Savings & Retirement Plans

Wisconsin Retirement System

The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) is the 8th largest pension fund in the US and the 25th largest public or private pension fund in the world. It provides retirement (pension) benefits to state and local employees. Other benefits available include:

Participation is mandatory for all-eligible employees and enrollment is automatic.

Both employees and employers are required to make pre-tax contributions to your WRS account each pay period. Contribution rates are updated annually.

Vesting Requirement: If you began WRS employment on or after 7/1/2011, you must have 5 years of WRS creditable service before being eligible to receive a retirement benefit. This means you must have 5 years of service under the Wisconsin Retirement System before you are eligible to receive the employer contribution towards your account at retirement. If you leave state employment before you are vested, you will only receive your contributions plus any interest.

Two funds are available under the WRS. By default, all contributions are invested in the Core Fund unless you elect to participate in the Variable Fund.

Core Fund: 50% stocks, 50% fixed income and other assets
Variable Fund: 100% stocks (Optional)

WRS investments are managed by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB)

Employees can make voluntary, after-tax additional contributions to their WRS account

The WRS is administered by the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF). For more information about the WRS, please go to ETF's website.

WRS Resources

Videos and Webinars

Your WRS Benefits (51 minutes)
WRS Annuity Payment Options - Receiving Your Retirement Benefit (6 minutes)
A Woman's Road to Retirement - Why It's Different
Additional Contributions (9 minutes)

Brochures and Tools

Wisconsin Deferred Compensation

Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings program which allows employees to set aside additional money for retirement. You can enroll and make changes any time directly with Wisconsin Deferred Compensation or by calling 1-877-457-9327.

Employee contributions can be taken on a pre or post- tax (Roth) basis, there is no employer contribution.

The WDC program offers a variety of investment options.

Annual contribution limits can change annually.

2019 Contribution Limits

If under age 50: $19,000
If age 50 or older anytime during the year: $25,000
If within 3 years of retirement and apply for catch-up with WDC: $38,000

Monthly fee based on total account balance ($0-$16.50/month)