The process to elect members to the ETF Board and Teachers Retirement Board has begun! There are seats available for teachers, educational support personnel, and technical college teachers. Download the nomination materials now. More Board Election>
Why Not You? Educational Support Personnel ETF Board Seat Available
Leilani Paul, who has served on the ETF Board as the Educational Support Personnel member since 2015, urges colleagues to consider serving on this important WRS governing board. More Educational Support Personnel>
SWIB’s real estate portfolio helps diversify the Core Trust Fund and has generated an impressive track record of investment performance. This success is helping keep the WRS fully funded and well positioned to deliver on its promise to more than 652,000 members. More Real Estate Portfolio>
The annual It’s Your Choice open enrollment period is September 26-October 21. This is when state and local employees participating in the group health insurance program can make changes for next year, including switching health plans, coverage levels, or adding/deleting certain dependents. More Health Insurance Benefits Update>
WEA Trust to Exit Group Health Insurance Program
WEA Trust will no longer offer health insurance as of December 31, 2022. This change affects all current WEA network areas and plan designs offered by the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. If you’re currently insured with WEA Trust, you’ll need to select a new plan for 2023. More WEA Trust>
Well Wisconsin Program Updates
Group health insurance subscribers and spouses: If you still need to complete a well-being activity for your Well Wisconsin incentive payment, here’s some inspiration; a reminder about flu vaccines; and information about a diabetes prevention program. More Well Wisconsin>
The Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program website has always been a great resource to help you manage this vital source of retirement income — and now it can do a great deal more. Recent enhancements allow you to track every aspect of your finances in real time — in one place and with one login. More Financial Big Picture>
WDC and My Total Retirement: A Retirement Investment Strategy Just for You
While basic investment strategies often consider only your age, My Total RetirementTM looks at a wide range of factors to develop a more strategy that best fits your individual needs. Now you can experience this program free for 90 days. More My Total Retirement>
SWIB Named Finalist for Pair of Industry Awards
SWIB has been nominated by its peers for a pair of financial industry awards. SWIB’s Funds Alpha Team has been named one of three finalists for Team of the Year by With Intelligence as part of its 2022 Allocator Prizes. With Intelligence connects investors and fund managers to people and data needed to raise and allocate assets. More Finalist>
Reminder: Contact ETF for any questions related to your WRS account and benefits. Occasionally, we hear about non-ETF retirement finance advisors/professionals providing incorrect information about WRS benefits. More ETF is Your Source>
Know Your Benefits
Q: I’m getting divorced — what should I know about the impact on my WRS benefits?
A: Although personal circumstances vary, divorce can definitely affect your WRS retirement benefits. For example, a domestic relations order can divide your WRS account between you and your ex-spouse. And you will have responsibilities for receiving and maintaining your benefits. Watch our new video, How Divorce Affects Your WRS Benefits, for an important overview and resources to help you make informed decisions.
Other News & Features
DeAngelis Appointed to SWIB Board of Trustees
Jeff DeAngelis has been appointed to the SWIB Board of Trustees. DeAngelis replaces Tim Sheehy, who stepped down following the June board meeting due to another statewide appointment from Governor Evers. More DeAngelis>
Apply for WRS Disability Benefits Online
ETF has added an Online Disability Retirement Estimate Request tool to its website. If you think you’re eligible for WRS disability benefits, review these resources and use the new tool to apply online. More Disability Benefits>
Annual Report, Schedule of Investments Available Online
The 2021 Retirement Funds Annual Report and the 2021 Schedule of Investments, a listing of SWIB holdings as of Dec. 31, 2021, are now available on SWIB’s Publications page.
Subscribe Today to The SWIB Podcast
The SWIB Podcast provides timely information about the investments that help fund the state’s pension system. Learn how SWIB is working to generate returns over the long-term to ensure the WRS remains strong and capable of paying promised benefits long into the future.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to learn how to be there for your loved ones, keep them safe, and help them stay connected. In addition, check out these great resources available via your State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program benefits. More Resources>
Add Money to Your WRS Account
Adding money to your WRS account can increase your WRS benefits. Contributions earn interest every year until you take a benefit! See ETF’s Additional Contributionspage for details.
Attend a Health Benefits Webinar
ETF will offer vendor and health benefit webinars during the open enrollment period, Sept. 26-Oct. 21, for plan year 2023. Learn about important changes, plan options, premiums, supplementary benefits, and more. For webinar dates and registration, go to the Upcoming Health Plan Changes page.
Find Your Best Plan Design
Find the health plan design that meets your medical needs! IBM Benefits Mentor is the interactive benefits counselor for state employees and non-Medicare retirees who participate in the group health insurance program. More Find Your Best Plan Design>
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings
Find out when the governing boards of the WRS and the SWIB Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet. More Board Meetings>
WRS Calculators
Request Benefit Estimate