Frequently Asked Questions

Retirement
	How and when do I apply for retirement?
	How much will I receive when I retire?
	What happens to my unused sick leave at retirement?
	If I don't have a birth certificate, will you accept something else?
	My spouse and I are both Missouri state employees. Can we name each other in a joint and survivor option? If one dies, can the other receive both a survivor benefit and a retirement benefit?

Payment of benefits
	Can I have my retirement benefit direct deposited in my bank account?
	How often will I receive a benefit payment?
	If my paycheck as an active employee is already sent to my bank by direct deposit, will my retirement benefit be deposited automatically?
	How do I change my income tax withholding?

Cost-of-living allowance
	As a retiree, when will I get my cost-of-living allowance?

BackDROP
	What is BackDROP?
	Why would I choose to participate in BackDROP?
	Why would I NOT choose BackDROP?
	Am I eligible for BackDROP?
	When do I elect BackDROP?
	What determines the amount of my BackDROP lump sum distribution?
	Will I owe taxes on the BackDROP distribution?
	How is my regular monthly benefit determined if I choose BackDROP?
	Will Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) apply during the BackDROP period?

Divorce
	How does divorce affect my retirement benefit?

Purchasing Additional Service
	Can I buy military service?
	When is the best time to buy military service?
	Can I buy prior public service?
	If I choose to purchase prior public service or military service, can I roll over funds to pay for the purchase?
	If I choose to make monthly payments to purchase service, when will my service credit be added?

Credit for Prior State Employment
	I had state service several years ago. How do I know if it is eligible for service credit and how can I get credit for it?

Disability
	Does the state have a short-term disability program?
	What is the waiting period for long-term disability?

Death Before Retirement
	What happens to my retirement if I die before I start receiving my benefit?
	What if my death is job-related?

Life Insurance
	Can I take my life insurance into retirement?
	How long does it take for my beneficiary(ies) to receive the proceeds from my life insurance?

Survivor benefit
	I am now receiving a survivor benefit from my spouse, a deceased Missouri state retiree. If I remarry, will it continue?

Leaving state employment
	How would I qualify for a cash-out?
	How do I apply for a cash-out?