Here's What's New!

What happens after you hit “submit” on your retirement application? We input the application information into our system, validate the application for compliance, and place your application in a hold queue (if we require additional information before we can calculate your benefit) or a processing queue (if no further information is needed to proceed). It’s important to keep in mind that while the ASRS may receive your retirement application in advance of your retirement date, we will not be able to begin any retirement calculations until your retirement date has occurred.

Getting ready to retire is a big step! It means closing one chapter and beginning another. To make sure you’re as prepared and informed as possible before you hit ‘submit’ on your retirement application, make sure you’ve considered the following questions;

It’s that time of year – winter is fading into spring and the Arizona Legislature is in session!  The ASRS has identified a number of bills that have been introduced in the current session which, if passed into law, will enact legislative changes that affect the ASRS, members, and employers.  This information is subject to change as the session progresses, so we recommend visiting the ASRS Bill Tracker and Legislation page for more details and the most current information. 

Do You Have Employees Retiring This Summer? Schedule a Meeting Now.  We offer a number of different group Member Education meetings to help explain various facets of retirement and the process of retiring for your employees - at your location!

You may have recently received a secure message about Membership Eligibility Inconsistencies from Employer Relations.  This message and the accompanying report are part of a new, ongoing function of the Employer Relations team that should be a great benefit for our employers. 

Nearly six months ago, the ASRS moved processes online for Contributions Not Withheld (CNW), Military Call-Up, Leave of Absence and other service purchase programs.  But some employers have yet to assign necessary roles for these new processes.  That can lead to problems for your members, so please take a moment now to assign those roles.  It’s simple—here’s how!

The Arizona State Retirement System now has a new tool on our website to help you identify the pay types that are considered compensation for retirement, as well as confirm the amounts being withheld from employees' pay.  You are able to use this tool without having to contact the ASRS to receive the correct contribution amount. It’s quick and it’s easy. 

Our ASRS Basics For Employers meetings are extremely popular – in fact, February and March meeting are currently all full. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wait to get the information you need. Let us come to you!

While the legislative session is typically limited to the first half of the year, rulemaking is a year-round activity.  The ASRS recently adopted rules related to employee and employer membership in the ASRS.  The rules became effective February 4, 2019.