With approximately $108.8 billion in assets, the Wisconsin Retirement System is the 8^th largest U.S. public pension fund and 25^th largest public or private pension fund in the world. Racine County employees participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System at date of hire.

Please be aware, if you are currently a WRS annuitant, you MUST inform the Human Resources Department and WRS of your new employment with Racine County prior to starting. You are not permitted to receive an annuity AND be employed by a WRS employer at the same time, therefore it is essential that your annuity is stopped in a timely manner. You must have a 75 day break in service from your previous WRS employer, otherwise a repayment may be needed.

The Wisconsin Retirement System offers many advantages to a traditional 401(k).

Lifetime Benefits - The WRS provides lifetime benefits for vested (5 years of employment) employees.

High Return on Investment - Employees earn on average $1 for every 11 cents.

Low Unfunded Liabilities - Wisconsin is 1 of 4 states with the lowest leaves of unfunded liabilities or long-term debt for public employee pension and retiree health care.

Contribution Stability and Predictability - Employee and employer annual pension contributions are paid in full and the contribution rates have remained stable over time.

Intergenerational Equity - The cost of benefits are paid by those who receive the benefits, not on to the next generation.