KPERS

How KPERS Works

The KPERS Trust Fund is made up of contributions and investment income. You put 6% of every paycheck into the Retirement System. And your employer contributes, too. Then we invest the money to pay you a lifetime monthly benefit in retirement.

Membership is mandatory by Kansas law. But when retirement gets here, you'll be glad you saved. KPERS is your fiduciary. That means we put members first. The KPERS Trust Fund is your money. It's not going anywhere except to pay your benefits. It can never be withdrawn for any other purpose, not even by the Legislature.

KPERS is "prefunded." That means your benefits are funded ahead of time throughout your career. KPERS is not like Social Security that uses current contributions to pay current benefits. Over time, investments have paid for about 50% of member benefits.

How You Contribute

  • You contribute 6% of your pay, automatically deducted by your employer.
  • 4% annual interest, paid quarterly to you and maybe more, depending on KPERS' investment returns.
  • Kansas law doesn't let you borrow from your contributions.
  • Pretax for federal income taxes and after tax for State of Kansas income taxes.
  • Can withdraw your contributions and interest if you leave employment.
  • Paid to your beneficiary if you die before retirement.

KPERS InfoLine

  • kpers@kpers.org
  • 888-275-5737
  • 785-296-6166
  • Fax: 785-296-6638
  • Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

KPERS Address

611 S. Kansas Ave, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66603

Please call to schedule a virtual or in-person visit.
1-888-275-5737                                 1-785-296-6166

 

KPERS MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER RESOURCES

RETIREMENT PROCESS