That means if you retired in 2020, you will get your first COLA in May 2022. Log in toyour accountand choose Purchasing Service. Here you can find the estimated cost and income increase per month you purchase. The full application process averages 4-5 months from the time you request the estimate, but the timing can vary. The IRS W-4P and W-4R determine your tax withholdings. OPERS paid $6.5 billion in pension payments and another $725 million in health care payments in 2020. The Age 65 COLA is removed and replaced with the Uniform COLA. Annuities are fixed income sources. The estimate takes about 6 to 8 weeks and is necessary to determine your pension amount. The amounts negotiated may vary by union. This pre-funding occurs during the time the member was actively working, with the intent being to fully fund the members expected future pension benefits by the time they retire. Monthly. TheAverage Final Compensation, or AFC is the average of your 60 consecutive highest earning months in your career. If you leave or reduce your DRS retirement plan-covered employment to serve in the military, you could be eligible for restoration of missing retirement service credit. At the SCPP meeting on November 16 the Committee voted to recommend a one-time 3% COLA capped at $110 per month. An annuity is a guaranteed income plan you purchase. DRS and the record keeper are not authorized to give tax advice. The maximum amount of growth the COLA has in any one year is 3%, however if inflation is over 3% in any year, the overage is banked, or applied, to any future year the inflation is below 3%. This proposal is . This order is called a property division. BIMP -SB 2017, HA#2, PA 102- 0016 with changes to the Pension Code as a result of COVID: Tier 1 & 2 Final Avg. That COLA was eliminated in 2011 due to the economic downturn . But after your death, your survivor will receive the same benefit you were receiving for their lifetime. The amount of the reduction to your monthly benefit depends on how much younger than age 65 you are when you retire and the amount of service credit you have. CPI Pacific Cities and U.S. City Average - January 2023 (PDF) Consumer price indexes. From the Department of Retirement Systems: Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for DRS-administered retirement systems and plans that receive a COLA have been established for 2022. This means any salary you earn over this amount in 2023 will not be part of your retirement contributions or your pension calculation. And they offer security through a set monthly income which can increase annually if you are eligible for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The actual CPI increase was 4.75 percent, so the excess is banked to be used in the future during times when the annual CPI change is less than 3 percent. The temporary COLA freeze is important, because COLAs account for 25 percent of the total annual pension payments we pay to our members. What if I return to work? Your email address will not be published. Projections Model Assumptions and Methods, Pension Funding Council RFC Presentation on TVW, Pension Funding Council EES Presentation on TVW, Estimating Pension Costs and Measuring Assets. A cost of living adjustment (COLA) is an annual adjustment applied to retirement income to counteract cost changes in the economy (inflation). But when it comes to total retirement income, you have more options. For TRS Plan 1, this refund does not apply if you selected the Maximum Option. If you have a spouse, legally separated spouse or registered domestic partner, your spouse must give consent if you: Choose Single Life Option 1 or name someone other than your spouse as your survivor. This COLA is implemented on April 1 for LEOFF 1 members, as applicable. For high income public employees, federal law limits the amount you can contribute toward retirement and limits the benefit calculation. The information is also available through youronline account. If you choose a survivor benefit option, you must send a copy of a proof-of-age document when you apply for retirement. See a live or recorded working after retirement webinar. At retirement, you must complete and submit an IRS W-4P form to let us know how much of your benefit should be withheld for taxes. (The Judicial Retirement System bases its COLA on the CPI for U.S. No. Your pension money will be direct deposited into your bank account on the last business day of the month, every month, for the rest of your life. Once you are eligible, you will receive any COLA starting with the pension payment issued at the end of July, and every year after. For PERS Plan 2, this is when you reach age 65. HTML PDF. Retirement plan. When does my annuity benefit begin? Plan 1 members of PERS and TRS may be eligible for the following COLAs, each of which are applied on July 1. You will receive a COLA up to 3% annually. You can also choose to retire as early as age 55, but your benefit could be reduced depending on your total years of service. See the following section for more information on how this limit applies to you. Lets say you work 23 years and the average of your highest 60 months of income (AFC) is $5,400 per month. The base COLA adjusts the benefit based on . When will my benefit increase be effective? The position does not require an Administrative Certification, as defined by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, which includes: Principal, Vice Principal, Program Administrator, Conditional Administrator, Superintendent or Program Administrator Certifications or another position that does not evaluate staff. 2021 AVR. 2022 Cost of Living (COLA) Adjustment. Consider how the ERFs are applied in the early-retirement examples shown below. PERS Plan 1 and TRS Plan 1 are among the oldest of the DRS plans and, at the time of their inception, inflation protection may not have been a concern or a need they were trying to address through the pension plan. You will receive a COLA up to 3% annually. cities.) Your contracted COLA Provision determines your COLA limit. DRS COLA FAQ webpage for additional information, including how to contact them. The annuity will provide monthly payments for your lifetime. RPEC's recent efforts in the Legislature: 2022 - The Legislature passed SB 5676, a 3% increase (with a cap of $110/mo) for over 90% of PERS/TRS Plan 1 retirees. System (PERS Plan 1) or the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS Plan 1) is equal to 2 percent of . A dual member, or someone who belongs to more than one retirement system, might be able to restore service credit earned in a retirement system other than PERS. If you retire with at least 30 years of service credit, you can choose one of the following options: Early retirement rules are different for members who are first hired on or after May 1, 2013. Their AFC is $3,600. If the applicable CPI for a particular year exceeds 3 percent, the excess is banked to be used in the future during times when the annual COLA would be less than 3 percent. Consider the examples below. See our Council Office page for more information. This analysis included looking at Plans 1 ad-hoc COLAs and minimum benefits through the lenses of benefit adequacy, purchasing power protection, reward-for-service, and intergenerational equity. This includes: PERS Plans 2 and 3, SERS Plans 2 and 3, TRS Plans 2 and 3, LEOFF Plan 2, WSPRS Plans 1 and 2 and PSERS Plan 2. However, the timing, amount, and eligibility for these COLAs . A collection of geographic papers written as a Festschrift to honour Professor Hector F. Rucinque, from Bogota, Colombia, on the occasion of his 90 birthday. You will need to contact DRS to request a cost for restoring your credit. LEOFF Plan 1 COLAs will take effect April 1 and will be reflected in end-of-April benefit payments. If you leave public employment, but you are not yet collecting a pension, we consider you separated, but not retired. Washington Public Employees Association o general government Lump sum payable to all employees hired on or before July 1, 2022. o higher education community coalition . Due to Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding government pension plans, none of the state retirement pension plans allow for loans or borrowing from your contributions. If they choose to retire under the 2008 ERF, their benefit is not reduced (due to age and service credit). These references are for PERS Plan 2, but other plans have similar descriptions. Washington State School Retirees Association (WSSRA) - Serves TRS, PERS, SERS retirees. This next information applies to customers in Plan 2, Plan 3, WSPRS Plan 1 and JRS. You can also purchase it when completing a paper retirement application. Question #5 Will I get an annual COLA to help keep up with inflation? TRS statutory request and for TRIP are funded. This means an individual's retirement benefit is defined by a formula. If you dont have a surviving spouse or minor child, we will pay your estate. The annual Minimum COLA amount increased from $31.32 to $32.28 per year of service. Once you have five years, you are a vested member. Annuities are lifetime income plans you purchase. COLAs are limited to a maximum of 2%, compounded annually, for all school retirees and First-Tier State of California retirees. Monthly. Can I cancel the annuity if I change my mind? The amount of time varies by plan. Will my annuity purchase be refunded if I die? Prior to the announcement of the official increase, several reliable sources estimated that the 2022 COLA rate would likely fall between 4.5 percent and 5.3 percent. Contributions. If you return to work for a DRS-covered employer, your annuity will stop if you return to retirement system membership or if you exceed allowable hours as a retiree (867 per year). 2% x service credit years x Average Final Compensation = monthly benefit. If you retired last year 2021 you won't see your first COLA until May 2023. These tasks are the responsibility of the plan administrator, DRS, and any questions regarding these topics should be directed to them. In most cases, no. 1989 The Age 65 COLA is introduced. DRS COLA FAQ webpage. 2018 A one-time, permanent benefit increase of 1.5 percent up to $62.50 per month is provided to members not already receiving a minimum COLA benefit. Yes. This annuity is available to all PERS, SERS and PSERS retirement plan members. A PERS-eligible position is normally compensated for at least 70 hours of work per month for at least five months of each year and the employer is one of the following: Enrollment in your specific PERS plan (Plan 2 or Plan 3) depends on additional conditions, including your hire date and the plan you chose at the time you first went to work for a DRS-covered employer. Are there limits to the amount of service credit I can purchase? PEBB Retiree Enrollment. If you need to show proof of your account balance or monthly pension payment to secure a home loan, mortgage or other borrowing, log in to your DRSonline accountto view, print or download an account balance or pension verification letter. If you are under age 65 and retired under the 2008 ERF, your benefit is suspended during any months you are paid by a DRS-covered employer. Mar 1, 2022. . Most plan COLA percentages are based on theConsumer Price Index (CPI)for the greater Seattle area. Can I designate a survivor? Will I receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)? The 2023 COLA percentages effective July 1 for most plans havent been released. Posted on March 9, 2021. The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) does not allow loans. Retirement Benefits: Youre eligible for retirementbenefits administrated by DRS, Learn More. Have at least 20 years of service credit and have been retired at least 25 years. Plan 1 optional COLA. . 1995 An automatic annual increase is added to the minimum benefit, resulting in the Minimum COLA. Most retirement plans with a cost of living adjustment either have a hard cap or no cap at all. Designing a pension plan includes many considerations such as retirement age, benefit amount, and whether to include COLAs. Doing so cancels any rights and benefit you have accrued in PERS. In looking at the chart that would be: This means that the calculated COLA is 3.3%. Governor-appointed and local elected officials earn service based on the standard rules of the planfull credit is applied when you work at least 90 hours in a month, with partial credit for fewer hours. Were there any special circumstances around your employment at the time? As of the 2021 AVR, there are approximately 123,000 annuitants receiving a Base COLA. On July 1, 2020, L&I will apply a 6.7 percent cost-living-adjustment. Full retirement age is 65. The Plans 1 COLAs are unique and were not part of the original plan design. No. Give yourself time to retire. See a live or recordedbenefit options webinar. Please contact DRS as soon as possible. How do I purchase this annuity? If you leave your position, withdraw your contributions and later return to work covered by PERS, you might be able to restore your previous service credit. September 20, 2021. The benefit increase goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for DRS-administered retirement systems and plans that receive a COLA have been established for 2022. HCA Pilot Listening Session February 28, 10-11:30 a.m. Make direct payment with either a personal or cashiers check. This year's COLA will go into effect July 1, 2022, and will be included in members' August 1, 2022, benefit payments. COLA percentages are provided to us by Washington State law. Service credit. This is the percentage of your pretax salary that goes toward your pension retirement income. You can also purchase it when completing a paper retirement application. The annuities DRS offers are administered by Washington state with investments provided by the Washington State Investment Board. The LEOFF Plan 2 Board recently hired the Washington State Auditor's office to conduct the Board's annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June. When you retire, you'd receive $2,484 per month. For further research on property orders, see WAC 415-02-500. PERS Plan 2 formula. Most pension plans in Washington State administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) provide a COLA. Retirement Benefits: Youre eligible for retirementbenefits administrated by DRS, Learn More. March 15, 2022 2,032 Views. You can enroll at any time during your elected or appointed service. You can restore your contributions and re-establish your benefit only in certain circumstances. When you retire early, your monthly benefit amount is reduced to reflect that you will be receiving your pension payments for a longer period of time. (In support) The topic of providing a COLA to PERS 1 and TRS 1 retirees has been around every year recently. This is the COLA bill that was recommended by the Select Committee on Pension Policy (SCPP). Inflation is now the highest in recent years . You must request and purchase the missing service within the timeframe allowed for your plan. DCP uses many of the same investment options available to Plan 3 members, including investments that are managed for you. Six service credit months can be awarded if you start in September and are compensated for at least 630 hours but fewer than 810 hours during the school year. No one will receive an ongoing benefit after you die. State-registered domestic partners, according to RCW 26.60.010, have the same survivor and death benefits as married spouses. You can divide the annual mean wage by 12 to find the monthly wage amount. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. Yes. Retiring can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. In most cases, your monthly benefit will be based on the highest base salary you earned, regardless of which system you earned it in. And these costs may even be understated, as Washington's pensions still use a 7.5 percent investment return . You must separate from employment. With this annuity, your survivor will be the same as the one you selected for your pension payment. For a list of historical CPI figures, please see our
If you marry after retirement, you could be eligible to change your benefit option to add your spouse. When you retire, we will let you know if any portion of your contributions has already been taxed. The IRS requires you to start receiving your monthly benefit by age 72, unless you are still employed. The current year salary limit applies (see above), The salary limit is the same for all members and is adjusted annually by the IRS, If you reach the salary limit in a calendar year, you stop paying contributions, DRS notifies your employer when you approach the salary limit, Your Annual Final Compensation is capped for limit testing purposes if it includes the years you exceeded the salary limit, Your pension calculation is affected by salary limits, Government-Issued Identification (ID) Card, Certificate of Armed Services Record US DD-214, State government (for example, agency, department, board or commission), Local government, including a city, town or county, Diking, fire, health, irrigation, park, library, port, reclamation, sewer or water district, You are a member of, or have retired from, another public retirement system in Washington state, You work for a college or university and belong to that entitys retirement plan, You signed a student waiver while employed by a college or university, You work for the city of Seattle, Spokane or Tacoma, or you are an elected or appointed official of one of these cities, You provide professional services on a fee, retainer or contract basis and the income you receive from those services is less than 50% of your gross income for work performed in that profession, You are enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program, employed to earn hours for completing the program, and making contributions to a union-sponsored or Taft-Hartley retirement plan. (See Early retirement benefit formulas below.). When you are retiring. How much does it cost? How often do I receive my annuity benefit? The index is the annual average for theConsumer Price Index for the greater Seattle area. You will then submit information, such as a copy of your DD214 service record, to help us determine your eligibility. We obtained this data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. Call DRS and request an official estimate for a disability retirement. If you do not return to a DRS-covered employer, your annuity will continue. Retirees in TRS 2/3, PERS 2/3, and SERS 2/3 will receive 3% COLAs in July 2022. . Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Retirement System (LEOFF) Plans 1 and 2. The agreements cover employees in general government service, law enforcement, higher education, child care and home care workers, adult family home providers, language access providers and employees of the Washington State Ferries. For a more comprehensive history, see the issue papers described in Recent OSA Policy Analysis. To view the annual average for the past several years, select the CPI-W graph near the bottom. Your payment must come from an eligible governmental plan, like your DCP savings. Disability retirement. The administrative factors used in this table are for illustrative purposes only. How do I purchase service credit?
STATE OF WASHINGTON. These references are for PERS Plan 2, but other plans have similar descriptions. Washington State Retired Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers Association (WSRDSPOA) - Serves retired deputy sheriffs and police officers. 1960s The minimum benefit is introduced. For additional information such as the risks and budget impacts of the proposals at the time of their completion, please see the linked fiscal notes. Most pension plans in Washington State administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) provide a COLA. A 6.7 Percent Cost-of-Living Increase: Under Washington state law, workers' comp time loss, pension, and LEP benefits must be recalculated each year to reflect the change in state average wage. 4726 Pacific Avenue SE Lacey, WA 98503 800.544.5219 or 360.413.5496 Fax . However, the cost in that case is considerably higher. To be eligible for the increase the member must be retired on or before July 1, 2022. Some common events for missing credit include: authorized leave of absence, childbirth, substitute teaching, temporary duty disability, or injury. October 25, 2022. On July 1, 2022, eligible members of all other plans received a COLA that was capped at 3 percent. OPERS announces COLA amount for 2022. Request this annuity when youretire online. You can earn no more than one month of service credit each calendar month, even if more than one employer is reporting hours you work. % COLA Increase Effective May 1, 2022; 1979 & Earlier: 3.00%: 1980-2019: 4.70%: 2020: 3.00%: 2021: Not eligible: 4% COLA. The disability retirement was originally created for customers who wouldnt otherwise be eligible to start receiving a retirement benefit. DRS will review your account as well as the information you provide and notify you of our findings, including an optional bill if applicable. For additional information, including investments that are managed for you retirees has been every... Its COLA on the CPI for U.S. no washington state pers 2 cola 2022 include COLAs from a few years or minor child, will! Established for 2022 spouse or minor child, we will pay your estate retirement was originally created for customers wouldnt!. ) topic of providing a COLA up to 3 % COLAs in July.. Get your first COLA in May 2022 is 3.3 %, for all School retirees Association ( WSSRA -. Cola bill washington state pers 2 cola 2022 was recommended by the Washington State administered by the State. Also purchase it when completing a paper retirement application for the past several years, the... In looking at the SCPP meeting on November 16 the Committee voted to recommend a one-time 3 % capped... Benefit is not reduced ( due to the Minimum benefit, resulting the... Members of PERS and TRS May be eligible for the greater Seattle area LEOFF! Cap at all to help us determine your pension retirement income, you have accrued in PERS or Fax! Through a set monthly income which can increase annually if you do not return to a few.! Annually if you selected for your plan year 2021 you won & # ;. Are for PERS plan 2, plan 3 members, as Washington & # x27 ; s retirement benefit below. Calculated COLA is 3.3 % the Judicial retirement System ( LEOFF ) plans 1 COLAs will take effect April and... Request a cost of living Adjustment either have a hard cap or no at! Reduced ( due to age and service credit years x average Final Compensation = monthly benefit age. Policy Analysis next information applies to you income which can increase annually if you retired in 2020 you! State with investments provided by the Select Committee on pension Policy ( ). Including investments that are managed for you an ongoing benefit after you.. Your tax withholdings including how to contact them law Enforcement Officers and Fighters. Below. ), compounded annually, for all School retirees Association ( ). 3, WSPRS plan 1 members of all other plans have similar descriptions necessary to determine your withholdings. Rights and benefit you have five years, Select the CPI-W graph near the bottom I cancel the if! In July 2022. cap at all - Serves TRS, PERS 2/3, and any questions regarding these should... Uses many of the same as the one you selected for your lifetime an. Lets say you work 23 years and the average of your DD214 service,! Was recommended by the Department of retirement Systems ( DRS ) provide a that! The calculated COLA is implemented on April 1 for most plans havent been released early-retirement examples below... A copy of your pretax salary that goes toward your pension calculation for missing include... Tax withholdings SCPP meeting on November 16 the Committee voted to recommend a one-time 3 % annually been retired least... Understated, as applicable highest 60 months of income ( AFC ) is $ 5,400 per.... You were receiving for their lifetime we pay to our members will to. Set monthly income which can increase annually if you leave public employment, but you not! First COLA in May 2022 Cities and U.S. City average - January 2023 ( PDF ) Consumer indexes... The benefit increase goes into effect on July 1 for most plans havent been released section for more information how. Systems and plans that receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment ( COLA ) same benefit you have five years, you then! A one-time 3 % annually WAC 415-02-500 % annually a survivor benefit Option you... Retiring can take anywhere from a few years from a few years in plan,! ( see Early retirement benefit formulas below. ) was eliminated in due... A pension, we consider you separated, but other plans have similar descriptions a DRS-covered employer your... Child, we consider you separated, but other plans received a COLA up to 3 % COLAs July! Work 23 years and the record keeper are not yet collecting a pension plan includes many considerations as... $ 5,400 per month you purchase TRS 2/3, PERS, SERS retirees receiving a COLA... Managed for you re-establish your benefit only in certain circumstances even be understated as... Managed for you the annuities DRS offers are washington state pers 2 cola 2022 by the Washington State retirees... Health care payments in 2020 Sheriffs and Police Officers the following COLAs each... Responsibility of the same as the one you selected the Maximum Option on November 16 the Committee to. Cola in May 2022 26.60.010, have the same benefit you have in... Are provided to us by Washington washington state pers 2 cola 2022 School retirees Association ( WSRDSPOA ) - Serves retired Deputy Sheriffs Police! D receive $ 2,484 per month at the time you request the estimate takes about 6 to 8 and! 2 % x service credit I can purchase purchase be refunded if I?... Limits the benefit calculation providing a COLA meeting on November 16 washington state pers 2 cola 2022 Committee voted to recommend one-time... In PERS consecutive highest earning months in your career and First-Tier State of California retirees and Fire retirement! Your pretax salary that goes toward your pension amount estimated cost and income increase per month month purchase! Average - January 2023 ( PDF ) Consumer Price indexes eliminated in 2011 due washington state pers 2 cola 2022 the amount service... An automatic annual increase is added to the amount you can divide the annual mean wage by 12 to the. Sers and PSERS retirement plan members the U.S. Department of Labor, of! Help us determine your pension payment receiving your monthly benefit you earn over amount... That was capped at $ 110 per month you purchase and replaced with the Uniform COLA state-registered domestic partners according! Until May 2023 annual increase is added to the amount you can also purchase it when completing a paper application... With and we & # x27 ; d receive $ 2,484 per month you purchase wouldnt otherwise be for! To total retirement income, you have more options next information applies to customers plan! These topics should be directed to them, according to RCW 26.60.010, have the same as the you! State School retirees Association ( WSSRA washington state pers 2 cola 2022 - Serves TRS, PERS 2/3, PERS, SERS and PSERS plan. The timeframe allowed for your plan a copy of your contributions and your. Last year 2021 you won & # x27 ; t see your first COLA until May 2023 benefit... To PERS 1 and TRS May be eligible for retirementbenefits administrated by,! You were receiving for their lifetime for further research on property orders, see WAC.! Limits to the amount of service credit and have been retired at least years. Serves TRS, PERS 2/3, and whether to include COLAs duty disability or! Other plans have similar descriptions following COLAs, each of which are applied on July 1 2022! Wage by 12 to find the estimated cost and income increase per month Base COLA 2,484 per month BLS website... I receive a COLA payments for your lifetime an automatic annual increase is added to the economic.... Within the timeframe allowed for your pension payment application process averages 4-5 months from the time you request estimate. Pension payment have five years, Select the CPI-W graph near the bottom retirement System ( )... The IRS W-4P and W-4R determine your tax withholdings replaced with the Uniform COLA you receive... Leave public employment, but other plans have similar descriptions there limits to the Minimum benefit, resulting the. For theConsumer Price Index ( CPI ) for the greater Seattle area. ) by the State! Cashiers check Option, you & # x27 ; ll email you a reset.... Retirement income completing a paper retirement application average Final Compensation, or injury, this is when you retire we... Uniform COLA, see WAC 415-02-500, have the same benefit you were receiving for their lifetime use. Have more options and First-Tier State of California retirees Fire Fighters retirement System bases its COLA on the for... Survivor and death Benefits as married spouses are a vested member can enroll at any time during your elected appointed... Effect on July 1, 2020, L & amp ; I will apply a 6.7 percent.. To plan 3, WSPRS plan 1, 2020, you are still employed retirement Systems ( DRS ) a... Of service still employed in 2020, you are eligible for a retirement... Your career not return to a few months to a DRS-covered employer, your survivor will be reflected end-of-April! ( BLS ) website the time you request the estimate, but other plans have similar descriptions contributions. Pers and TRS May be eligible to start receiving your monthly benefit in this table are PERS... 2/3, and any questions regarding these topics should be directed to them WAC 415-02-500 your lifetime have accrued PERS! Elected or appointed service I change my mind in that case is considerably higher timeframe for. Offer security through a set monthly income which can increase annually if you do not return to a months... Highest earning months in your career State investment Board Cost-of-Living Adjustments ( COLAs ) for DRS-administered retirement Systems DRS! For restoring your credit when it comes to total retirement income provided to by! Afc ) is $ 5,400 per month income plan you purchase TRS plan 1 and be. Pacific Avenue SE Lacey, WA 98503 800.544.5219 or 360.413.5496 Fax until May 2023 Cost-of-Living (. In July 2022. they choose to retire under the 2008 ERF, their benefit is defined a! Colas will take effect April 1 for most plans havent been released health payments. Request a cost of living Adjustment either have a surviving spouse or minor child, we let.
How Do Property Rights Benefit Entrepreneurs?,
Isabel Goldsmith Net Worth,
Articles W