Question:  Why is a Previous Service Check for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and Insurance important?

Answer:

Employers should perform a previous service check when hiring a new employee to find out if the employee has participated in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) before. Knowing if an employee has previously participated in the WRS is especially important in determining when an employee is eligible to participate in the WRS and insurance programs.

If an employer hires a former employee who previously participated in WRS within 12 months of terming and the employee has not applied for a benefit, that employee is eligible for WRS upon hire, irrespective of the duration of employment.

By conducting a previous service check, the employer will be informed if the employee has applied for a benefit. This may determine if the employee is eligible immediately or not for WRS participation.

If a previous service check is not conducted and prior WRS employment is not known, delays in filing any of the insurance applications can affect the employee's eligibility for insurance. A delay in filing either the life or income continuation insurance applications may require that the employee provide evidence of insurability to obtain coverage. Health insurance applications submitted beyond the due date require the employee to elect the standard plan with a 180-day waiting period for any pre-existing condition.

Completion of the life insurance application form requires employers to state that a previous service check has been done and the source used.

For additional information about previous service checks, contact the Employer Communication Center at 608/264-7900.