Note: This is a printed version of https://isc.uw.edu/your-benefits/ending/retiring. Please visit this page on the ISC website to ensure you're referencing the most current information.

ISC

What Happens to Your Benefits When You Retire from the UW

Last updated Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! You may be wondering how your upcoming departure will affect your UW health and retirement plans. We hope this page provides you with an overview of when your health coverage ends, what your options are for continuing coverage and what comes next regarding your retirement plan assets.

On This Page:

Medical and Dental Insurance

Your medical and dental coverage generally ends on the last day of the month you leave the University, as long as you were in an eligible pay status for at least eight (8) hours during that month.

As a UW Retiree, you are eligible to enroll in PEBB retiree medical and dental insurance – but please note you have 60 days after your employer-paid coverage ends to enroll in, or defer, retiree coverage with Washington State’s Health Care Authority (HCA). If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit the HCA’s How to Enroll page for complete details on continuing or deferring your retiree medical and dental insurance.

Savings Accounts

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

  • Your coverage automatically ends on the last day of the month you leave the University.
  • You can continue to submit claims incurred before/on your coverage end date through the following March 31, though exceptions do apply. Please review the plan booklet (PDF) or contact Navia Benefit Services directly at 800-669-3539 with questions.

Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) or Limited Purpose FSA

  • Your coverage automatically ends on the last day of the month you leave the University.
  • You can continue to submit claims incurred before/on your coverage end date through the following March 31.
  • You may choose to continue your Medical FSA or Limited Purpose FSA coverage for the remainder of the plan year (through December 31). Look for a COBRA notice from Navia Benefit Solutions or contact them at 1-800-669-3539.
  • For information about accelerating your deductions, please contact UWHR Benefits.

Other Insurance

Basic Life insurance

  • Your employer-paid basic life insurance coverage automatically ends on the last day of the month you leave the University. 
  • As a PEBB retiree, you may be eligible to purchase retiree term life insurance on a self-pay basis or continue your employee life insurance under the Portability or Conversion provisions. Learn more on MetLife’s website.

Optional Life Insurance

  • Your coverage automatically ends on the last day of the pay period in which your premium was deducted from your paycheck.
  • You have 60 days following the date you lose coverage to transfer your Optional Life insurance to your spouse or state-registered domestic partner’s PEBB account (if they’re also covered by PEBB), continue some/all of your life insurance through the portability option, or convert some/all of your life insurance into an individual policy. MetLife will mail you a letter approximately five to six weeks after your separation date, including information about your options. Contact MetLife directly at 1-866-548-7139 with any questions.

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

  • Your Employer-Paid LTD (i.e., contributions the University makes) automatically ends on the last day of the month you leave the University.
  • Your Employee-Paid LTD (i.e., contributions you make) automatically ends on the last day of the pay period in which your premium was deducted from your paycheck.

Auto/Home Insurance (with Liberty Mutual)

  • You can arrange to have coverage continue beyond your separation date. Contact Liberty Mutual at 800-706-5525 or via their website.

Retirement Plans

Your retirement income options and whether you need to start taking distributions can depend on a variety of factors, such as your age, how long you’ve been participating, the retirement plan’s rules, and federal and state requirements. You may wish to consult with your tax or financial advisor to determine your next steps. You can also reach out to your plan directly:

  • For UWRP and VIP plans
    Contact Fidelity Investments at 1-800-642-7131 or on the web.
    Or schedule a meeting with TIAA at 1-877-209-3142 or on the web.
  • For PERS 2, PERS 3, TRS or LEOFF plans
    Contact the Washington Department of Retirement Systems at 800-547-6657 or on the web at https://www.drs.wa.gov/contact/.
    Please note: to qualify for the “UW Retiree” designation, you must start taking your pension immediately upon retirement.

Additional Information

To learn more about retiring from the UW:

  • Visit UWHR’s Nearing Retirement page to discover additional resources to help guide employees retiring from the University
  • Review the UW Retirement Checklist (PDF) chock-full of helpful steps to take in the months and weeks leading up to, and after, your retirement
  • Please be sure to also check with your department about any additional action items they may have related to your leaving the UW

Related Links

You will need to submit an online UW Retirement application within 6 months of your planned retirement date from the UW and no later than 60 days after the separation date.

Accessing Workday

You can still access Workday for a period of time after you leave the University of Washington. Refer to the Resources For Former Employees page for information.