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Moving

As a PERS retiree, when you move — whether that’s into, out of, or just within Oregon — it’s important to update certain information with the agency to avoid any disruption to your benefit payments.

Explore the following topics to identify the types of information you need to update and how to do it.

To change your address, go to Online Member Services (OMS) or submit a completed Information Change Request form.

In OMS, you can only change your address so long as your next benefit payment is not in process. If you get a message that says you cannot make the change, try again in a few days.

Once you have submitted your address change, your next benefit payment will be mailed to the new address, if you receive your benefit via check.

Important notes

  • PERS Member Services cannot update addresses by phone or email for security reasons.
  • PERS will not automatically change your Oregon state tax withholding status when you move into or out of the state. If you are moving out of Oregon and need to declare an exemption from Oregon state taxes, complete and submit a new W-4P tax form.
  • If you also are a participant in the PERS Health Insurance Program (PHIP), you will need to change your address with PHIP as well. If you use OMS to change your PERS address, you will need to use the PHIP Address Change Form to update your info with PHIP. If you use the PERS Information Change Request form, you can elect to have your PHIP information updated by checking a box in Section C of the form.
  • PERS will not automatically change your residency status when you move into or out of Oregon. If you are a Tier One member, read the “Residency changes” section on this webpage.
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Changing your address will not automatically change the state or federal tax withheld from your monthly benefit. To change your tax withholding information, submit a new W-4P tax form.

Valid W-4P forms received by the third week of the month typically will be processed in time for the following month’s benefit payment.

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Sometimes moving means making changes to your bank accounts. To change your direct deposit information, submit a new Domestic Authorization Agreement for Automatic Deposits form.

Valid forms received by the 15th of any month will typically be processed and effective for the following month’s benefit payment. However, it can take up to 60 days for your deposits to go into your new account.

If possible, keep your old bank account open until your financial institution confirms that the change to your direct deposit has occurred or until you see your benefit payments are being deposited into your new account.

If you do close your old account, PERS will mail your monthly benefit payment to your address on file while we process your direct deposit request.

If your direct deposit request is determined to be invalid, PERS will end the direct deposit to your old account and send you a letter notifying you of the issue with your request. Your monthly benefit payment will be paid via check and mailed to your address on file until a new valid direct deposit request is received and processed.

Be sure to always keep your mailing address up to date with PERS.

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Eligible Tier One members who are Oregon residents qualify for a "tax remedy" increase in their monthly PERS benefit payments. Each year, PERS works with the Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) to determine residency based on income tax returns for the previous year.

Retired members can update their residency status by using Online Member Services (OMS) or submitting a Residency Status Certification form at any time.

Certifications received January 1 through April 15 are effective the first of the following month.

Certifications received April 16 through December 31 are effective the first day of the following year.

If PERS is unable to process your certification before its effective date, either an invoice or a retroactive payment will be issued to reconcile your benefit.

Step-by-step instructions are available online for how to update your residency status in OMS.

Note: Updating your residency status does not change your address nor impact your tax withholding.

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