Polk County Public Schools, Staff
Defined Benefit Plan - An employer-sponsored retirement plan under which members are promised a continuing benefit at retirement if they meet certain age and/or service requirements. The benefit amount is determined by formula, normally based on the members' earnings, length of service, and service value.
Defined Contribution Plan - An employer-sponsored retirement plan under which contributions are made by the employer, employee, or both, to individual member accounts to generate funds for distribution to the member at retirement (termination). Contribution amounts are determined by Florida Statute and are usually a set percentage of the employee’s salary. Investments are generally directed by the employee, among investment products offered by the plan. The benefit amount at retirement (termination) is the sum that accumulates in the member’s account, based on contributions made and investment earnings/losses. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure that sufficient funds are raised to provide for adequate retirement income.
Free Financial Planning Resource
The FRS provides all Pension Plan and Investment Plan members with free access to Ernst & Young financial planners. Your Ernst & Young financial planner does not sell any investment or insurance products. They are there to serve as your personal retirement and financial advocate; available to answer any retirement and financial questions you may have. For more information see FAQ #8 below.
Read the FRS Bulletin
View or download the full-color PDF version of this publication by following this link. A more printer-friendly black and white version is available here. You can also find the bulletin from the Publications page of the FRSwebsite (http://frs.MyFlorida.com), by clicking on Retirement Newsletters. The annual bulletin contains articles of interest to Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan DROP participants and active members. This edition includes:
- Descriptions of key changes to the FRS that were made by the Florida Legislature
- A reminder about changes made to the termination requirement and reemployment limitation after DROP participation
- Information about the comprehensive financial tools and resources made available to DROP participants
Any time prior to normal retirement is considered "early retirement." The employee will have a 5% reduction in benefit per year based on the number of service years under age 62 (or age 65 for new employees hired on/after July 1, 2011).
Optional: Only complete the additional Beneficiary Designation Form FST-12 if you plan to designate more than one primary beneficiary (indicated by percentage).
Note: Effective for new participants enrolling in DROP on and after July 1, 2011, the new annual interest rate on DROP accounts is 1.3%.
As an FRS Pension Plan member eligible for regular service retirement (see Question #1 above), you may be eligible to participate in the DROP if you are not ready to stop working. Note: FRS Investment Plan members are not eligible to participate in DROP.
The retirement system calculates your benefits as if you were actually going to retire, but holds your monthly retirement benefit in a separate interest earning account while you continue working. The benefits accumulate, and when you do stop working (retire), you receive the accumulated DROP amount, in addition to receiving your monthly retirement benefit. Read more at the FRS DROP webpage.
Create your Online Services Account to access retirement information including your service credit, salary history, and current beneficiary information. You can also calculate a DROP Accumulation estimate based on a DROP entry month of your choice.
When you apply to retire and enroll in DROP, you must state a separation date. The DROP Calendar allows you to easily determine your maximum DROP termination date (last day of month), based on your DROP begin date (assuming that you have 60 months of DROP eligibility*). Using this calendar will help you avoid selecting an invalid DROP termination date.
* Some non-instructional members may be eligible for fewer months in DROP due to a "late start." For more information, see the latest version of the DROP Brochure.
If you decide not to access your FRS Online Services Account, manually calculate an estimate of your DROP Accumulation here.
Vacation Leave - Employees on a 12-month work schedule have the option to contribute a limited amount of accrued vacation leave toward their DROP annual salary calculation.
BENCOR and Sick Leave - BENCOR is an automatic benefit for new DROP participants entering after July 1, 2008 which pays you for your unused sick leave when you separate from service or exit out of DROP/retire. Every year after your anniversary date of entering DROP, a percentage of the pre-DROP payout balance of your pre-DROP sick leave is rolled over into a tax deferred BENCOR Special Pay Plan account. You may contact the BENCOR retirement consultants for access to your BENCOR account approximately 45 days after retirement. You are under no obligation to leave your money with BENCOR. The funds are yours to transfer or request distribution after the BENCOR account is set up.
View the DROP Frequently Asked Questions for additional helpful information.
You may be eligible to defer or postpone the date you begin DROP when you complete 30 years of service based upon the exceptions listed below. You must elect to join DROP within 12 months beginning with the month you reach your maximum deferral date. During this 12-month period, your total allowable DROP participation decreases by one month for each month you delay your decision. If you do not begin DROP participation within this 12-month period you lose your right to participate in DROP unless you are employed in a position eligible for unlimited DROP deferral (see Deferral Exceptions below).
If you have reached one of the requirements for normal retirement eligibility (age 62 or 30 years of service credit), you may be able to defer DROP election as described below if you meet one of the following criteria:
s. 1012.01(2)(a)-(e), F.S.16. INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL.--"Instructional personnel" means any K-12 staff member whose function includes the provision of direct instructional services to students. Instructional personnel also includes K-12 personnel whose functions provide direct support in the learning process of students. Included in the classification of instructional personnel are the following K-12 personnel:
(a) Classroom teachers.
(b) Student personnel services.-- Included in this classification are guidance counselors, social workers, career specialists, and school psychologists.
(c) Librarians/media specialists.
(d) Other instructional staff.-- Included in this classification are primary specialists, learning resource specialists, instructional trainers, adjunct educators certified pursuant to s. 1012.57, and similar positions.
(e) Education paraprofessionals.
If you decide to postpone DROP participation because you qualify for a deferral exception, you do not need to notify FRS that you plan to defer your DROP participation. However, to maximize your time in DROP, you must apply promptly before your deferral exception date occurs. FRS will accept your application up to six months in advance of your planned DROP entry date. (Source: FRS DROP Brochure (July 2010) p12)
Note: Effective July 1, 2011, the new annual interest rate on DROP accounts is 1.3%. FRS Investment Plan members are not eligible to participate in DROP.
a) Have your signature notarized on forms DP-ELE, DP-11, FRS-11o, and SA-1 (also, if you select benefit payout Options 3 or 4, your spouse's signature on the SA-1 Spousal Acknowledgement form),
b) Provide a clear photocopy (not original) of your birth certificate (and if you select benefit Options 3 or 4, your spouse's/joint annuitant's birth certificate),
c) Make copies of your forms DP-ELE, DP-11, FRS-11o, and SA-1 before sending to the Retirement Office for Employer Certification,
d) Send original completed notarized forms DP-ELE, DP-11, FRS-11o, and SA-1 and clear copies of birth certificate(s) via District Courier (Route E) or mail: Human Resource Services Division, ATTN: Retirement Office, HRS Building B, 1907 South Floral Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
View or download the full-color PDF version of this publication by following this link. A more printer-friendly black and white version is available here. You can also find the bulletin from the Publications page of the FRSwebsite (http://frs.MyFlorida.com), by clicking on Retirement Newsletters. The annual bulletin contains articles of interest to Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan DROP participants and active members. This edition includes:
As a participant in the DROP, you are considered a retired member by FRS so your Employer's Retirement Office cannot view your DROP Account. By creating your Online Services Account you will see information specific to your individual DROP account, such as your DROP begin and end dates, your DROP accrual amount projected through your DROP end date, and the monthly benefit you would receive upon termination of employment.
To change your beneficiary designation, first view the FRS QuickClip video "Beneficiary Designation," complete a form FST-12, and then fax the notarized form to the FRS Bureau of Retirement Calculations at (850) 410-2195. You may also change your beneficiary via your Online Services Account.
5. Sick Leave and BENCOR - If you entered DROP after July 1, 2008 then you probably have a BENCOR Special Pay Plan account. You may contact the BENCOR retirement consultants for access to your BENCOR account approximately 45 days after retirement.
If you entered DROP before July 1, 2008 then any available sick and/or vacation leave with a payout valued in excess of $2,500.00 will be transferred into a BENCOR Special Pay Plan account. You may contact the BENCOR retirement consultants for additional information regarding how to access your BENCOR account approximately 45 days after retirement. You are under no obligation to leave your money with BENCOR. The funds are yours to transfer or request distribution after the BENCOR account is set up.
As a participant in the DROP, you are considered a retired member by FRS. By creating your Online Services Account you will see information specific to your individual DROP account, such as your DROP begin and end dates, your DROP accrual amount projected through your DROP end date, and the monthly benefit you would receive upon termination of employment.
Read the "Preparing to Terminate DROP" information.
If you wish to end your DROP participation and stop working/retire earlier than your original end date, contact the PCSB Retirement Office at Retirement-AllStaff@polk-fl.net. The FRS DROP Termination Unit will be notified and a DROP Termination packet will be mailed to your address approximately 90 days before your new DROP exit date.
After you receive your DROP exit packet from FRS, follow the steps provided in FAQ #5 above, " What happens at the end of my DROP participation?"
If you are a member of the FRS Pension Plan, by creating an Online Services Account you can access your personal retirement account information including service history and service credit information, salary data, and beneficiary information. You can calculate benefit estimates based on various scenarios, and view and print your Member Annual Statements (MAS) as they become available.
FRS Pension Plan members should visit the FL Division of Retirement website which provides information about the Plan. Visit the Employee Page to view and print Retirement Forms and Guides. View the informative FRS video Quick Clips which allow members to watch short presentations explaining various FRS Pension Plan topics. Contact the FRS Division of Retirement directly.
Investment Plan members may visit the MyFRS website, which is a cooperative website of the Department of Management Services and the Florida State Board of Administration. It is part of the MyFRS Financial Guidance Program and offers online planning models and Retirement 101 to help employees eligible for membership in the FRS to choose between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan. The website also provides access to resources and forms available under both plans. See FAQ #8 below for additional MyFRS contact information.
Former employees who wish to request verification of their Investment Plan termination date may contact the PCSB Retirement Office at Retirement-AllStaff@polk-fl.net.
The FRS provides all Pension Plan and Investment Plan members with free access to Ernst & Young financial planners. Your Ernst & Young financial planner does not sell any investment or insurance products. They are there to serve as your personal retirement and financial advocate; available to answer any retirement and financial questions you may have.
On the Phone - Call the toll-free MyFRS Financial Guidance Line at 1-866-446-9377, Option 2 (TRS 711), Monday through Friday from 9 am - 8 pm EST. — The MyFRS Financial Guidance Line is staffed by an award-winning financial planning team at Ernst & Young and retirement counselors from the Division of Retirement-ready to take your call and offer you knowledgeable, personalized assistance.
Over the Web - The MyFRS.com Web site offers valuable resources, financial data, educational information, and easy access to state-of-the-art services such as the ADVISOR SERVICE, CHOICE SERVICE and the 2ND CHOICE SERVICE (for considering your 2nd Election).
Schedule an Appointment Online - Speak to an Ernst & Young financial planner when it is convenient for you. Our online MyFRS Financial Guidance Line Appointment System allows you to select the date and time that best work for your schedule.
Yes. All members have a one-time 2nd Election that they can use only once during their FRS career to switch to the other FRS retirement plan, providing they are actively employed by Polk County Schools and earning retirement service credit at the time of the switch. Before making any changes in your FRS retirement plan, see Question #8 above to contact the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line for additional counsel.
To obtain an official estimate of the amount due to purchase years of service credit, first complete an FR-9 Information Request and attach the appropriate form(s) referenced below for the type(s) of service credit requested. After completing the member/employee section of the appropriate FRS forms, make copies before sending to the Retirement Office. After completion of the Employer information, the forms will be faxed to FRS by the Retirement Office. FRS will provide the estimate within 4-6 weeks. Send original completed forms via District Courier (Route E) or mail to:
Human Resource Services Division
ATTN: Retirement Office, HRS Building B1915 South Floral Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830
Complete the form FR-28 and attach to the FR-9 Information Request.
Requirements for purchasing your in-state or out-of-state service (includes federal and non-wartime military service) are listed on the form FR-30. Upon receipt of the FR-30 from your former pension system, FRS will audit your retirement account and advise you of the cost to claim your in-state or out-of-state service. Also submit the FR-9 Information Request.
You must be reemployed in a position covered for retirement for one continuous year. Complete the FR-9 Information Request.
Requirements for purchasing military service can be found on the form MF-1. If you are not eligible to claim your military as active wartime service or as a leave of absence you may be eligible to claim the service as out-of-state service. Attach a copy of your discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent) for each period of military service you wish to claim. Also submit the FR-9 Information Request.
The Florida Retirement System (FRS) provides two types of disability retirement benefits:
Regular and In-line-of-duty:
Disability arising from an illness or injury due to natural causes, or an accident not related to the member’s covered employment is known as “regular disability.” To qualify for regular disability, you must meet one of the following service
requirements:
• Must have completed at least 8 years of creditable service; or
• If your hire date was before July 1, 1980, and you had less than five years of creditable service before July 1, 1980, you must currently have at least five years of creditable service and may not have attained fully insured status under the Federal Social Security Act.
Special disability provisions apply in the case of an illness or injury that arises out of, and during the performance of, duties required by the employer during regular or irregular work hours - or “in-line-of-duty disability.” A member of the FRS Pension Plan or FRS Investment Plan is eligible for in-line-of-duty disability benefits from the first day of employment in a regularly established position.
Two physicians must attest that you are totally and permanently disabled due to an on-the-job injury or illness, and you must provide FRS with a copy of the Notice of Injury, as filed with Workers' Compensation. Approval for Social Security Disability or Workers' Compensation does not automatically qualify you for an FRS disability retirement benefit.
You are responsible for having all forms completed by the physicians (2) and submitted to the Retirement Office. Failure to thoroughly complete all items may delay the processing of your application. The review process takes approximately 60-90 days from the date your complete application is submitted. The two-page FR13a/Statement of Disability by Employer form will be completed by District staff after being notified of your intention to apply. Questions concerning Disability retirement benefits should be directed to the FRS Disability Determination Section at the number provided on the forms.
Make copies and send the original completed and notarized Disability Application forms via District Courier (Route E) or mail to:
Human Resource Services Division
ATTN: Retirement Office, Building B
1915 South Floral Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830
The forms will be verified and faxed to FRS for processing.
First, view the Reemployment after Retirement FRS Quick Clip and read the Working After Retirement brochure for an explanation of the reemployment limitations for FRS Pension Plan and FRS Investment Plan retirees.
Attention Investment Plan Members: If you have received money or taken a distribution of any amount from your FRS Investment Plan account at any age, you are considered "retired" and are subject to re-employment limitations.
All Polk County School District employees who retired on or after July 1, 2010 must remain separated from the District for six (6) full months after their retirement date before they are eligible to reapply for rehire. If you are rehired after the mandatory 6-month waiting period you will be required to certify that your reemployment does not violate these restrictions and you must also suspend your monthly retirement benefit during the 7th - 12th months following your retirement date by completing Form FR-23. Please contact the FRS Bureau of Retirement Calculations at 1-888-738-2252 for more information regarding your employment eligibility after retirement.
FRS retirees whose DROP termination dates or regular (non-DROP) retirement dates are prior to July 1, 2010 may become reemployed by the District, within certain limitations, and may also be eligible to receive a retirement benefit in the same month as a salary or wage payment. During the 2nd - 12th months after the effective retirement date or DROP termination date, your retirement benefits will be suspended unless your employment qualifies under an exception to reemployment restrictions. Please contact the FRS Bureau of Retirement Calculations at 1-888-738-2252 for more information regarding your employment eligibility after retirement.
After one year has elapsed from your retirement effective date, you may be reemployed by an FRS employer and receive both salary and FRS retirement benefits simultaneously, without restriction.
Make a copy to keep and send the original completed FR-23 Suspension of Retirement Benefits form via District Courier Service (Route E) or mail to:
Human Resource Services Division
ATTN: Retirement Office
Building B, 1915 South Floral Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830
The form will be verified and faxed directly to FRS for processing.
If you meet the eligibility requirements to reapply for rehire after retirement, please complete a new Online Employment Application.
Pension Plan Members
Investment Plan Members
Complete the change of address form and return it to the Human Resource Services Division.
To help you understand the changes that have taken place, FRS has created a 2012 Retirement Legislation page at www.MyFRS.com. If you have any questions please call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line at 1-866-446-9377, Option 2
Pension Reform Lawsuit
Effective July 1, 2011, the District was required to deduct a 3% employee retirement contribution. DROP participants are not required to contribute since they are considered "retirees" by FRS.
On March 6, 2012, the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit issued an order striking down Chapter 2011-68, Laws of Florida, as applied to individuals hired before July 1, 2011. This law required employees in the Florida Retirement System to contribute 3% of their salary towards their retirements and reduced the cost-of-living adjustment for benefits earned on or after July 1, 2011. The trial court’s decision has been appealed to the appropriate Florida appellate court, which results in an immediate stay of the order. Accordingly, while the stay remains in effect, no changes to benefits or deductions are being made.
To help you plan for retirement, each year the Social Security Administration sends you your personal Social Security Statement, which gives you an estimate of the monthly benefit amounts you and your family may qualify for now and in the future. Choosing the month you start to receive benefits is an important decision. Social Security Administration representatives will be glad to discuss it with you and answer any questions you may have.
The Social Security Automated Telephone Service is 1-800-772-1213. Many services are also provided online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
FRS also provides Helpful Links for retirees on its Retiree webpage.