98504-2695

LIFE INSURANCE (optional)MetLife: 866-548-7139

Eligible PEBB retirees may purchase $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 of coverage.Enrollment form and rates available online:

VEBA (SICK LEAVE CASH-OUT)VEBA: 888-828-4953

Those with accrued sick live will have 25% of the value of finalsick leave balance placed into a medical spending account with VEBA. Enrollment form available from benefits staff.

PERS 3 Important NOTE:Cash-out of sick leave to the VEBA medical spending account is only available if accessing the defined benefit (pension) component of retirement upon separation.

Vacation Cash-Out

Classified:All accrued vacation cashed-out on final paycheck

Exempt:Accrued vacation to a maximum of 240 hours cashed-out on final paycheck

PERS 1 only:Up to 240 hours of cashed-out vacation included in calculation of retirement benefit

PRIOR DRS MemberSHIP

If you have prior membership in PERS or TRS, contact the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) at800-547-6657 or review account online:

Contact a benefits staff member at 963-1202 for assistance or to schedule a meeting.

4/2017