Overview

The Wisconsin Retirement System is a pension plan that is open to any public employer as defined by Wis. Stat. § 40.02(28). All employers joining the WRS must be covered by Wisconsin’s Section 218 Agreement with the Social Security Administration. Participation in the WRS is only effective on January 1.

The WRS is intended to provide a lifetime retirement payment (annuity) to members who are vested and have reached minimum retirement age. WRS disability benefits are available for enrolled employees who are unable to work because they have become permanently and totally disabled.

The WRS benefits package is a valuable recruitment tool available to the State of Wisconsin, local governments, technical colleges, and school districts throughout the state.

In addition to the WRS, ETF also oversees and manages optional health, life, and income continuation insurance plans, as well as the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) Program.

To learn more, see the Get Started section and the FAQ below.