General FAQ's
How does ASRS work?
The ASRS receives contributions from all state employees working at least 20 hours a week for at least 20 weeks in the fiscal year, and their employers. These contributions are pooled together and invested in order to grown and fund retirement benefits, long-term disability benefits, and more.
How do I schedule a 1 on 1 appointment?
Visit our Appointments page at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/appointments, where you can click the blue button to schedule an appointment. We can do appointments over the phone, virtually, or in-person at our Phoenix or Tucson office. Please note: walk-ins without an appointment may need to return on a different day for a scheduled appointment due to limited staff availability. Note 1 on 1 appointments are avaialble through the appointments page only, not through your myASRS account.
I think I worked for the state or contributed to the ASRS in the past, how do I know if I have an ASRS account?
The most effective way to determine if you have prior service with the ASRS and contributions on file with the ASRS is to contact our member advisory center at 602-240-2000. A Benefit Advisor will be happy to assist in locating or discussing an account and ensuring that you have online access to your myASRS account.
What is the ASRS mailing address?
ASRS Mailing Address: PO Box 33910 Phoenix, AZ 85067-3910
What is the ASRS Phoenix office address?
Phoenix Office Address: 3300 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012-0250
What is the ASRS email address?
You can email the ASRS at [email protected]. Please note this is not a secure form a communication with the ASRS, and we cannot provide sensitive account information via this format.
How do I secure message or submit electronic documents to the ASRS?
You can send a secure message to the ASRS by logging into your MyASRS account. The secure message option is below the Communication and Education option in the menu on the left hand side of the screen. You will then be able to "create a new thread" and type or attach any message or document you would like to send. Secure message allows us to confirm your identity and answer personal questions regarding your account in a written format.
What employers does ASRS work with?
ASRS partners with more than 700 employers statewide including public school districts, charter schools, colleges, universities, cities, counties, towns, municipalities, and state agencies. View a full list at: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/list-employers
Was my money abandoned? Do I have abandoned ASRS property/money?
Arizona Revised Statute § 38-722 outlines the process for declaring accounts as abandoned monies. Such accounts revert back to the overall ASRS Trust Fund. Before that is done, however, the ASRS makes extensive attempts to locate the members, or any known beneficiaries. According to the statute, the ASRS shall make a good faith attempt to locate the apparent owner, including contacting any known beneficiary on record with the ASRS. For more information regarding Abandoned Monies and how to claim them please refer to the following link. https://www.azasrs.gov/content/abandoned-monies
How do I add or remove a beneficiary, or update my beneficiary’s name?
Members may update their beneficiary any time at: https://secure.azasrs.gov/web/MemberLogin.do If you are an ASRS retiree, there may be restrictions in changing your beneficiary, and it may affect your pension benefit. For more information, please send us a secure message from your myASRS account or call us and speak to a member advisor.
How do I update the information in my account?
The easiest way for you to change any of your personal information, from your address, to your email address, to your phone number, is through your secure account on our website. To update your demographic information, please log in to your secure account, click on “Home Page” under the “Your Account” heading in the account menu. Once you locate your current address click on the “Update” link located next to the item you need to update; click the save button once changes are made.
Where can I find the link to the public meeting happening today?
All board meeting information can be found at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/board-and-committee-meetings
What is the phone number for ADOA?
You may contact the Arizona Department of Administration at 602-542-5008 or 800-304-3687
What is the ASRS phone number?
To reach the ASRS, call: 602-240-2000 from within metropolitan Phoenix, 520-239-3100 from within metropolitan Tucson, or 800-621-3778 from outside the Tucson and Phoenix areas. More info at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/contact-us
What are the phone numbers for ASRS insurance providers?
United Health Care Medicare Advantage: 844-876-6161 available weekdays 8 AM-8 PM central time- United health Care Non-Medicare Choice Plans: 800-509-6729 available weekdays 8 AM-8 PM central time - Delta Dental of Arizona: 833-335-8201 available weekdays 8 AM - 5 PM mountain standard time - Cigna Dental Care: 800-244-6224 available 24/7
What are the ASRS hours of operation?
The ASRS office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please note that hours of operation may be affected by bank and governmental holidays.
How do I sign into my account with ID.me?
To sign in, go to the myASRS login page and click the “Sign in with ID.me” button. Enter your ID.me email and password, then complete any required verification steps (such as a code sent to your phone or email). Once your identity is verified, you will be redirected to your MyASRS account.
How do I create an ID.me account to access MyASRS account?
To create an ID.me account, start by going to the myASRS login page and selecting the “Create an ID.me wallet” button and follow the prompts to set up your ID.me account. You will be asked to enter your information and complete identity verification. This is a one-time process and may take a few minutes. After your identity is verified, consent to share your information with ASRS. You will then be redirected to your myASRS account.
What is my ASRS account number?
The ASRS does not maintain a separate account number at this time. We currently use your Social Security number as your account number. Please reference the last 4 digits of your Social Security number on documents that require an account number for the ASRS.
How do I report an issue, bug or website error?
If you experience an issue, bug, or website error, please report it by emailing [email protected] or by sending a secure message through your myASRS account. This helps us review and address issues as quickly as possible.
How are retirement benefits calculated?
Retirement benefits are calculated by multiplying your Total Service Credits by your Average Monthly Compensation (AMC) by you Graded Multiplier. You can check how much service credit you have by logging into your myASRS account and generating a member statement. The more service you accrue, the higher your retirement benefit. Accruing more service also increases your graded multiplier, which ranges from 2.10% to 2.30% depending on how many years of service you have. To see what yor graded multiplier may be, visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/estimate-your-benefits. For your Average Monthly Compensation, or AMC, this calculation depends on your membership date with the ASRS. Your membership date is the date you started contributing to the ASRS.
For a membership date prior to July 1, 2011: your AMC is Calculated by taking the highest consecutive 36 months of contributions within the last 120 months of contributions reported to the ASRS, which could span more than 10 calendar years.
For a membership date on or after to July 1, 2011: Your AMC is Calculated by taking the highest consecutive 60 months of contributions within the last 120 months of contributions reported to the ASRS, which could span more than 10 calendar years. For more information on AMC or retirement eligibility, visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retirement-eligibility
Can I chat with a live ASRS representative?
You're not able to chat with live ASRS representatives using this chatbot, however you can log into your secure myASRS account to send us a secure message if there are items you'd like to discuss directly with an ASRS representative.
How can I change my name on my ASRS account?
The ASRS offers a Change of Name form which can be accessed on your myASRS home page. This form requires a supporting document which includes: a Completed Divorce Decree, Marriage License, Passport, SSI card, Drivers License, Arizona ID, Military ID, or Court Order.
Does the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) offer Life Insurance?
No, the ASRS does not offer life insurance plans to our members or retirees.
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Active Member
Can I rollover funds from another state funded retirement plan?
No. You can neither add to nor borrow from your ASRS account.
How can I increase my contribution amount?
Members may not contribute additional monies to their account. Members and employers are required to contribute the same contribution rate each pay period. See Contribution Rates for more information: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/contribution-rates
What happens to my retirement when I leave my ASRS job?
If you choose to terminate your employment with your ASRS employer(s) you have the option of leaving your funds on file until retirement age or refunding your account.
My employer is incorrect/wrong on my secure account, how do I correct this?
If you are already an ASRS member, you will add your new employer to your existing account. First, visit secure.azasrs.gov/web/EnrollmentLogin.do. You will then select, "Click Here to Enroll or Re-Enroll with the ASRS" and be routed back to the ASRS secure site. Follow the system prompts and use the enrollment code provided by your employer to complete your re-enrollment and associate your new employer with your account.
I received an enrollment code from my new employer but I am already an ASRS member.
Existing ASRS members should begin by going to the ASRS enrollment page and selecting the “Click Here to Enroll or Re-Enroll with the ASRS” link. You will be prompted to sign in with your ID.me email and password and complete secure identity verification. After signing in, you may be asked to review and accept the Access Agreement. Once authenticated, you will continue in the application. If you are an existing member, ASRS will use your information to locate your account and allow you to proceed with updating your information or adding your new employer.
I am switching ASRS employers - what do I need to do to update my ASRS account?
Existing ASRS members should begin by going to the ASRS enrollment page and selecting the “Click Here to Enroll or Re-Enroll with the ASRS” link. You will be prompted to sign in with your ID.me email and password and complete secure identity verification. After signing in, you may be asked to review and accept the Access Agreement. Once authenticated, you will continue in the application. If you are an existing member, ASRS will use your information to locate your account and allow you to proceed with updating your information or adding your new employer.
What are my annuity options?
ASRS offers three primary categories of annuity options: a Straight Life Annuity, a Term-Certain Annuity, and a Joint and survivor Annuity. Within the Term- Certain and Joint and Survivor Categories, there are additional options that provide different payment structures to alight with your retirement goals. Each option affects the amount paid and whether benefits may continue to a beneficiary after your death. If your calculated monthly retirement benefit is less than $100 per month, ASRS will pay your retirement benefit as a one-time lump sum payment instead of a monthly annuity as required by the plan rules. Members who are eligible to receive a monthly annuity payment are given the option of electing a Partial Lump Sum (PLS) this option allows a member to cash out or rollover up to 36 months of their pension payments at the beginning of their retirement. This option reduces the members monthly pension for the remainder of their lifetime and if paid directly to the member is potentially subject to taxes 20% for federal and 5% for state plus a possible additional 10% for members under the age of 59.5 at the time of payment. For detailed explanations and examples of each annuity option, visit the ASRS website as AZasrs.gov under Retirement Annuity Options.
What was the contribution rate three years ago?
Information on current and previous contribution rates can be found on ASRS Contribution Rates page. For historical rates, please click the “Historical Contribution Rates” pdf link.
What was the contribution rate for 2025?
The contribution rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year is 12.00%. The total contribution rate for fiscal year 2026-2027, which will go into effect July 1 2026 is 11.98%. See https://www.azasrs.gov/content/contribution-rates for additional information.
What is the long term vision for ASRS contribution rates?
Our primary goal related to contribution rates is a steady overall decline for the foreseeable future, keeping the ASRS on a path to a single-digit contribution rate.
How do I move my contributions to my new ASRS employer?
If you are already an ASRS member, your contributions do not need to be transferred. Instead, you will add your new employer to your existing account. First, visit secure.azasrs.gov/web/EnrollmentLogin.do. You will then “Click Here to Enroll or Re-Enroll with the ASRS” link and be routed back to the ASRS secure site. Follow the system prompts and use the enrollment code provided by your employer to complete your re-enrollment and associate your new employer with your account.
I am divorced/getting divorced, what do I need to do with my ASRS account?
There are two different scenarios as to how a member’s account can be affected through a divorce: either the member is entitled to their sole retirement account (indicated as a no-split), or the member is required to split their account with their ex-spouse, whom we refer to as an “alternate payee.” If it is clearly stated in your Divorce Decree that you are entitled to your own ASRS benefit, then the ASRS will accept and process a full copy of your Divorce Decree, with nothing else required. However, in the event of splitting an account, if the Divorce Decree is unclear or does not have all the required information, then the ASRS will require a Domestic Relations Order (DRO). For details and requirements, please visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/divorce-information-faqs
What Arizona statutes pertain to Divorce and my pension?
Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S) § 38-773(H) pertains to how a member's divorce can affect their state pension. For more information on how a divorce may impact your retirement benefit please see the following link: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/divorce-information-faqs
How do I enroll?
New employees can begin enrollment after completing ID.me verification by selecting the “Click Here to Enroll or Re-Enroll with the ASRS” link. Once registered with ID.me, you will be redirected back to the ASRS sign-in page to continue enrollment. Enter your Employer Enrollment Code and submit your personal information. Your enrollment will then be sent to your employer for approval. After approval and once your first contributions are received, you will be able to access your secure MyASRS account.
I will be 65 in Sept. How do I enroll in the ASRS medical insurance plan and how much will it cost me?
You must be retired and receiving your monthly benefits to enroll in the ASRS retiree group health insurance plans. For information on retiree health insurance, plans offered, premiums and online registration, see: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/health-care
Show me details as to where ASRS invests my funds.
Information on ASRS investment management can be found at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/investments. The ASRS manages a well-diversified portfolio designed to produce steady returns over a long period of time. This institutional investment approach relies primarily on an asset allocation strategy that does not radically change due to market conditions but is analyzed regularly to take advantage of market and economic conditions.
Does the ASRS offer medical retirement?
The ASRS does not have “medical retirement.” Active contributing members of the ASRS do have Long Term Disability coverage, which you can learn about at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/long-term-disability.
How do I apply for long-term disability, and am I eligible?
The first step is to discuss LTD with your employer, who can begin the process. For information and application instructions, see: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/long-term-disability
Where can I locate a Long Term Disability application?
Please contact your employer to get the LTD packet with the required forms. Once completed, return the packet to your employer who will complete their portion and send it to our LTD administrator, Broadspire Services, Inc. Additional information can be found at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/long-term-disability.
Do I qualify for Long Term Disability?
Please visit our Long Term Disability page at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/long-term-disability, where you'll find answers to Frequently Asked Questions, such as "Who is eligible?" and "How is disability determined?"
What payment amount will I receive on Long Term Disability?
The monthly benefit is 66 2/3 percent of your monthly compensation (based on your contributions to the ASRS) up to the date of disability in the fiscal year in which you become disabled. However, income from other sources, such as Social Security, employment-related pay, or workers' compensation may impact the amount you receive.
Where can I find my ASRS account statement?
The ASRS does not prepare or mail annual statements any longer. We stopped sending annual statements in 2012 because our website has been enhanced to give members the ability to generate their own member statements at their convenience. You can create a statement at any time with the most up-to-date information available. To create your statement online, please log into your account and click on the link labeled "Statement" under the "Your Account" heading. On the Statement page, please click on the button "Generate Your Statement" to create a current statement. The statement is in PDF format, which you can either save to your computer or print for your records.
What is the phone number for Long Term Disability plan?
You can contact Broadspire at 877-232-0596. • Online Broadspire Portal: www.MyLeaveTech.com • Email: [email protected] *(Include Claim Number) • Fax: (859) 550-2744 • Mail: P.O. Box 14773 Lexington, KY 40512
Where can I get more information about the Long Term Disability plan?
For an overview of the ASRS Long Term Disability benefit you may utilize the following link. https://www.azasrs.gov/content/long-term-disability Your employer can provide you with a LTD application and additional information regarding the approval process.
How does Long Term Disability work?
The LTD plan provides for a monthly benefit designed to partially replace income lost if you are unable to work due to an illness (including some pregnancies) or injury. More information can be found at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/long-term-disability
Why am I paying for LTD?
Active, contributing members are required to participate in the ASRS Long Term Disability (LTD) Income Program, funded by contributions. Long Term Disability (LTD) provides a monthly benefit designed to partially replace income lost during periods of disability resulting from a covered injury, sickness or pregnancy. Read more at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/long-term-disability
When am I vested?
Members are vested after their first contribution to the ASRS, with all rights to future benefits.
Can I take a loan, borrow from, refund, rollover, or cash out my retirement account or money?
The ASRS retirement plan is a 401(a) defined benefit plan and, under Arizona state law, does not allow loans, borrowing, partial withdrawals, or hardship or emergency distributions at any time. Members cannot access ASRS funds while employed. After ending employment with an ASRS employer, members may either leave their funds on account until they are eligible for retirement benefits or request a refund (also referred to as cashing out) of contributions. A refund is a full withdrawal that permanently closes the account, forfeits all service credit, and ends any future ASRS retirement benefits for that period of employment.
Members who joined ASRS before July 1, 2011 may receive a portion of employer contributions when refunding or rolling over their account, depending on plan provisions. Members who joined ASRS on or after July 1, 2011 generally do not receive employer contributions when refunding or rolling over their account unless their employment ends due to a reduction in force or position elimination.
Refund requests can only be submitted after employment ends and must be completed through the member’s ASRS online account. When requesting a refund, members may choose to receive the funds as a direct payment, a rollover to a tax-qualified retirement plan, or a combination of both. Direct payments are subject to required federal and Arizona state tax withholding and may be subject to an additional IRS early withdrawal penalty. Funds rolled over to a qualified plan are not subject to tax withholding or penalties at the time of transfer.
If a refund is requested within six months of termination, ASRS must first receive an Ending Payroll Verification from the employer. Once all required information is received, refunds are generally processed within approximately 15 business days.
How long does it take to process my retirement benefit?
Retirement can take 45-90 days from the receipt of final documents to finalize. The ASRS will not begin processing your retirement application until your retirement date. At that time, we will send the Ending Payroll Verification request to your employer. If we do not receive the information from your employer within two weeks of your retirement date, we will contact you via email and by letter so that you can follow up with your employer at that time.
How can I attend/register for a group retirement meeting?
To attend or register for a group retirement meeting, you must pre-register through your secure myASRS account. Most ASRS group meetings are approximately 60 minutes, or one hour, in length. ASRS group meetings, including online webinars such as Route 3: Destination in Sight and Route 4: Next Exit – Retirement, and Know Your Insurance, are listed on the Member Education page of the ASRS website. Each meeting requires pre-registration at myASRS before you can participate. Log in to your myASRS account using ID.me, view the available sessions, and complete the registration process. Arizona State Retirement System. Recordings of these meetings are available at all times on our Member Video Page. For a full schedule of upcoming group meetings and registration details, visit the ASRS Member Education page
When do I have to submit my retirement application?
ASRS must receive your retirement application on or before your retirement date. Your application can be accepted up to 6 months in advance of your retirement date however roughly 30 days in advance is suggested.
How many years do I need to work in order to make the same in retirement as I did while employed?
An ASRS pension benefit is design to provide an income that is less than 100% of a member’s post-retirement income, with personal savings and social security also contributing to toward a member’s total post-retirement income. That said, due to our Graded Multiplier and the nature of how retirement benefits are calculated, it generals takes 43.5 years for a member’s retirement benefit to match their compensation while employed. Learn more about how retirement benefits are calculated at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/estimate-your-benefits.
When can I retire?
Normal retirement eligibility is based on your membership date. Members with a date before July 1, 2011 are eligible at 80 points (points = age + service years), age 62 with 10 years, or age 65. Members with a date on or after July 1, 2011 are eligible at age 55 with 30 years, age 60 with 25 years, age 62 with 10 years, or age 65. Please see the retirement eligibility page for details regarding membership dates prior to 1/1/1984. To determine your exact eligibility age, you would need to visit the Retirement Eligibility page on the ASRS website, which provides detailed information about normal retirement qualifications based on your membership date. You can also log into your secure myASRS account to get personalized retirement eligibility information and benefit estimates based on your specific situation.
How much will my pension be?
The most accurate way to estimate your benefit is to log into your secure myASRS account and select “Retirement” under the “Your Benefit Estimates” header. This will allow you to estimate your future benefit and view the effects of different annuity types and retirement dates. You may also use the generalized benefit estimator tool on your public website by utilizing the following link. https://www.azasrs.gov/content/estimate-your-benefits
How many years of service is needed to retire?
A member's earliest eligible “Normal” retirement date is dependent on their membership date with the ASRS. For more information regarding your earliest “Normal” retirement date please visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retirement-eligibility
Can I take a Partial Lump Sum (PLS) at the time of retirement?
Members who are eligible to receive a monthly annuity payment can elect to cash out or rollover up to 36 months of their pension payments at the time of their retirement. This option reduces your monthly pension for the remainder of your lifetime. If paid directly to you, it is potentially subject to taxes: 20% for federal and 5% for state plus a possible additional 10% penalty for members under the age of 59.5 at the time of the payment. It is important to note that any PLS elected will not be paid until your retirement has been finalized ( typically 45-90 days after your retirement date.)
Do I qualify for Early Retirement?
Members can retire with a lifetime benefit as early as age 50 once they have acquired 5 years of service credits. Because retirement benefits are based on "normal" retirement rules, a member who takes an early retirement will receive a reduced benefit for their lifetime. Please visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retirement-eligibility for additional details.
How can I add service credit to my ASRS account?
Our service purchase program allows active members to purchase past service time under specific qualified categories. Purchasing additional service credit may increase your lifetime monthly benefit and/or qualify you for retirement at an earlier date. For rules, types of service that qualify and for costs, visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/service-purchase.
Can I roll over funds from my other retirement savings accounts to the ASRS?
No. You can neither add to nor borrow from your ASRS account. Roll-over funds may be used to purchase previous service, if you are eligible. For rules, types of service that qualify and for costs, visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/service-purchase.
Is it expensive to purchase service?
You can get an estimated cost to purchase service and the resulting effect on your projected monthly benefit by submitting a request for a service purchase estimate within your myASRS account. Please know that submitting a request for an estimate in no way obligates you to purchase the service in question.
What to do if my employer did not withhold contributions, and I think they should have?
If a member is meeting membership criteria (working at least 20 hours a week for at least 20 weeks in a fiscal year) then contribution deductions are required. If you believe that contributions were incorrectly not deducted, then a Contributions Not Withheld service purchase may be initiated via your myASRS account. Once received, we will generate an invoice that will first be sent to the employer who will be given 90 days from the invoice date to make a payment. Once the employer has made their payment the member will receive an invoice and will be given 90 days to make their payment.
How to pay for a CNW invoice that has expired, but I now want to pay it? Are there going to be additional fees?
Members do have the opportunity to re-calculate their invoice Service Purchase Invoice after it has expired. To do this you will need to log into your ASRS secure account online and select “View Details/ Re-Calculate under the “Action” header. This will populate a new window that will allow you to select “Re-Calculate Remaining” by selecting this you will send a recalculation request to the ASRS and will receive an updated invoice within 3-4 weeks. This invoice will allow you to select your payment method and make a payment. ASRS will not impose any “fees” however the cost may change from your original invoice due to interest.
Why do I need a Spousal Consent when my spouse is 100% benefit?
Married members are required by state statute to designate their spouse as a primary beneficiary and elect a Joint and Survivor annuity option to receive at least 50% of the account. A spouse may waive this right with a Spousal Consent form.
At what age will a person reach full benefits if they started ASRS at age 40?
Retirement Eligibility Based on Membership Date The age at which a person reaches full benefits depends on when they started contributing to the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). The specific retirement eligibility requirements vary based on membership date . To determine your exact eligibility age, you would need to visit the Retirement Eligibility page on the ASRS website, which provides detailed information about normal retirement qualifications based on your membership date. You can also log into your secure myASRS account to get personalized retirement eligibility information and benefit estimates based on your specific situation.
What is the Optional Health Insurance Premium Benefit (OHIPB)
The Optional Health Insurance Premium Benefit (OHIPB) is an option available to ASRS members who retire on or after January 1, 2004 and elect a Joint and Survivor Annuity. If elected at retirement, the member agrees to receive a reduced health insurance premium benefit for their lifetime. In exchange, a primary beneficiary will receive the same or a reduced premium benefit for the rest of their life after the member passes away.
Retired Member
Will we get a COLA this year?
There are no provisions in statute for automatic cost of living increases to ASRS pension benefits. For members who joined prior to September 13, 2013, Arizona Revised Statute § 38-767 does outline provisions for providing what is termed a Permanent Benefit Increase (PBI) to qualified retired members based on a buildup of excess earnings on the ASRS total fund. For more information, see https://www.azasrs.gov/content/permanent-benefit-increase
When will I get my 13th check?
This information applies only to members who are in the previous System plan, not the current Defined Benefit Pension Plan, which is the vast majority of current retirees. Retired System members who have received a 13th check in the past will again receive a 13th check this year in the same amount as last year’s check. Checks are mailed in mid-December. For more information: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/system-members
When will I get my January Pension check?
Benefit payments are generally made on the first of the month. It can vary by a day or two, depending on the month. For a list of dates by month, see: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/benefit-payments
Does the ASRS offer vision insurance?
Under the ASRS retiree health insurance plans offered, vision coverage is included in some plans. See: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/health-care
I need help selecting a Medicare plan with ASRS. Help me select a plan.
Please see our robust section on retiree health care. It includes videos on the various plan options as well as the current health insurance plan guide. Find more information at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/health-care
How can I apply the premium benefit to my private insurance plan?
The ASRS Premium Benefit is not available with private or Federal marketplace insurance plans – only ASRS retirees with five or more years of credited service who have health insurance through the ASRS or non-subsidized coverage through their ASRS employer are eligible for a monthly premium benefit. Learn more about our premium benefit at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retiree-health-insurance-premium-benefit-and-optional-health-insurance-premium-benefit
Can my child be on your health plan?
You are able to enroll a dependent child under the age of 26 in a non Medicare medical and/or dental plan. This includes your natural born child, legally adopted or placed for adoption child or stepchild, foster children, a child for whom legal guardianship has been awarded to you or your legal spouse, a child for whom insurance is required through a Qualified Medical Child Support Order, Court order or administrative order. You may also enroll a child of any age who is or becomes disabled and is dependent upon you.
What are the monthly premiums for your health plans?
All ASRS offered plans are available for review in our annual Health Insurance Enrollment Guidebook. This guide is mailed to each of our retirees mid October in preparation for our annual November Open Enrollment period. Please use the following link to review a digital copy of the Enrollment Guide: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/medicare-plans
Do I qualify for the health insurance subsidy?
ASRS retirees with five or more years of credited service who have health insurance through the ASRS or non-subsidized coverage through their ASRS employer are eligible for a monthly premium benefit. The ASRS Premium Benefit is not available with private or Federal marketplace insurance plans. Learn more about our premium benefit at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retiree-health-insurance-premium-benefit-and-optional-health-insurance-premium-benefit
Where can I get more information about your health plans?
Our retiree Healthcare page is the best resource for Medicare, non-Medicare, and dental plans available to ASRS retirees. Learn more at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/health-care
Additional information regarding insurance covered fitness programs such as One Pass and Renew (formerly Silver Sneakers) can be located in our most recent Open Enrollment Guide Book- https://www.azasrs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/OE_Guide_2026_web.pdf
Do you offer Medigap plans?
No, ASRS does not offer any Medigap options. ASRS offers two different Medicare Advantage plans through United Health Care, both of these plans include part D coverage. Note, members must have Medicare A and B in place to be eligible for an ASRS offered Medicare Advantage plan
Is my health insurance premium taken out pre or post tax?
Health Insurance Premiums (Medical and Dental) are paid post-tax. This means your Health insurance premiums are deducted from your pension check after the taxes have been withheld.
Why did I get two 1099-R's this year?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers age 59.5 to be a factor in determining whether retirement income paid to an individual is considered an “early” or a “normal” distribution. As a result, we are required to send you two 1099-Rs for the year you turn 59.5. One will report income and taxes paid before age 59.5. The other will report income and taxes paid for the remaining months of the year. You will need to utilize both forms when filing your annual tax return.
Do you offer Part D plans?
ASRS offers two different Medicare Advantage plans through United Health Care, both of these plans include part D coverage. Note, members must have Medicare A and B in place to be eligible for an ASRS offered Medicare Advantage plan. https://www.azasrs.gov/content/medicare-plans
Which insurance carriers are offered?
ASRS offers retirees multiple plans from United Healthcare of Arizona for medical insurance and the option between Delta Dental of Arizona or Cigna Dental HMO for dental insurance. Learn more at https://www.azasrs.gov/content/health-care
Is retiree Health insurance available through ASRS?
The ASRS offers medical insurance and dental insurance for ASRS retirees and their qualified dependents. Online health insurance enrollment is accessible from your secure myASRS account. Enrollment takes place during our annual Open Enrollment (OE) period, which is November 1 through November 30 each year. Outside of that the Open Enrollment Period, you must have a Qualifying Life Event to sign up for ASRS health insurance. If you are currently on Long Term Disability, you are also eligible to enroll in ASRS medical and or dental coverage upon starting LTD, if you have a qualifying event, or during Open Enrollment.
Where can I learn about Qualifying Life Events?
Visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/qualifying-life-events for the full list of qualifying life events and descriptions of each.
What are my health insurance options?
The ASRS offers medical insurance and dental insurance for retirees and their qualified dependents. Online health insurance enrollment is accessible from your secure myASRS account. The process is quick, safe, and easy. https://www.azasrs.gov/content/health-care
I just retired, and I need my pension verification letter?
The most efficient way to obtain your benefit verification is through your secure myASRS account. Once logged in, go to “Your Account” in the left-hand menu and click on “Benefit Verification” where you can print the document that you need. Log into your myASRS account at: https://secure.azasrs.gov/web/MemberLogin.do
I'm moving to Yavapai County. Can I still get my pension, and what do I need to update for my account?
Be sure to review and update your information in your secure MyASRS account. There, you can update the ASRS with your new address. You may want to update your direct deposit banking information as well, if that is changing. Log into your account at https://secure.azasrs.gov/web/MemberLogin.do
I'm moving out of the United States. Can I still get my pension, and what do I need to update for my account?
Yes, you can still get your pension while living abroad, but note that the ASRS cannot make deposits into foreign bank accounts. For additional information about living abroad, see: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retiree-miscellaneous-information To update your new address, log into your secure myASRS account at: https://secure.azasrs.gov/web/MemberLogin.do
I am retired and receiving/ received an ASRS retirement benefit. When can I go back to work with my school, and are there any restrictions?
Returning to work after retirement (RTW) with any ASRS employer can be a complex decision and is subject to specific ASRS rules. It is the member's responsibility to ensure compliance with the ASRS Return to Work rules and statutes. Failure to do so can result in suspension of benefits, repayment of unlawfully paid benefits, or cause irrevocable changes to your pension benefit. Whether and how you can return to work depends on several factors, including how long you have been retired, whether you retired under early or normal retirement, and whether you plan to work for an ASRS-participating employer or a non-ASRS employer. Because these factors can affect your retirement benefit and eligibility, ASRS encourages you to review the return-to-work rules before accepting employment. For detailed guidance based on your situation, visit the ASRS Return to Work page at azasrs.gov under Return to Work.
I recently retired through ASRS and will be working for ESI (or Smart Schools). Will my pension be stopped?
If you are working for a third-party employer, such as Smart Schools or Educational Services Inc. (ESI), or any other non-ASRS employer, you do not need to inform the ASRS. This type of employment will not effect your ability to continue to receive your ASRS pension. The regulations regarding returning to work only apply to ASRS employers and direct employment with an ASRS employer.
Where is the tax document that I need for my account?
Personal documents are available in your secure myASRS account, at https://secure.azasrs.gov/web/MemberLogin.do. 1099-R tax documents for ASRS retirees are mailed out no later than January 31, and are typically available earlier than Jan. 31 for those who have opted to receive their 1099-R digitally within their myASRS account. You must sign up to receive your 1099-R digitally by December 31st to receive your digital 1099-R the following January.
Where can I get my annual Year-to-Date payment statement?
Members can access their monthly and annual payment statements through their myASRS account. After logging in, select Payment History from the account menu and choose the desired tax year from the dropdown list. From there, you may review individual monthly payments by selecting Show/Hide Payment Details and print your payment information by selecting Print Payment History.
As a surviving spouse/widow of an ASRS member, can I leave my benefit to anyone for when I pass away?
No. An ASRS benefit that is being received by a beneficiary of the original member can not be passed to another individual upon your passing away. It's is only payable for your, the original beneficiary's, lifetime - after that, the benefit ends.
Why is my pension payment being taxed?
Your ASRS contributions were deducted from paychecks before taxes were applied. Because those contributions were made pre-tax, taxes are now applied when pension benefits are paid in retirement. This does not mean members are being taxed twice. Taxes were deferred until retirement rather than paid at the time contributions were made.
Reference Section
- A List of Historical Contribution Rates (note: the Total Contribution Rate for a given year would be the total of the number in the "Defined Benefit Plan Contributuion Rate" column plus the number in the "Long Term Disability Plan" column)
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