Department of Employee Trust Funds
May 9, 2012 (updated)

Wait Times/Common Questions

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, due to the growing number of members eligible to retire, coupled with processing delays caused by the implementation of the provisions of 2011 Wisconsin Acts 10 and 32, the wait times for many ETF services has increased considerably. For those who terminated employment in 2012, the two- to three-month wait for separation benefit payments and lump sum retirement benefits is due to delays in employers’ 2011 final data reporting processes. We appreciate your patience as we work with employers to obtain the information necessary to fulfill your requests.

The following information is provided to keep our members informed about the current wait times for the following services. The wait time for:

• retirement estimates is approximately five weeks.
• separation benefit payments is approximately two to three months after application is received. It also depends on when your former employer submits your termination date.
• death benefit payments is approximately two to three months after application is received. It also depends on when your former employer submits your termination date.
• lump sum retirement benefit payments is approximately two to three months after applications are received.
• an individual appointment with a Trust Funds Specialist is approximately three weeks.
• a group session appointment with a Trust Funds Specialist in Madison is less than five business days.