Short answer: if you leave before 55, you can take a separation benefit: your own contributions and interest, with no employer money, which closes your account. If you're vested you can instead leave it and start an annuity at 55 or later. First hired on or after July 1, 2011? You need 5 years to vest (who's covered). See also buying back service and taxes. Estimate the annuity you'd keep.
Are you vested?
- If you first began WRS employment on or after July 1, 2011, you must have five years of WRS-creditable service.
- If you first began WRS employment after 1989 and terminated employment before April 24, 1998, you must have some WRS-creditable service in five calendar years.
- If neither vesting law applies, you were vested when you first began WRS employment.
If you are not vested when you terminate all WRS employment, you are only eligible for a separation benefit (employee contributions, additional contributions and interest). You lose employer contributions and interest (about half your account). ET-2119 (6/18/2026), p. 3, When Do You Become Vested
The separation benefit
A one-time lump sum of your employee-required contributions, additional contributions and interest; no employer contributions. Available if you have terminated all WRS employment (75-day rule) and are under 55, or 55+ and not vested. Taking it closes the account: you lose employer money (about half), the service and its rights, and future ETF health insurance eligibility. If vested, ETF must receive the application before you turn 55. ET-2119 (6/18/2026), p. 14, Leaving WRS Employment: Separation Benefits
Leave it in and wait
A vested member who leaves can start a retirement annuity at 55 or later. It's worked out the same two ways, formula and money purchase, on your whole account. Your service stops growing, so use the calculator with "I've already left" ticked.
What the sources say
- If you leave before 55, or aren't vested, you can take a separation benefit: your own contributions plus interest, with no employer money.ET-2119 (6/18/2026), p. 14, Leaving WRS Employment: Separation Benefits
- A separation benefit closes your account: you lose the employer contributions (about half the value), your service and its rights, and future ETF health insurance eligibility, and tax penalties may apply.ET-3101 (rev 11/18/2025), p. 2, Before You Apply for a Separation Benefit
- If you're vested, ETF must receive a separation application before you turn 55. After that you can only take a retirement benefit.ET-2119 (6/18/2026), p. 14, How Does This Benefit Work
- A vested member who leaves and waits until 55 gets a retirement benefit based on the whole account, employee and employer contributions included.ET-3101 (rev 11/18/2025), p. 2, Before You Apply for a Separation Benefit
- WRS doesn't allow loans from your account.ET-2119 (6/18/2026), p. 4, Things to Consider
Questions
Can I get my money out if I leave?
Yes, as a separation benefit: your own contributions and interest, as a lump sum. You give up the employer money, your service and future ETF health insurance eligibility.
Should I leave it in instead?
If you're vested, leaving it means a lifetime annuity from 55, worked out on your whole account, employer money included. A separation benefit pays only your half.
Is there a deadline?
If you're vested, ETF must receive the separation application before you turn 55. After that, only a retirement benefit is available.
Can I borrow from my account?
No. Wisconsin law doesn't allow loans from a WRS account.
Source: Your Benefit Handbook (ET-2119), 6/18/2026, with Calculating Your Retirement Benefits (ET-4107, rev 3/5/2025), ET-2119 pp. 3, 4, 9, 14; ET-3101 pp. 2, 4; ET-4107 p. 2. Last reviewed .