OLYMPIA, WA – For a lot of people, retirement is a time to sit back and relax, or time to do some traveling. But some retirees like to stay busy by volunteering. They may even decide they want to go back to work after they retire. The Washington Department of Retirement Systems says as a retiree, you can go back to work for a DRS employer and still receive your pension benefit as long as you follow a few rules.
From the DRS:
If you return to work for a non-DRS employer: Your benefit is not affected.
Example of non-DRS employer: Local businesses like a coffee shop or grocery store.
If you return to work for a DRS employer: Your benefit could be affected.
Examples of DRS employers: Schools, Police, Fire, Department of Transportation.
If you’re in PERS, TRS or SERS, you must wait at least 30 days after your effective retirement date before returning to work for any DRS employer. Also, you may not have any pre-arranged agreement, verbal or written, to return to work with your current employer before retiring. Check your plan webpage below for more details.
Exceptions for nursing positions and school districts
New state laws allow some retirees to return to work up to 1,040 hours without affecting pension benefits. See the new exceptions.
