Retirement

1. Fill out the Notice of Separation Form. 
2. Make sure to include a legible, valid email address to receive your acknowledgment of separation reply.
3. Print the form and sign your name on the signature line.
4. Send your signed “Notice of Separation” to philes@steilacoom.k12.wa
5. Complete the SHSD Exit Survey

If you are planning to retire from Steilacoom Historical School and are eligible for a pension, follow these steps:

You must formally request a benefit estimate and complete a pension application with the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). It is preferable to do this via the member login on the DRS website, www.drs.wa.gov.  As an alternative, you may request that these items be mailed to you by calling DRS at 1-800-547-6657. A 3-6 month lead time is recommended for timely processing.

Complete a Notice of Separation form and submit a copy to Human Resources as well as your supervisor. After your notice is received and processed:

• You will receive a confirmation email and link to an optional exit survey.
• Payroll Services will mail you a retirement letter with additional information. 

• Sick leave cash outs do not affect your pension; vacation leave cash outs affect TRS/PERS Plan 1 pensions only.
• After your final pay is reported, DRS will conduct an audit and your final benefit amount will be determined. This is generally done within 6 months.
• TRS/SERS Plan 3 members have many options regarding defined contributions. Informational pamphlets are available on the DRS website.
• If you are a member of Plan 2 or 3 and work a reduced work year, the date you choose for your DRS retirement date will affect your pension.

Please refer to the July vs. September comparison below:

July Retirement Example:

You resign from your position with an effective June 30 so you can retire starting in July

• You'll recieve your pension benefit plus your salary for July & August.
• The COLA will start in July of the following year.
• You won't receive retirement service credit for July and August.
• Health insurance through SEBB will end after June 30.
• You will be responsible for your health insurance costs for July and August.
• If you're eligible and meet PEBB's procedural requirements, you retiree insurance coverage would start July 1.

September Retirement Example:

You resign from your position with an effective date of August 31 so you can retire in September

• Your pension benefit will start in September.
• The COLA won't go into effect until July (23 months later), but the one missed will be banked.
• You'll earn service credit for July and August (This does not apply if you are in TRS Plan 1)
• You'll continue receiving SEBB insurance coverage in July and August. 

Full retirement age is 65 for those born prior to 1938 and age 67 for those born 1960 or later. You may receive social security benefits as early as 62, but your benefit will be permanently reduced. Medicare is available if you are 65 or older, disabled or have kidney failure. For more information about Social Security or Medicare, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.