Retirement doesn't necessarily mean stepping away from the workforce for good. For those Arizona seniors mulling over a return to the job market, the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) has guidelines in place to protect pension benefits. According to a recent article by the ASRS, retirees who choose to work for non-ASRS employers can do so with no limitations on their ASRS pension. This means, whether you fancy a post-retirement gig at a local coffee shop or decide to take up a role in a foreign country, your ASRS pension is safe.

Yet, working directly for an ASRS employer after retirement isn't as straightforward. The ASRS mandates a "20/20 criteria" for retirees who return to work with ASRS employers. If a retiree works, or plans to work, at least 20 hours a week for 20 or more weeks within a fiscal year for an ASRS employer, they will see their pension benefits suspended. However, retirees often overlook the Return to Work form, which is a crucial step in ensuring compliance to this rule and maintaining pension benefits, as outlined by the ASRS article . This form captures intended work hours and weeks, crucial information for the ASRS to monitor adherence to the policy.

It's not all about keeping tabs, though. Returning to work can actually present an opportunity for retirees to enhance their retirement benefits. Some retirees may opt to suspend their pensions and contribute again to the ASRS with the goal of increasing their Graded Multiplier or Average Monthly Compensation (AMC), which could result in a higher pension, the ASRS notes.

The ASRS encourages retirees to plan their reentry into the workforce using tools available through the MyASRS account. Whether choosing to work part-time or full-time after retirement, knowing ASRS' Return to Work statutes is essential for a smooth transition. Given the different potential impacts of the "20/20 criteria," such as early retirement or length of retirement, retirees can use the Return to Work tool for a personalized analysis of their situation. The ASRS assures that by sticking to these guidelines, pension interruptions can be avoided, allowing retirees to "move forward with confidence," as stated in the ASRS blog post .