State Public Pensions in Missouri
Missouri public retirement is run by several systems: MOSERS for state employees, PSRS/PEERS for public school teachers and education employees, and LAGERS for participating local government workers. Survivor and death benefits depend on the system, whether the member was active or retired, and the payment option elected.
Steps to take when someone dies
Required Documents
- Death certificate
State Public Pensions in Missouri: key facts
What Missouri says4
- Reporting a death
Report the death to the system the deceased belonged to so the member's pension payments stop.1, 2
- Death before retirement
A survivor benefit, life insurance proceeds, or a refund of the member's contributions may be payable to the designated beneficiary when an active member dies before retirement. The amount depends on the member's service, the system, and the beneficiary designation on file.1
- Death after retirement
The continuing benefit depends on the payment option the member elected at retirement. Under a joint and survivor option an eligible spouse keeps a set percentage of the benefit for life, and MOSERS pays 50% or 100% depending on the option.1, 3
A guaranteed-payment option pays out any remaining guaranteed payments to the named beneficiary. Under a life income annuity, MOSERS's single-life option, no ongoing monthly survivor benefit is paid to anyone after the retiree's death.3
- Who receives the benefit
A surviving beneficiary may receive a survivor benefit, life insurance proceeds, or a refund of the member's contributions, depending on the system and election.1
Governing law: Mo. Rev. Stat. 104.320 (MOSERS); 169.020 (PSRS); 169.600 (PEERS); 70.605 (LAGERS)
Retirement systems3
- Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS)
State employees4
Phone: 1-800-827-1063
- PSRS/PEERS (Public School and Public Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri)
Teachers and other school employees5, 6
Phone: 1-800-392-6848
- Missouri Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LAGERS)
Employees of participating political subdivisions7
Phone: 1-800-447-4334
Missouri public pension benefits
Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS)
Phone
Website
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Missouri: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Missouri: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?
Missouri automatically revokes an ex-spouse as beneficiary at divorceMo. Rev. Stat. § 461.051Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; employer plans under ERISA follow federal rules either way, so a 401(k) beneficiary changes only by a new designation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Missouri, a surviving spouse takes the first $20,000 plus half of the restMo. Rev. Stat. § 474.010Verified Sep 10, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationMo. Rev. Stat. § 474.020Verified Sep 10, 2026View source.
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