State Public Pensions in Iowa

State Public Pensions in Iowa: key facts

Systems

Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS), covering most state and local government employees, teachers, and IPERS Special Service members. Separate systems cover other public workers: the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI, Iowa Code chapter 411) for municipal fire fighters and police officers, (515) 254-9200 or (888) 254-9200; the Peace Officers' Retirement, Accident, and Disability System (Iowa Code chapter 97A) for Department of Public Safety officers; and the Judicial Retirement System (Iowa Code 602.9101).

Retiree death

The continuing benefit depends on the payment option elected: a joint-and-survivor option pays a contingent annuitant a lifetime monthly benefit, a single-life option pays no death benefit, and lump-sum or term-certain options pay remaining amounts.

Death before retirement

IPERS pays the greater of the actuarial present value of the accrued benefit or accumulated contributions plus a formula amount. If the member was vested or active and named a single person, that beneficiary may elect a lump sum or a lifetime monthly benefit — but a monthly benefit under $50 is paid as a lump sum, and an inactive nonvested member's benefit is always paid as a lump sum.

When monthly payments stop

A retiree's monthly payments stop in the month of death (a member who dies in July receives the end-of-July payment). Any retirement benefit paid after the month of death must be returned to IPERS.

Line-of-duty death benefit

If a Special Service member's death is the direct and proximate result of a traumatic personal injury incurred in the line of duty, a non-taxable line-of-duty death benefit of up to $100,000 is paid in a lump sum to the beneficiary, in addition to any other death benefit (Iowa Code 97B.52(2)).

Filing requirement

Benefits are not automatic; the beneficiary must apply. Benefits are paid according to the most recent beneficiary designation on file. Report the death using the Report a Death form linked from ipers.org. Contact: 800-622-3849 (members and retirees) or 515-281-0020.

Governing law: Iowa Code chapter 97B (IPERS); Iowa Code 97B.52 (payment to beneficiary)

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Notify IPERS of the member's death as soon as possible, using the Report a Death form linked from ipers.org, so payments are handled correctly.
2. Confirm whether the member died before or after retirement and, for a retiree, the payment option that was elected.
3. Confirm the most recent beneficiary designation on file with IPERS.
4. File the death-benefit application with the documents IPERS requires, including a certified death certificate.

Frequently asked questions