Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 072 - Retirement System

πŸ“Œ Overview of Wyoming Administrative Code β€” Agency 072: Retirement System

Agency 072 of the Wyoming Administrative Code contains the administrative rules adopted by the Wyoming Retirement System. These rules implement state laws governing retirement programs for public employees, including:

Retirement benefits and eligibility

Contributions and member accounts

Disability and survivor benefits

Retirement system administration and procedures

Appeals, compliance, and enforcement

The rules apply to public employees, employers, retirees, beneficiaries, and administrators participating in the Wyoming Retirement System.

πŸ—‚ Structure and Key Areas

Agency 072 is organized into multiple chapters or sections, each addressing a specific aspect of retirement system administration:

072.1 β€” Definitions and General Provisions

Defines key terms such as:

Member β€” a public employee participating in the retirement system

Employer β€” a governmental entity participating in the system

Beneficiary β€” individual entitled to receive benefits after a member’s death

Service credit β€” periods of employment that count toward retirement eligibility

Disability retirement, normal retirement, and other benefit types

Establishes the Board’s authority to adopt and enforce rules.

072.2 β€” Membership and Enrollment

Requirements for enrollment in the retirement system for eligible employees

Procedures for reporting membership, verifying employment, and maintaining accurate records

Rules for contributions from employees and employers, including the timing and calculation of contributions

072.3 β€” Benefits and Retirement Eligibility

Criteria for retirement, including age and service credit requirements

Calculation of retirement benefits based on salary history, service credit, and retirement plan formulas

Options for normal retirement, early retirement, and deferred retirement

Rules governing the payment of benefits, adjustments, and benefit increases

072.4 β€” Disability and Survivor Benefits

Eligibility and procedures for disability retirement, including medical documentation

Benefits for surviving spouses, children, and other dependents of deceased members

Coordination with other benefit programs, such as Social Security

Procedures for appeals or disputes regarding disability or survivor benefits

072.5 β€” Contributions and Member Accounts

Calculation and collection of employee and employer contributions

Management of member accounts, including interest accrual and account statements

Rules for refunds of contributions for terminated members who do not qualify for retirement

Transfer of service credit or participation between agencies or public employment systems

072.6 β€” Administration and Compliance

Responsibilities of the Retirement System Board and staff

Recordkeeping, reporting, and auditing requirements for participating employers

Procedures for correcting errors, enforcing compliance, and handling disputes

Penalties for violations, including misreporting contributions or benefits

072.7 β€” Appeals and Hearings

Procedures for members or beneficiaries to appeal decisions regarding eligibility, contributions, or benefits

Administrative hearing rules, timelines, and documentation requirements

Final decision-making authority and process for requesting reconsideration

πŸ“ Key Concepts

Board Authority

The Retirement System Board has rulemaking and enforcement authority under state law.

Member Rights

Members are entitled to benefits earned under the rules and may appeal adverse decisions.

Employer Obligations

Employers must report accurate employment data, remit contributions, and comply with system rules.

Benefit Types

Includes normal retirement, early retirement, disability retirement, and survivor benefits.

Compliance and Enforcement

System rules establish oversight, audits, and penalties to ensure accurate administration.

🧠 Purpose of Agency 072 Rules

The rules of Agency 072 ensure:

Proper administration of retirement benefits for public employees

Accuracy and integrity of member accounts and employer reporting

Fair and timely distribution of benefits

Legal compliance with Wyoming statutes governing public retirement programs

In short, Wyoming Administrative Code β€” Agency 072 provides the detailed regulations governing the Wyoming Retirement System, including membership, contributions, benefit calculations, administration, and appeals. These rules ensure that public employees and retirees receive the retirement benefits to which they are entitled, and that employers and administrators comply with state requirements.

LEAVE A COMMENT