FAQs

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is designed to provide active members with quick, clear answers to common questions about retirement benefits, contributions, service credit, beneficiaries, and other important topics. Whether you’re new to the plan or planning for retirement, these FAQs offer helpful guidance to better understand how your WCERS benefits work and where to find additional resources if you need further assistance.

Who do I contact to schedule an appointment to apply for retirement?

To schedule an appointment to retire, or to receive a retirement estimate, contact the following:

If your last name starts with A thru L – contact Jared Steele at (313) 224-7124

If your last name starts with M thru Z - contact Kinra Milhouse at (313) 224-6077

How much will I receive in a monthly pension if I retire?

A Retirement Estimate Request form may be downloaded here(PDF, 488KB) or may be submitted online. It is recommended that you have received an estimate within the last 12 months prior to requesting an appointment to retire. Please allow a minimum of 4-6 weeks for an estimate. If you have not received one, an estimate will be done for you prior to your scheduled appointment. 

Why was my request for an estimate of benefits denied?

Requests are typically denied if any of the following occurs:

  • The employee is not a member of the Retirement System
  • The employee is not enrolled in a retirement plan
  • The employee is not vested in his/her respective retirement plan
  • An estimate has been provided within the past 12 months

Can military service be purchased toward retirement?

  • Yes. Qualified military service can be purchased for up to six years and credited toward your retirement.
  • Requests for military service purchase must be made on-site at the Retirement Office. For more information please contact (313) 224-2820.

    When can Other Governmental Service Time be purchased?

  • Other Governmental Service can be purchased once an employee has completed 30 months of credited service with the employer.    

  • Can purchasing Other Governmental Service help me qualify for retirement?

  • Yes. Purchasing OGT credit may be used to help meet the eligibility requirements for retirement.
  • Requests for Other Governmental Service purchase must be made on-site at the Retirement Office. For more information please contact (313) 224-2820.

Will an estimate show my final pension amounts?

No. These are estimated amounts based on the monies you have already earned. We do NOT project earnings for anyone because you may not earn those monies. Final amounts are only obtained AFTER you have retired.

I already have direct deposit. Why do I need to complete another form?

Our payroll system is separate from the Active Employee payroll system; therefore, another form must be submitted.

Can I change my Election of Option?

You can change your Election of Option, until you are put on the Retiree Payroll. After you have been put on the payroll, you cannot change your Election of Option.

I am eligible for a Post Freeze Date (i.e., 10/1/2015 or 10/1/2016 or 11/1/2018) Benefit. How do I apply for this benefit and when can I collect it?

Your collective bargaining agreement determines when you are eligible to collect your Post Benefit. After your retirement date, Post Benefits will begin automatically at the date you are first eligible to collect an unreduced benefit. Post Benefits will not be paid earlier than age 55. Collecting earlier will result in a reduction of benefit.

 

 

 

 

 

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