Skip to main content

Retirement

Retirement

Start planning now for your retirement down the road. The County offers its employees several opportunities to save for the future, including a pension through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, a voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan, an HRA VEBA account, and Social Security benefit contributions.

Retirement Plan

Most County employees are eligible to participate in one of these three retirement plans through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS):

DRS offers several options to help you learn about the state retirement plans, including:

Deferred Compensation

Learn more about saving for retirement with the King County Employee Deferred Compensation Plan.

HRA VEBA

To learn more about this tax-free, post-retirement medical expense account at HRA VEBA.

Retirement Forms

Contact Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) at 800-547-6657 or recep@drs.wa.gov or go to Department of Retirement Systems for information and resources, including:

  • Find out when you're eligible to retire
  • Request an estimate of benefits when you are two years from retirement
  • Obtain information regarding a divorce
  • Learn about purchasing service credit due to a temporary duty disability or authorized leave of absence

Retirement Information & Education

  • Leaving Employment Form: For anyone leaving county employment.

  • Retirement Guide (If using Internet Explorer, right-click and Save target as to download the guide.)

  • Retirement Planning Checklist 

  • Road to Retirement ClassIf you're planning to retire from King County in the next six months, join your Retirement Team for the Road to Retirement Class to learn more about the necessary forms and procedures, COBRA coverage, the Retiree Medical program, costs of insurance, and basic Public Employees Retirement Systems pension information. This class is typically held on the last Tuesday of the month from 1—3 p.m. and attendance is voluntary. Registration is required, as space is limited. Register for Road to Retirement Class. For more information, contact King County Orientations.

  • Other retirement-related classes: Several classes are offered throughout the year to help you prepare for retirement, including Medicare 101, Introduction to Social Security, and Your DRS Pension. For details and registration, go to the Benefits and Retirement Events Calendar. For more information, contact King County Orientations.

Social Security

For many, Social Security will provide part of their retirement income. For more information, go to:

Related Information

General employment separation information

Benefits and retirement

Phone 206-684-1556
Fax: 206-296-7700

Phone hours:
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays
Payroll

Fax: 206-296-7678

expand_less