General FAQ's
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.
I think I worked for the state, how do I know if I have an account?
The most effective way to determine if you have 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.
Did I contribute to the ASRS in the past?
The most effective way to determine if you have 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 employers does ASRS work with?
ASRS partners with more than 800 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 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 update my beneficiary’s name?
Members may update their beneficiary any time at: https://secure.azasrs.gov/web/Login.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 call us at: 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.
How do I remove or add a beneficiary?
Members may update their beneficiary any time at: https://secure.azasrs.gov/web/Login.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 call us at: 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.
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
I am not receiving an email to reset my password?
Our account unlock process is only successful when the correct Login ID is entered prior to requesting an unlock code. If you are not sure of your Login ID we ask that you contact our Member Advisory Center at 602-240-2000, they will verify your personal information and provide you with your login ID.
Active Member FAQ's
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 my 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?
Re-enroll your myASRS account with your new employer’s enrollment code, which your employer can provide you. This code can be used to register as a new user. Once your new account information is received, your original account and new account information will be merged according to your social security number.
I received an enrollment code from my new employer but I am already an ASRS member.
Even as an existing member of the ASRS we ask that you go through the “First Time Registration” steps in the MyASRS login screen and utilize your new employer's enrollment code. Once you have registered utilizing the appropriate code your employer will approve your account and your new and existing accounts will merge based on your social security number.
I am switching ASRS employers - what do I need to do to update my ASRS account?
Even as an existing member of the ASRS we ask that you go through the “First Time Registration” steps in the MyASRS login screen and utilize your new employer's enrollment code. Once you have registered utilizing the appropriate code your employer will approve your account and your new and existing accounts will merge based on your social security number.
What are my annuity options?
There are three categories of annuity options to choose from; a Straight Life Annuity, a Term-Certain Annuity, and a Joint and Survivor Annuity. Within the Term Certain or Joint and Survivor category, there are additional annuity options to choose from which to choose. Each annuity option provides a slightly different benefit structure from based on your retirement goals. To learn more, visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retirement-annuity-options
What was the contribution rate three years ago?
Information on current and previous contribution rates can be found on https://www.azasrs.gov/content/contribution-rates. For historical rates, please click the “Historical Contribution Rates” pdf link.
What is the contribution rate for 2025?
The contribution rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year is 12.27%. The ASRS contribution rate is actuarially determined and adjusted annually to ensure the plan remains fiscally sound and able to meet current and future obligations. See: https://www.azasrs.gov/content/contribution-rates
How do I move my contributions to my new employer?
All you need to do is re-enroll your myASRS account with your new employer’s enrollment code, which your employer can provide you. This code can be used to register as a new user. Once your new account information is received, your original account and new account information will be merged according to your social security number.
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?
Enrollment for new employees is completed utilizing an enrollment code provided to you by your employer in your onboarding process. Please see the following link for additional information and instruction regarding enrollment. https://www.azasrs.gov/blog/enrolling-and-registering-asrs
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 deterimined?"
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.
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 borrow money from my account?
State statute does not permit members to borrow from their ASRS account. https://www.azasrs.gov/blog/can-i-borrow-against-my-pension
Can I take a loan out against the funds in my retirement account?
No. State statute does not permit members to add to or borrow from their ASRS account. https://www.azasrs.gov/blog/can-i-borrow-against-my-pension
Can I take out a loan on my retirement?
State statute does not permit members to add to or borrow from their ASRS account. https://www.azasrs.gov/blog/can-i-borrow-against-my-pension
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.
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?
Eligibility for “normal retirement” depends on when you started you started contributing to the ASRS. For a full breakdown of retirement eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.azasrs.gov/content/retirement-eligibility
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
when am I eligible 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
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 porjected 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 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
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