Take advantage of the many resources available from StayWell to help keep your immune system strong. Visit with a health coach, get healthy recipes, access free online workouts to do at home, chat with a doctor, and more. More StayWell>
Your well-being and safety are important to ETF. We are working with state health officials and health plans to ensure you receive the care you and your dependents need during the global Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The new CARES Act allows for additional health expenses to be reimbursed pre-tax. Look for information on our website about testing, treatment, telehealth, medications, and more.More Health Benefits>
ETF services and operations are continuing remotely during the Safer at Home order and following social distancing guidelines. Visit the ETF Response to COVID-19 page to get answers to frequently asked questions about insurance and other WRS benefits.
The uncertainty of COVID-19 has had a major impact on global financial markets. The State of Wisconsin Investment Board is continuing to monitor, analyze, and respond to market conditions. Here is a status update. More SWIB Long-Term>
Legislative Update
by Tarna Hunter, ETF Government Relations Director
On April 15, 2020, Gov. Evers signed 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 into law. The law contained a wide range of provisions for dealing with the enormous impact of COVID-19 on our state and citizens. Here is a review of the provisions that pertain to WRS retirement and health benefits. More Legislative Update>
State employees should have received their WRS annual Statement of Benefits. Local government employees: ETF has postponed shipping your statements because package delivery services have temporarily changed their confirmation procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, we are working with your employer to instead mail your statement to your home address as soon as possible. More Delivery of Statement>
The Statement of Benefits is a once-a-year summary of your retirement account information. It’s also one of your most important financial planning tools! Here are some essential things to know and do. More Your 2020 Statement>
This update on the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program covers helpful tips about personal investing and market turmoil, enhanced security of online services, the status of appointments with local plan reps, and more. More WDC>
Did You Know You Can Add Money to Your WRS Account?
It's true! Your deposits—called additional contributions—are invested in the WRS trust funds and earn the effective rate of interest each year. There are also other ways to increase your retirement income. More Retirement Income>
Other News & Features
Consider the Consequences of Taking a Separation Benefit
The only way to access the funds in your WRS account before reaching minimum retirement age is to close it and take a separation benefit. But carefully consider the consequences—you would be forfeiting employer paid contributions, interest, and creditable service, not to mention facing potential tax liabilities. More Separation>
Webinar: Preparing for Your Retirement
If retirement is beginning to appear on your horizon, then make Preparing for Your Retirement a priority. ETF offers this comprehensive webinar twice a month, during convenient day and evening hours. Note that all in-person sessions of this presentation, originally set for locations throughout the state this summer, have been canceled. See topics covered in this webinar, dates and registration links. More Preparing for Your Retirement>
Check Out These Timely ETF Webinars
These upcoming webinars include time for Q&As with an ETF benefits specialist:
Use ETF’s Online Calculators to Estimate Your Annuity and More
Our online calculators make it easy for you to quickly get an unofficial estimate of your WRS retirement benefits, determine the cost of choosing an Accelerated Payment annuity option, and more. MoreOnline Calculators>
Keep Your Address and Other Information Updated
It’s important that ETF always has your current address and other contact information on file. Contact your employer to update your address. Here is how to update other personal information on file with ETF. More Keep Information Updated>
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings
Find out when the next scheduled meetings are set for the following governing boards:
Group Insurance Board
ETF Board, Teachers Retirement Board, and Wisconsin Retirement Board
WRS Calculators
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