Retirement Resources
Overview
Whether you are a new employee learning about your WRS retirement benefits, a member planning to retire, or a retiree, we have the information you need to have a successful retirement. Navigate to our WRS Retirement Benefit section or the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation section to learn how each of these benefits work. Step into the Saving for Retirement section to learn how your retirement benefit is calculated, how to boost your retirement benefit, and see more resources to plan for the future. Use the Applying for Retirement section if you are thinking about retiring soon or are ready to apply. Check out our Living in Retirement section for information about how your benefits work during retirement and what you need to do if you decide to return to work.
Retirement Benefits City Of Madison Employees (2021)
Retirement, insurance, disability, and other Wisconsin Retirement System benefits for current and former public employees, retirees, and their beneficiaries
Saving for Retirement
Take an active interest in your retirement plan and learn more about how to maximize your benefit for retirement. No matter what age you are in your road to retirement, it is never too early or too late to start saving and planning.
Applying for Retirement
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. If you decide to end WRS employment due to a disability, contact ETF about your eligibility for disability benefits before applying for a retirement benefit. Taking a retirement benefit may affect your eligibility for disability benefits. See the Disability Benefits page for more information.
Living in RetirementWRS Retirement Benefits Calculator
Enjoy the comfortable retirement you've planned and deserve. Stay informed about your WRS benefits with topics from annuity adjustments to health insurance to wellness. Keep receiving information by notifying ETF of any changes to your information such as address, beneficiary or direct deposits at our My Info section.
Health Benefits in Retirement
Health insurance eligibility in retirement depends on whether you are a state or local employee and what your employer offers. If you are not certain about what your employer offers, go to the Benefits Available to Me page to search for your benefits by current employer name, or last employer name if you are retired.
Required Minimum Distribution
Once you stop working for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer, federal law requires you to begin receiving your benefit payment(s) by a certain date, depending on your age. This is called a required minimum distribution (RMD).
ETF Member Education Webpage
ETF offers a variety of educational resources for members to easily learn about and manage their benefits.
ETF Member Education webpage Find Videos and Live Webinars on topics such as:
- Health Insurance
- Getting Ready for Retirement
- Your Benefits in Retirement
- Saving and Investing
- Wisconsin Retirement System
Schedule an Appointment
Non-retired members may schedule a benefits counseling appointment. Before scheduling an appointment, you must have received a Retirement Benefit Estimate and Application (ET-4301) or a Disability Benefit Estimate and Application (ET-5302).
To schedule an appointment, please use the convenient appointment scheduling system or call ETF at 1-877-533-5020. Choose from the following appointment types:
- Individual (one-on-one with a specialist) conducted via phone
- Individual (one on-one with a specialist), conducted online
- Group (up to 12 participants with a specialist), conducted online
Please call ETF at 1-877-533-5020 to schedule an appointment if:
- You need to schedule a “double” appointment with another WRS member to review both accounts
- If you need an interpreter
Wait times for appointments can be up to 6 weeks, depending on availability. Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not offering in-person appointments at this time.
Our knowledgeable benefits specialists can assist you with most benefits-related matters. If you have a benefits dispute, our Ombudsperson Services staff are here to help.