New Hires | Active Members | Planning for Retirement |
Retirees | Survivor Benefits | Employers | Plan Information | QDROs
NEW HIRES
| #1 |
Employee Orientation
Brochure |
Quick guide for new employees giving a high level overview of both retirement plans (formal title is, "Your Money Your Choice: Welcome to the Florida Retirement System"). |
| #2 |
FRS Retirement Options for
New Employees |
Guide mailed to all new employees explaining their retirement plan choice options (included in the New Employee FRS Enrollment Kit). |
| #3 |
Plan Comparison |
A brief side-by-side comparison of the two retirement plans so employees can see - at a glance - what the key differences are between them. |
| #4 |
Your Guide to FRS Resources Brochure |
A short summary of the free FRS resources available to all active FRS members after they have made their retirement plan choice. |
| #5 |
Investment Funds Summary |
A summary of each of the investment funds offered under the FRS Investment Plan. It very briefly describes each fund's investment objective and strategy, and where that fund falls on a risk/reward spectrum. |
| #6 |
Investment Fund Summary - Quick Guide |
A quick-guide summary of each of the investment funds offered under the FRS Investment Plan. |
| #7 |
Privacy Agreement |
Summary of the privacy and advice policies. |
| #8 |
State University System SUSORP-Eligible Employees Brochure |
Brochure for new University employees who are eligible to participate in the State University System Optional Retirement Program, Pension Plan, and Investment Plan. |
ACTIVE MEMBERS
| NEWSLETTERS |
| Pension Plan |
| #15 |
Fall 2007 |
The Fall 2007 (PDF) issue contains an article on the 2007 Retirement
Legislation, plus a message from the Secretary of the Department of
Management Services, Linda H. South. The issue also includes articles
concerning Member Annual Statements, the total assets and liabilities
of the FRS, and information on returning to work after retirement.
Miscellaneous tips are provided to help you with both planning and
saving for retirement. Finally, the newsletter provides Division
contact information and a brief comparison of the FRS to other large
public retirement systems throughout the country.
|
| #16 |
Fall 2006 |
The Fall 2006 (PDF) issue contains an article on the 2006 Retirement Legislation
and brief items on Member Annual Statements, the Pension Protection Act
of 2006, and the 2006 survey of FRS members, retirees, and employers.
The issue includes a message from the Executive Director of the State
Board of Administration on the management of FRS Trust Fund assets.
This issue also includes an article about boosting your retirement
income along with information about the FRS Financial Guidance Program.
Finally, the newsletter provides a brief summary about the changes to
the Division of Retirement's website and Division contact information.
|
| Investment Plan |
| #17 |
Investment Plan Quarterly Newsletter |
The latest issue of the Investment Plan Quarterly Newsletter includes a summary of investment performance organized by asset class, including money market, inflation-protected securities, bonds, U.S. stocks and foreign stocks, and balanced funds. The summary offers a description of each asset class as well as information such as fees and average annual returns.
Past Quarterly Newsletters |
| MISCELLANEOUS |
| Pension Plan |
| #18 |
In-State and Out-of-State Service |
Handout that explains the options available to you regarding the purchase of creditable service under the FRS Pension Plan and discusses the features, requirements, and cost of purchasing retirement credit for your in-state and out-of-state public service. |
| Investment Plan |
| #19 |
FRS Investment Plan Statement Guide |
A guide to help with reading the quarterly Investment Plan statements and understanding the information that they contain. |
| Pension Plan and Investment Plan |
| #20 |
2nd Election Flyer |
Explains what the 2nd Election is, the procedures for filing a 2nd Election, and lists available resources. |
PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT
| Pension Plan |
| #21 |
Preparing to Retire |
“Preparing to Retire” is a document designed to inform FRS Pension Plan members of the process and requirements of applying for retirement benefits. |
| #22 |
What Retirement Option Should You Choose? |
Information to assist you in selecting your pension retirement option. |
| #23 |
DROP Brochure |
Pamphlet that describes the FRS Deferred Retirement Option Program. It discusses potential advantages and disadvantages
of participating in this program, explains program eligibility and participation requirements, answers commonly asked questions, and provides examples.
It is recommended for FRS Pension Plan members nearing retirement age. (See the DROP Page
on this website for more on this program.) |
| #24 |
Retirement Annuities Offered by
Private Companies |
Is pension maximization right for you? |
| Pension Plan and Investment Plan |
| #25 |
FRS Disability Benefits |
"FRS Disability Benefits" is a document designed to inform Florida Retirement System members of the process and requirements of applying for disability retirement benefits. |
| #26 |
Financial Planning for Life |
Financial planning solutions for members at various life stages. |
| #27 |
Keys to Retirement Planning and Investing |
Regardless of which retirement plan you choose, here are some basic strategies for long-term investing and retirement planning that will help you prepare for the future. |
SURVIVOR BENEFITS
| Pension Plan |
| #28 |
FRS Survivor Benefits |
"FRS Survivor Benefits" is a document designed to explain the benefits available to eligible joint annuitants and beneficiaries of deceased members. |
| Investment Plan |
| #29 |
FRS Survivor Financial Counseling for Investment Plan Beneficiaries |
A guide to help Investment Plan beneficiaries understand the free and unbiased Survivor Financial Counseling services available from Ernst & Young. Note: This service is for Investment Plan beneficiaries only. |
RETIREES
| BROCHURES |
| Pension Plan |
| #30 |
After You Retire |
"After You Retire" is a document designed to inform FRS Pension Plan retirees about retirement benefits, income taxes, the health insurance subsidy, and reemployment after retirement. |
| Investment Plan |
| #31 |
MyFRS Termination Kit - FRS Investment Plan Special Tax Notice and Distribution Options |
Includes information on the requirements for taking a distribution, distribution options, taxes, de minimis distributions, required minimus distributions, name and address changes, the Health Insurance Subsidy, reemployment after retirement, and a Special Tax Notice. |
| NEWSLETTERS |
| Pension Plan |
| #32 |
July 2008 |
The July 2008 issue contains information regarding the enhancement of the Online
Services feature of our Web site, including how to establish your User Profile. There is also an article
about the FRS Centenarian Club. Other brief articles discuss changes made during the 2008 Legislative
Session, and the benefits of enrolling in Direct Deposit. Reminders are included about the
cost-of-living adjustment payable with the July benefit, insurance premium deductions,
the remaining 2008 benefit payment schedule, and information about DROP rollovers to the FRS Investment Plan.
|
| #33 |
January 2008 |
The January 2008 issue contains articles and sidebars
related to payment and taxation of benefits, including the
2008 benefit payment schedule and a description of the IRS
1099-R tax information forms mailed to retirees in January.
Related information is provided regarding the retiree annual
statement and the Health Insurance Subsidy. There is an article
on the importance of keeping address information current. Other
brief articles provide Division contact and Web site information,
tax exclusion information for retired public safety officers, and
information about DROP rollovers to the FRS Investment Plan.
|
EMPLOYERS
| Pension Plan |
| #34 |
FRS Pension Plan Employer Handbook |
The FRS Pension Plan Employer Handbook - a technical manual for FRS employers — is now available online in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Payroll staff and retirement coordinators for FRS employers are encouraged to access and print out chapters from this valuable resource by clicking on the link above. The Division will let you know when chapters are revised. We hope this will prove to be a useful tool to make your jobs easier. |
| #35 |
Information Releases
|
Information from the Division of Retirement on policy or procedural changes that may affect FRS employers or their employees who are members of the FRS.
|
| Investment Plan |
| #36 |
FRS Investment Plan Employer Toolkit |
The FRS Employer Toolkit is a comprehensive source for information
about policies and procedures, member eligibility and requirements, workshops,
and resources concerning the two FRS retirement plans. The printed copy of
the Toolkit includes a Resource CD with the New Hire Video, PowerPoint presentations
employers can customize, Frequently Asked Questions, and links to files and information on MyFRS.com.
|
| #37 |
FRS Investment Plan Employer Manual |
The FRS Investment Plan Employer Manual is a technical guide for retirement coordinators,
payroll staff, and others who have FRS responsibilities. It is intended to explain the
administration of the retirement plan choice process and the FRS Investment Plan in nontechnical
language.
|
| #38 |
FRS Employer Newsletter |
The latest issue of the FRS Employer Newsletter. Produced quarterly, this newsletter provides employers with quick updates and news employers need to know.
Past Quarterly Newsletters |
PLAN INFORMATION
| #39 |
Florida Retirement System Annual Reports |
Annual Reports of the Florida Retirement System. |
| #40 |
Florida Retirement System Contribution Rates |
The 2007/2008 retirement and health insurance subsidy contributions in effect for the Florida Retirement System and retirement programs available under the system. (Links to contribution rates for prior years are also available.) |
| #41 |
Florida Retirement System Participating Employers |
Your retirement coverage in the Florida Retirement System will continue when you change employment among these participating employers. |
| #42 |
Florida Retirement System Surveys |
The 2005/2006 surveys of FRS Retirement Coordinators, active members, recent retirees, and other retirees to determine their satisfaction with the information and services provided by the Division of Retirement. (Links to surveys for prior years are also available.) |
| #43 |
2007 FRS Valuation Summary |
Disclosure information for Florida Retirement System employers for the 2006-2007 fiscal year,
based upon requirements of GASB Statements 25 and 27 and including the results of the July 1, 2007,
Actuarial Valuation of the FRS.
|
QDROs
| Pension Plan |
| #44 |
Instructions for Establishing a Pension Plan QDRO |
(WORD) (PDF)
In an award of retirement benefits in a Marital Settlement
Agreement or Dissolution of Marriage, the FRS member's former spouse (Alternate
Payee) is eligible to receive a portion of the member's FRS benefit. However,
before an Alternate Payee can receive a benefit, a Qualified Domestic Relations
Order, or QDRO, must be approved by the Division of Retirement. This document
offers information intended to provide assistance in obtaining an approved QDRO
in a timely manner. The document includes steps to obtain an approved QDRO, a
description of the payment process, contact information, and model generic
judicial orders for use under the FRS Pension Plan. |
| #45 |
Model Judicial Orders for FRS Pension Plan QDRO : |
Generic Version (PDF)
Alternate Payee is Former Wife (PDF)
Alternate Payee is Former Husband (PDF) |
| Investment Plan |
| #46 |
Florida Retirement System Investment Plan Model Language and Procedures Guide |
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