How does SWIB's work affect me?
SWIB invests the contributions made to the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) by participating employees
and employers. These funds are used to pay retirement, death and disability
benefits. Over $3.7 billion in benefits was paid to WRS participants in 2009
and a significant majority of that amount was funded by investment earnings.
State taxpayers also benefit from SWIB's work because contributions paid by
public employers have been maintained at favorable rates by earnings that are
higher than the long-term assumed rate of return for the system.
When employees retire they receive a pension annuity initially determined by the
Department of Employee Trust Funds. Adjustments
are then made annually to annuity payments based on investment returns. Historical
information showing Core and Variable Fund returns and the impact on
participants is available by clicking here.
