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Arizona summers are known for sunshine and soaring temps. While the heat can make it tempting to stay indoors, summer is also a great opportunity to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy everything our great state has to offer. Whether you’re taking a well-earned vacation, enjoying weekends close to home, or simply looking for a change of pace, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the season. 

When was the last time you reviewed your beneficiary information? For many members, beneficiary designations are completed when they first enroll and then forgotten. However, life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the passing of a loved one can make it important to revisit those choices and ensure they still reflect your wishes.

Updating your beneficiary information is one of the simplest steps you can take to help protect your loved ones and avoid complications in the future.

As we prepare for the new fiscal year, we would like to share an update regarding contribution rates.

Effective July 1, 2026, the total contribution rate will decrease slightly from 12.00% to 11.98%. This change is primarily the result of a reduction in the Long-Term Disability (LTD) contribution rate, which offsets a small increase in the retirement contribution rate.

2026-2027 Contribution Rates

Retiring is a major milestone, but one of the first practical decisions you will face is how to handle your health insurance. As a member of the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the process is fairly straightforward once you understand the timing, your eligibility, and how your choices affect costs.

A new year is an ideal time to review your financial goals and consider additional savings options for your retirement future. While your ASRS pension provides a strong foundation for retirement, many members choose to enhance their long-term financial security with a supplemental savings plan.

As a member of the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), both you and your employer contribute toward your future retirement. These contributions make it possible for ASRS to provide a variety of benefits, including a lifetime monthly income once you retire.

There are two portions to the ASRS contribution rate: the Pension & Health Insurance Benefit supplement contribution rate, which pays for retirement benefits, and the Long-Term Disability contribution rate, which pays for Long-Term Disability claims.

How Often Do Contribution Rates Change?

One common budgeting oversight we see from members planning their retirement is comparing their estimated future pension amount against their current monthly bills to see if they can afford to retire. The oversight? Focusing on what their bills currently are, not what their bills will be. This is especially true when it comes to health insurance costs – and even more so if you won't be 65 and Medicare-eligible when you retire.

Many members reach out to the ASRS hoping to borrow or withdraw funds from their ASRS account for many reasons, such as making a down payment on a home or supplementing household finances. Unfortunately, Arizona law does not authorize loans from ASRS pension accounts. As a result, active and inactive members are not permitted to borrow against or take partial withdrawals from their ASRS account.

In today’s digital age, ensuring your personal information remains safe while communicating with ASRS is more important than ever. That is why ASRS offers our Member Secure Messaging (MSM) program, a trusted, confidential, and efficient way for members to get in touch with a representative.

A Safe and Secure Way to Communicate

If you are having issues accessing your account, your first step is to click the “Having Trouble Logging In” link located on the myASRS secure account login page. From there, you will go through the process of resetting your password.

To update your password successfully: