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Retirement
Start planning now for your retirement down the road. The County offers its employees several opportunities to save for the future, including a pension through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, a voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan, an HRA VEBA account, and Social Security benefit contributions.
King County employee retirement plans
Most County employees are eligible to participate in one of these 3 retirement plans through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS):
- Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS): Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 3
- Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ System (LEOFF): Plan 1, Plan 2
- Public Safety Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS): Plan 2
- Elected officials: Retirement plans
Contact Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
Phone: 800-547-6657
Email: recep@drs.wa.gov
Visit the DRS website for information and resources, including:
- Find out when you are eligible to retire
- Request an estimate of benefits when you are 2 years from retirement
- Obtain information regarding a divorce
- Learn about purchasing service credits due to a temporary duty disability or authorized leave of absence
Retirement information and education
Retirement forms
- DRS Beneficiary Designation Form or update online
- Retirement Status Form (342KB)
- Leaving Employment Form (166KB): For anyone leaving county employment.
- Retirement Guide (1.7MB)
- Retirement Planning Checklist
Retirement classes
Road to Retirement Class
If you're planning to retire from King County in the next six months, join your Retirement Team for the Road to Retirement Class to learn more about the necessary forms and procedures, COBRA coverage, the Retiree Medical program, costs of insurance, and basic Public Employees Retirement Systems pension information.
This class is typically held from 1 to 3 pm on the last Tuesday of the month and attendance is voluntary. Registration is required, as space is limited. For more information, contact King County Orientations.
Register for the Road to Retirement Class
Other classes
Several classes are offered throughout the year to help you prepare for retirement, including:
- Medicare 101
- Introduction to Social Security
- Your DRS Pension
- For details and registration, go to the Benefits and Retirement Events Calendar.
- For more information, contact King County Orientations.
Social Security
For many, Social Security will provide part of their retirement income.
Visit the Social Security Administration website for more information