The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) provides retirement (pension) benefits to UW System employees. Participation is automatic for all eligible employees, with coverage beginning on the first day an employee is eligible. The required employee and employer contribution rates are updated annually. The employee share is deducted on a pre-tax basis. You may not opt out of the WRS.

Your retirement income will be based on your years of WRS service, your age at retirement, and the average of your highest three years of earnings or based on the total cash value of your account, whichever is greater.

The WRS is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF).

The UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) allows employees the opportunity to invest a portion of their income for retirement on either a before-tax basis, an after-tax (Roth) basis, or a combination of both. Participation in the UW 403(b) SRP is voluntary with employees making the entire contribution.

Recordkeepers

A recordkeeper is the plan’s investment platform; it tracks plan assets. Effective January 1, 2022, TIAA and Fidelity Investments will be the only active recordkeepers.

• UW System’s TIAA Website
• Schedule a consultation with TIAA
• Phone: 800-732-8353

The Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program (WDC) is a supplemental retirement savings plan, regulated by section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. Through the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program you can invest a portion of your income for retirement either on a pre-tax or post-tax basis, or a combination of both.

Participation in the program is voluntary and it does not replace or reduce any of your Wisconsin Retirement System or Social Security benefits. You make the entire contribution; there is no employer match.