Embedded Files
The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) offers a retirement benefit based on a defined contribution plan or a defined benefit plan. A defined contribution plan means there is a set amount of money (that may change each year) paid into a member’s retirement account. Money is paid by both the employer and the employee.
The Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) administers the District's WRS program. The WRS consistently ranks among the 10 largest public pension funds in the U.S. The WRS is often recognized as being one of the only fully-funded state pension systems in the country.
Who is eligible for the WRS?
Who is eligible for the WRS?
You must be expected to work at least 2/3 of full-time.
880 hours for teachers and educational support employees of school districts and
1,200 hours for all other non-teaching employees.
You are expected to be employed for at least one year.
Do I have to contribute to the WRS?
Do I have to contribute to the WRS?
Yes, any public sector employee that works the above hours each year is required to contribute to the Wisconsin Retirement System. You may not opt-out of the WRS.
How much do I have to contribute?
How much do I have to contribute?
The money to pay WRS benefits comes from employee and employer required contributions and investment earnings. Contribution rates are a percentage of an employee’s annual salary. The rates change from year to year, based on investment earnings and an actuarial analysis.
The contribution percentage for 2025 is 6.95%. This means that 6.95% of each paycheck will be contributed to the WRS and the District also contributes that same amount from each of your paychecks into your WRS account as well. That is 13.9% being invested for your retirement.
How much does the District contribute?
How much does the District contribute?
The District also contributes 6.95% from each of your paychecks into your WRS account . With your employee contributions that is 13.9% being invested for your retirement.
How do I enroll and start contributing to the WRS?
How do I enroll and start contributing to the WRS?
Employees do not have to enroll into the WRS. Any employee who meets the eligibility requirements for coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System is automatically covered and required to pay any applicable employee contribution towards the WRS. If you do not meet the WRS eligibility requirements when you are first hired, you will be covered under the WRS once you meet the requirements or are expected to meet the requirements.
Are you new to the WRS?
Are you new to the WRS?
If you are new to the WRS, please click here to watch an informational video that gives you an overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System.
How do I read my annual WRS statement?
How do I read my annual WRS statement?
Every year in mid April you will receive an annual WRS statement from Employee Trust Funds (ETF). Please click here to learn more about this statement and what it means for you.
Where do my contributions go and how are they invested?
Where do my contributions go and how are they invested?
The WRS has two different funds. Anyone new to the WRS will have their money invested into the core fund. The core fund is designed to produce a relatively steady source of investment income. Employees have the option to invest exactly 50% of their WRS money into the variable fund. Participants in this fund are exposed to a higher degree of risk, in exchange for the possibility of greater returns over the life of the investment in the fund. Please click here to for more information about the variable fund.
How do I enroll in the variable fund?
How do I enroll in the variable fund?
If you are interested in investing 50% of your WRS money into the variable fund, you will need to complete the Election to Participate in the Variable Trust Fund form. Please note the effective dates below based on when you enroll.
If you sign up within 30 days of becoming WRS eligible, your Variable Fund participation starts the day of eligibility.
If you sign up any time after that, your participation will take effect on January 1 after the date you turned in the form. The Variable Fund will only apply to contributions made on and after the day it takes effect.
Click here to view the variable fund performance for the last few decades.
When am I vested in the WRS?
When am I vested in the WRS?
If you first began WRS employment on or after July 1, 2011, then you must have 5 years of WRS creditable service.
1 year of creditable service is based on the hours you work. To earn 1 year of service, teachers need to work 1,320 hours and all other employees need to work 1,904 hours.
Your annual WRS statement will tell you how many years of WRS creditable service you have.
How do I change my beneficiary designation?
How do I change my beneficiary designation?
You may change your beneficiary at any time. When you experience a major life change, review dn update your beneficiary designation (if necessary) right away to ensure your benefits will be paid to the beneficiary of your choice. If you need to change your beneficiary, you will need to complete the steps below:
Complete the WRS beneficiary designation form
Send the completed form to ETF at the address on the form in the top left hand corner
I am thinking about retiring, where do I start?
I am thinking about retiring, where do I start?
Deciding to retire may be the hardest part of the entire process. ETF can help you master the next steps so that you make decisions that are right for you. Learn more about the 12-month process (in picture) by watching the Applying for Retirement video series.
Ready to start the process, click here to submit a Retirement Estimate Request.
If you have questions related to the Wisconsin Retirement System, a WRS Benefit Specialist at 1-877-533-5020.
Benefits Specialists are available Monday - Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
Page updated
Report abuse