Retirement
Optional Retirement Plans
Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
Eligible Highline Public Schools employees participate in the Washington State retirement plan, which includes an employer contribution. Watch this great video to learn about the different State retirement plans!
Helpful forms and links:
- Plan Choice Booklet for new hire enrollment
- District resignation/retirement form
- Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) website
- DRS Forms
- Public Employee Retirement Systems PERS Info
- Teachers Retirement Systems TRS Info
- School Employees Retirement System SERS Info
- 2020 PEBB Retiree Enrollment Guide (for health insurance after retirement)
- Watch a recording of the PEBB presentation
New DRS webinars are now available!
It's never to early to start saving for retirement. Take control of your financial future by learning about retirement with DRS webinars.
Visit https://www.drs.wa.gov/education/webinar/ to reserve a spot.
Retiring from Highline Public Schools
Thinking about Retiring? Please review our Retiree Info Packet to learn about the District retirement procedures and your health insurance options after retirement.
Follow these important steps to separate from the District and retire with Washington state:
- Request an official benefit estimate and complete a pension application with DRS. You can do this securely through your online account at www.drs.wa.gov, or by calling DRS at 1-800-547-6657. Complete this 30 - 90 days before retirement.
- Complete a Resignation Form signed by your supervisor, and submit to your Human Resources Employee Services Specialist.
- If you're enrolling in PEBB health care coverage, send your retiree coverage election form to the Health Care Authority (HCA) no later than 60 days after your district or COBRA coverage ends. If you choose an alternate qualified health plan, you must notify HCA that you are waiving your right to the PEBB program or you give up all rights to the program at a later date.
Review the full DRS Retirement Planning Checklist.
Wondering when you should retire during the year? Read this DRS article on how your retirement date could effect your pension.
Social Security 101 Webinar
November 12, 2020 at 4:30 PM PDT
In this webinar, we will provide you an overview of:
- Retirement benefits and eligibility requirements
- What early retirement does to your benefits
- How do you qualify for disability, survivor, and spouse benefits
- How to use your Social Security online account and other online services
- What is the future of Social Security
- Understand how to receive the most from your benefit
Presenter:
Kirk Larson is the Washington Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration. He has worked with the agency for over 24 years in both technical and supervisory roles. Kirk has presented Social Security information in both the Seattle and San Francisco regions. He has had several articles published, and has appeared on TV and radio shows to discuss Social Security issues.
NOTE: To understand your own personal benefits, please open an online account before signing on to the webinar. The Social Security presentation will start with a review of the online statement. Please print and have your Benefit Statement with you for the webinar. You can view your work history and obtain estimates of your future benefits. Even if you are unable to attend, opening an account is the best option to understand your future benefits.
Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/ and create an account
Contact
Anna Fitzpatrick
Retirement & Benefits Customer Service Professional
206-631-3141
Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
1-800-547-6657