TRS Plan 3 Home > Joining Plan 3 > How to Enroll in PERS Plan 3
TRS Plan 3 Home

Washington State

Department of
Retirement Systems

TRS Plan Choice
Review summary of plan, investment programs, and comparison to Plan 2
Review procedures for enrolling, rules of contributions, planning tools, and investment education
Review fund descriptions, fund performance, asset allocation planning tool, Plan 3 Report library, and investment education
Easy-to-use tools and calculators to meet your retirement planning needs
Download Plan 3 publications and forms in a PDF format
Seminars
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact Us
Search
Enter your User ID then click on the "Proceed" button to manage your Plan 3 account.
  • How to Enroll in Plan 3
• Contributions
• Investment Education
 • Investment Programs
• Retirement Planning Tools

How to Enroll in Plan 3

Enrolling in Plan 3 involves several important decisions. Follow these instructions and use the tools and resources provided to assist you.

Step-by-step instructions - To enroll in Plan 3, or to transfer from Plan 2 to Plan 3, you must submit a completed Member Information form (102K PDF) to your employer. There are choices concerning your investment program and your contribution rate. You may find it helpful to follow these step-by-step instructions.

1. Decide on a contribution rate.

Option A 5 percent of pay at all ages.
Option B 5 percent of pay until age 35;
6 percent from age 35 until age 45; and
7.5 percent age 45 and above.
Option C 6 percent of pay until age 35;
7.5 percent from age 35 until age 45; and
8.5 percent age 45 and above.
Option D 7 percent of pay at all ages.
Option E 10 percent of pay at all ages.
Option F 15 percent of pay at all ages.

You may choose from one of the six contribution rate options listed above. This is an important decision because once you choose a contribution rate, you cannot change it unless you change employers. Contributions may be tax-deferred, therefore the amount you select will be deducted from your gross pay before federal withholding tax. Use the Take-Home Pay Estimator to see what the net effect of various contribution amounts will mean to your present day net pay. Refer to the Plan 3 Contribution Rate Brochure (161K PDF) for additional details concerning Plan 3 contributions.

2. Decide on an investment program.
Plan 3 members have the choice of two investment programs: Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) and Self-Directed. To review information describing the difference between the two programs, performance information and descriptions of funds in both investment programs are provided on this website. The Asset Allocation Tool will give you an idea of a possible investment mix based on your risk profile. Refer to the A Member’s Guide to Plan 3 (163K PDF) for additional details. For additional help, you might want to attend an Investment Education Seminar.

3. Complete a Member Information form.
Once you have decided on a contribution amount and investment program, you can now complete a Member Information form (102K PDF). Return the completed and signed form to your employer.

4. Complete a Beneficiary Designation form.
Complete and sign the Beneficiary Designation form (31K PDF), then return it to DRS. (see Contact Us)

If you selected the Self-Directed Investment Program:

5. Review your Investment Options.
Within the Self-Directed Investment Program, Plan 3 members may choose from a menu of funds, or from a selection of self-balancing portfolios composed of various mixes of funds. See the Fund Description page for additional details on the specific funds.

Copyright © 2000–2012 ICMA-RC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy and Disclaimers.