Department of Employee Trust Funds
November 1, 2009 (updated)

Wait Times

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) members frequently ask, “How long will it take to receive my…

• …retirement benefit estimate?”
• …separation benefit payment?”
• …death benefit payment?”
• …lump sum retirement benefit payment?”

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) is committed to providing timely service to our members. However, unprecedented growth in the number of participants eligible to retire has substantially increased the demand for many of our basic services and, consequently, the wait times are now longer. This has led to an increase in the number of inquiries from members checking on the status of their estimates, applications, and other retirement-related business.

The following information is provided to keep our members informed about the current wait times for the following services. As of November 1, 2009:

• The wait time for retirement estimates is approximately 2 weeks after requests are received.
• The wait time for separation benefit payments is approximately 4-7 months after requests are received.
• The wait time for death benefit payments is approximately 4 weeks after requests are received.
• The wait time for lump sum retirement benefit payments is approximately 4-5 months after requests are received.
• The wait time for an individual appointment with a Trust Funds Specialist is approximately 8 weeks.
• The wait time for a group session appointment with a Trust Funds Specialist is less than 8 business days.