Retirement

	How and when do I apply for retirement?
	Applying for retirement involves a two-step process. MOSERS must receive your Application for Retirement 30-90 days prior to your retirement date. This is the first step of the process. We will use the information on your application to create an individualized Retirement Election form. The election form must be completed and returned to MOSERS prior to your date of retirement (this is the second step). Contact your payroll/personnel or human resource representative or a MOSERS benefit counselor to request a retirement packet.
	How much will I receive when I retire?
	The easiest way to receive a benefit estimate is by contacting a MOSERS benefit counselor. We will ask whether you are married, the date of your spouse's birth, and whether you will have any unused sick leave upon your retirement. The amount of your benefit is determined by a formula based on your service and salary. It also depends on other factors, including which plan you choose, whether you choose normal or early retirement, whether you choose BackDROP, and whether you choose to leave anything to a beneficiary. Your annual benefit statement from MOSERS also provides an estimate of your retirement benefit.
	What happens to my unused sick leave at retirement?
	Under the MSEP, if you are eligible to retire on the date of your termination, you will receive one month of credited service for every 168 hours of unused sick leave reported to us by your employer. Under the MSEP 2000, once you are vested, you will receive one month of credited service for every 168 hours of unused sick leave reported to us by your employer on your date of termination.
	What documents can I use to meet the proof-of-age/lawful presence requirement?
	Effective August 28, 2008, applicants must provide an acceptable "proof-of-age and lawful presence" document when applying for MOSERS retirement, survivor, or long-term disability benefits. This change was made in accordance with House Bill 1549, which passed during the 2008 legislative session. The law identifies acceptable proof-of-age and lawful presence documents as those accepted by the Missouri Department of Revenue. One of the following documents must be submitted as proof-of-age and lawful presence: U.S. Birth Certificate (with embossed or raised seal issued by state or local government) U.S. Passport (valid or expired) Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization or Birth Abroad Valid Missouri Driver’s License Note: A military DD214 is no longer an acceptable proof-of-age document.
	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?
	You can name each other in a joint and survivor option, and when one dies, the surviving member may receive both a survivor benefit and a retirement benefit. If you have taken a reduction in your benefit as a result of electing a Joint and Survivor benefit option which will pay a benefit for your spouse’s lifetime after your death, and then your spouse dies first, your benefit will automatically revert to the higher Life Income Annuity amount.

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