Employee Benefits

Enroll in the TSA Program

It's as Easy as 1 - 2 - 3

  1. Select one or more investment companies from this list that can help you meet your retirement needs with the flexibility you need to manage your account. You can find the funds each company offers on the TSA Returns page.
  2. Contact the company or your staff benefits office to request a UW TSA enrollment packet.

    The enrollment packet will give you information about the company and an account application. Some enrollment packets offer model portfolios based on your risk tolerance. Be sure you understand your investment choices — look through the fund prospectus and ask the company representative about anything you don't understand.

    Enroll Online!

    You can also download the TIAA-CREF application, print it, and mail it in. Be sure to read the CREF prospectus and the Real Estate prospectus.

    If you prefer, you may also print the Fidelity application, fill it out, and mail it in.


The investment company web sites also provide good information on investment basics.

  1. Submit a UW Salary Reduction Agreement (SRA) to your institution's Staff Benefits Office. They may ask to see a copy of your account application or your online confirmation to make sure you have signed up with an investment company first.
    • The SRA authorizes the UW Payroll Office to withhold a designated dollar amount and specifies the compan(ies) to which you wish your money to be sent. If you select an insurance company, your agent can prepare this agreement for you.
    • The account application specifies the investment funds you have selected. It must be on file with the investment company before the company receives your first salary deferral. Fourteen days lead-time is strongly recommended if mailing in a paper copy. Online enrollment is effective immediately.

      If money is contributed to a company and you have failed to sign up, the money must be returned to the University.

    This document was last revised on February 28, 2008

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