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.
Administering agency
Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS)
Authority
Mo. Rev. Stat. 104.320 (MOSERS); 169.020 (PSRS); 169.600 (PEERS); 70.605 (LAGERS)
State Public Pensions in Missouri: key facts
- Systems
- MOSERS, the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (state employees); PSRS/PEERS, The Public School Retirement System of Missouri and the Public Education Employee Retirement System of Missouri (teachers and other school employees); and LAGERS, the Missouri Local Government Employees' Retirement System (employees of participating political subdivisions).
- Retiree death
- 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 (MOSERS pays 50% or 100% depending on the option), and 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.
- Beneficiary payments
- 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.
- Contacts
- MOSERS 800-827-1063; PSRS/PEERS 800-392-6848; LAGERS 800-447-4334.
Governing law: Mo. Rev. Stat. 104.320 (MOSERS); 169.020 (PSRS); 169.600 (PEERS); 70.605 (LAGERS)
Steps to take when someone dies
- Identify whether the deceased was a member of MOSERS, PSRS/PEERS, or LAGERS.
- Report the death to the correct system so the member's pension payments stop.
- Provide a death certificate and confirm the beneficiary designation on file.
- Ask what survivor benefit, death benefit, or contribution refund is payable and file the claim with the required documents.
Frequently asked questions
Contact the system the deceased belonged to: MOSERS for state employees at 800-827-1063, PSRS/PEERS for public school teachers and education employees at 800-392-6848, or LAGERS for participating local government workers at 800-447-4334.
The benefit that continues depends on the payment option the retiree elected at retirement. A joint and survivor option pays an eligible spouse a set percentage of the retiree's benefit for life, and a guaranteed-payment option pays the remaining guaranteed payments to the named beneficiary. Under a life income annuity — the single-life option — no ongoing monthly survivor benefit is paid to anyone after the retiree's death.
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.
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Missouri primary sources (7 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS)
Authority
Mo. Rev. Stat. 104.320 (MOSERS); 169.020 (PSRS); 169.600 (PEERS); 70.605 (LAGERS)