The University of Washington is offering a time-limited Voluntary Retirement Incentive (VRI) to eligible tenured faculty. The VRI provides a one-time cash payment in recognition of service and gives schools, colleges and campuses added flexibility for future academic planning. Participation is entirely voluntary.<\/p>\n
Looking for more information:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This VRI differs from earlier UW programs. Prior versions deposited the incentive into a VEBA for tax-free medical reimbursements; the 2025 VRI pays a direct cash amount (taxable), giving you more freedom in how you use it.<\/p>\n You may be eligible for the VRI if all of the following apply:<\/p>\n Eligibility is also subject to your dean\u2019s approval and the Provost\u2019s announced election period. Participation is entirely voluntary.<\/p>\n The incentive equals one week of your annual tenure-backed (A-component) salary as of 12\/31\/2025 for each year of retirement-eligible service, capped at 20 weeks. It\u2019s paid as a one-time cash payment and is subject to applicable taxes and deductions. It is not considered income for retirement benefit calculations and is not eligible for unemployment compensation. If you hold split tenure, the payment is prorated by your tenure roster percentage (not FTE).<\/p>\n Return to top<\/a><\/p> By electing the VRI, you waive your vested right to partial reemployment and may not return to any UW faculty position for five years unless an exception is granted by the Provost. If reemployment flexibility matters to you, review Academic Personnel & Faculty\u2019s guidance on working after retirement<\/a> before deciding.<\/p>\n Return to top<\/a><\/p> The incentive is taxed as wages; your net will depend on your individual tax situation. The incentive is not counted as income in retirement benefit calculations and is not eligible for unemployment compensation. Consider consulting a tax advisor and meeting with a TIAA financial consultant<\/a> to review your overall retirement picture.<\/p>\n Return to top<\/a><\/p> 1.<\/strong> Review APF\u2019s Retiring from UW<\/a> web page and consult with your dean or chancellor to ensure that they will be able to approve your VRI request.<\/strong><\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Complete the\u202fUW Retirement Application<\/a> during the October 15 – November 12 VRI election window.<\/strong> Be sure to check the Voluntary Retirement Incentive (VRI) checkbox on the application.<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> UW Benefits will work with your dean or chancellor to confirm approval of your VRI request. Once their approval is complete, UW Benefits will send you a VRI Agreement<\/strong> for your review and signature.<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Your VRI lump sum payment will be distributed on January 9, 2026.<\/p>\n Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Applications must be approved by your dean or chancellor and can be denied based on operational need and\/or if the cost savings to the University is less than the incentive amount. If approved, separation is required on December 31, 2025. Once you sign the VRI agreement, it becomes irrevocable after a seven-day revocation period. Faculty who had already given notice or signed an agreement setting a retirement date before the VRI was adopted are generally not eligible unless the Provost approves a date change that yields savings exceeding the incentive.<\/p>\n Return to top<\/a><\/p> The VRI in prior years contributed an incentive payment to a VEBA (tax-free health reimbursement arrangement) while the 2025 VRI will provide a taxable lump sum cash payment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The incentive is not considered income for retirement benefit calculations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Yes. Tenured faculty who are enrolled in TRS (rather than UWRP) are not eligible for this VRI. In addition, faculty must be age 62 or older by Dec. 31, 2025 to qualify.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The program supports academic planning and provides a time-limited pathway for retirement transitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Once your retirement application is received by UW Benefits, they will confirm approval with the dean\/chancellor that your request is operationally and financially feasible. If the dean\/chancellor approves the VRI request, UW Benefits will then email you the VRI Application, Acknowledgment, and Agreement<\/strong> to review, sign and return by Dec. 15 or after the required 45-day period from your application date.. Should your request for VRI be denied, UW Benefits will alert you and work with you to determine if you still want to proceed with your retirement application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n No. Dec. 31, 2025, must be the last day of UW employment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n You can view what Workday currently records as your tenure value by:<\/p>\n Not under this voluntary retirement initiative program; participants waive partial reemployment rights and may not return to any faculty position in any UW school\/college for five years unless the Provost grants an exception. You may be hired into any staff position in any school\/college including the one in which you retired.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Participating in the VRI doesn\u2019t impact the academic privileges associated with emeritus status or your ability to apply for the status. See: Emeritus Appointments and Re-Employed Retirees – Academic Personnel & Faculty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Please review the Insurance during retirement<\/a> web page to understand your options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\nZoom: https:\/\/washington.zoom.us\/j\/6345938838<\/li>\nWho is eligible<\/h4>\n
\n
What the incentive provides<\/h5>\n
Key dates (2025)<\/h5>\n
\n
What you give up (reemployment)<\/h4>\n
Taxes and financial planning<\/h4>\n
How to participate<\/h4>\n
How approval works<\/h5>\n
FAQs<\/h4>\n
How is this different from earlier UW VRI options?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
Does taking the VRI affect my retirement benefits calculation?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
Are there tenured faculty not eligible?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
Why is UW offering a VRI now?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
What happens after I submit my retirement application requesting to participate in the VRI?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
Can I retire after Dec. 31, 2025, and still receive the incentive?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
How can I find my tenure value in Workday?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
\n
May I return to teaching part-time?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
Does the VRI impact emeritus status?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
Where can I learn about health care coverage after retirement?<\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n