KPERS
Throughout your career, you make contributions to KPERS. We invest the money and pay you interest. You also build retirement credits while you work. When you retire, KPERS pays you a guaranteed monthly benefit. You also have life insurance and disability benefits as part of KPERS while you are still working.
Your Contributions
You contribute mandatory 6% of your salary from each paycheck. It’s automatic and pretax. Your contributions earn a guaranteed 4% annual interest, paid quarterly. There is also a possibility for additional interest, depending on KPERS’ investment returns. You can withdraw your account balance if you leave employment, but you can’t take a loan from your account while you are still working.
Vesting
After five years of service you are guaranteed a retirement benefit, even if you leave employment. This is called “vesting” your benefit.
KPERS Tiers
KPERS has 3 Tiers that are based on when you became a member. Each Tier's benefits vary. Please choose your tier below for a detailed description:
KPERS 1 hired prior to July 1, 2009
KPERS 2 hired July 1,2009 Dec 31, 2014
KPERS 3 hired Jan 1, 2015 and afterResignation-Retirement-LOA Form
Track your membership and plan for retirement:
- Contributions and interest
- Service credit
- Membership date
- Final average salary
- Beneficiary designation
- Annual statements
- You have 60 days to submit your life insurance form.
- If you’re vested, you’re guaranteed a retirement benefit.
- If you’re not vested, you need to withdraw within five years.
- You can withdraw after 31 days.
- If you withdraw, a direct rollover is the best way to avoid federal taxes and penalties.
- We don’t have your contact information. Please complete and return the address form. You can also update your address in your online account or email kpers@kpers.org.
District Retirement Processes
If you would like a sneak peek or January 12th does not work for you then view a KPERS Pre-recorded Webinar.
Retirement Planning: Counting Down The Last 12 Months
Retirement Planning: Navigating Your Path to Retirement
- Webinar recording (link leaves KPERS website) CC
- Presentation Slides (PDF, 1.1MB)
- KPERS Retirement Planning Guide (PDF, 1MB)
Also, KPERS In-Person Seminars are back.
2022 In-Person Seminar Schedule
If you have any questions regarding continuing health benefits (COBRA vs Retiree Plans) please contact our Benefits Department.
Retirement FAQs
Q: When can I retire?
A: Log into your KPERS Account look at your balance and use the calculator.
Q: How do I log into my KPERS Account?
A: Click here: KPERS Online Account Access
Q: I want to retire what should I do?
A: Complete the Resignation-Retirement-LOA Form. Have it signed by your Administrator and send a copy to HR.
This is the only document the district needs from you.
Q: I am a Certified Employee what date do I use for the last day to work?
A: You will use May 26th, 2023.
Q: I am a Certified Employee what date do I use for my KPERS Retirement Date?
A: Your KPERS Retirement Date is always on the 1st of the month in which you have not worked.
Q: If I use June 1st for my KPERS retirement date will I still receive my District June, July and August checks?
A: Yes, You will receive District June, July and August checks on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2023
Q: When will my District Health Benefits end?
A: Your District Health Benefits end on August 31st. You paid for it out of your June, July and August checks.
Q: I have my KPERS Retirement Application complete and my proof of birth and proof of name change documents what do I do now?
A: Contact Nicole Churchill the KPERS Designated Agent for the District and set up an appointment.
I am a notary and can review, notarize, witness and send to KPERS via secured upload. Once you have completed your forms and have the required documents for proof of birth and proof of name change, you may contact me to make an appointment and I can assist you with finalizing your KPERS Application.
Nicole Churchill
Shawnee Mission School District
Classified Personnel Facilitator
KPERS Designated Agent
nicolechurchill@smsd.org
P: 913/993-6459
F: 913/993-6240
KPERS Retirement Tips:
- Your KPERS Retirement Date is always on the 1st of the month.
- You cannot physically work in the month that you retire.
- On Page 13, Part D your signature needs to be notarized.
- On Page 13, Part D If you check married, your spouse must sign under Part E and have their signature notarized.
- You will complete and sign on pages 15, 17 & 19.
- You must submit your KPERS Retirement application via fax or mail, no later than 30 days prior to your retirement date. Do not e-mail for security purposes.
Resources
Financial Planning
Nick Neff
VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc.
Financial Advisor | Kansas City District
AIG Retirement Services
13220 Metcalf Ave., Suite 360 | Overland Park, KS 66213
Cell 913.991.3906 | Tel 913.402.5000 | Fax 913.305.5382
nick.neff@aig.com | www.aig.com/RetirementServices
Medicare Options
Medicare Advantage-Medicare Supplement-Prescription Drug Plans
Martha Hausback Independent Agent
913-522-5793 mhausback@kc.rr.com
www.Hausbackinsuranceagency.com
Social Security Benefits
Confirm your Social Security benefits. Get accurate information about Social Security applications and benefits by calling the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 or contacting your local SSA office.
Helpful Forms
Resignation-Retirement-LOA Form
KPERS Retirement Application KPERS Tier 1 & 2
Beneficiary Change Form
KPERS Retirement Application KPERS Tier 3
KPERS Tier 3 Retirement Options