(1) If you have retired from another retirement system authorized by the laws of this state you cannot participate in PERS membership unless:

(a) You established membership in PERS prior to March 19, 1976;

(b) You accrued less than fifteen years of service credit in the other retirement system; or

(c) You are a LEOFF Plan 2 retiree returning to work in a PERS eligible position and choose to participate in PERS membership. See WAC 415-104-111.

(2) If you are eligible for normal retirement from another retirement system listed in RCW 41.50.030, you cannot participate in PERS membership unless:

(a) You established membership in PERS prior to March 19, 1976;

(b) You accrued less than fifteen years of service credit in the other retirement system; or

(3) If you are receiving a disability allowance from another retirement system listed in RCW 41.50.030, you cannot participate in PERS membership unless:

(a) You established membership in PERS prior to March 19, 1976; or

(b) You are a LEOFF Plan 2 retiree returning to work in a PERS eligible position and choose to participate in PERS membership. See WAC 415-104-111.

(4) Defined terms used. Definitions for the following terms used in this section may be found in the sections listed.

(a) "Membership" - RCW 41.40.023.

(b) "Service" - RCW 41.40.010.

(c) "Normal retirement" – A member is eligible for normal retirement when they have met their plan's age and/or service credit requirements for a full retirement benefit. Normal retirement does not include early retirement with a reduced benefit, or early retirement with employment restrictions prior to full retirement age. See the following plan definitions of normal retirement:

Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 1 – RCW 41.40.180;

Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 – RCW 41.40.630(1);

Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3 – RCW 41.40.820(1);

Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) – RCW 41.37.210 (1) and (2);

School Employees' Retirement System (SERS) Plan 2 – RCW 41.35.420(1);

School Employees' Retirement System (SERS) Plan 3 – RCW 41.35.680(1);

Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Plan 1 – RCW 41.32.480(1);

Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Plan 2 – RCW 41.32.765(1);

Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Plan 3 – RCW 41.32.875(1);

Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) – RCW 43.43.250(2).

PDFWAC 415-108-725

If I have retired from another retirement system or am eligible to retire, am I excluded from participating in PERS?