Joining ETF Administered Benefit Programs

The WRS 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 SSA. The WRS is intended to provide a lifetime annuity to members who are vested and have reached minimum retirement age.

The Group Health Insurance Program offers employees of employers who participate in the WRS or are covered by a Section 218
Agreement a uniform medical benefits package. The employer can also choose to offer Uniform Dental Benefits.

The Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program is a benefit available to employees of employers who participate in
the WRS or a private pension program.

ICI is a voluntary “income replacement” benefit payable to an enrolled employee if they become disabled. This program is only
offered to employers already participating in the WRS.

The WDC Program is a powerful tool that may help participants reach their retirement goals by providing before tax and after-tax Roth savings option at no cost to employers and at a low cost to employees.

All employers that wish to take part in the Wisconsin Retirement System must join and be covered by a Section 218 Agreement, which is an agreement between the state and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide Social Security coverage for state and local government employees.