Judicial Plan

There are two plans available for judges. Your plan membership is dependent upon your date of employment as a judge in a MOSERS benefit-eligible position relative to January 1, 2011.

  • Judicial Plan – You are a member of the Judicial Plan if you were first employed as a judge in a MOSERS benefit-eligible position prior to January 1, 2011.
  • Judicial Plan 2011 – You are a member of the Judicial Plan 2011 if you were first employed as a judge in a MOSERS benefit-eligible position on or after January 1, 2011.
Vesting
You are automatically vested on the day you become a member in the Judicial Plan.
Employee Contributions
None
Early Retirement Eligibility
Reduced Benefit
Age 60 if you have less than 15 years of service or
Age 62 if you have less than 12 years of service
Normal Retirement Eligibility
Full/Unreduced Benefit

Age 55 with 20 years of service or
Age 60 with 15 years of service or
Age 62 with 12 years of service

Base Benefit Formula
Monthly Pay x .50 = Monthly Base Benefit
Temporary Benefit
Not available
BackDROP
Not available
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
If you were sworn in prior to August 28, 1997, you will get a COLA in retirement of 4-5% each year until you reach your 65% COLA cap. After reaching the cap, your COLA will be based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI).
If you were sworn in on or after August 28, 1997, you will get an annual COLA in retirement based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average CPI (0-5%).
Service Transfer
If you have prior service as a Missouri legislator or prosecuting attorney, you may be eligible to transfer that service into the Judicial Plan. Contact MOSERS.
Buyout
An active judge may elect a one-time lump-sum payment of their vested MSEP benefit while retaining their Judicial Plan/Judicial Plan 2011 benefit. Visit Judicial Buyout for more information.
Vesting
You are automatically vested on the day you become a member in the Judicial Plan 2011.
Employee Contributions
4% of pay
Early Retirement Eligibility
Reduced Benefit
Age 62 if you have less than 20 years of service or
Age 67 if you have less than 12 years of service
Normal Retirement Eligibility
Full/Unreduced Benefit
Age 62 with 20 years of service or
Age 67 with 12 years of service
Base Benefit Formula
Monthly Pay x .50 = Monthly Base Benefit
Temporary Benefit
Not available
BackDROP
Not available
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
You will get an annual COLA in retirement based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average CPI (0-5%).
Service Transfer
If you have prior service as a Missouri legislator or prosecuting attorney, you may be eligible to transfer that service into the Judicial Plan. Contact MOSERS.
Buyout
An active judge may elect a one-time lump-sum payment of their vested MSEP benefit while retaining their Judicial Plan/Judicial Plan 2011 benefit. Visit Judicial Buyout for more information.

Buyout Option: An active judge may elect a one-time lump-sum payment of their vested MSEP benefit while retaining their Judicial Plan/Judicial Plan 2011 benefit. Taking the lump-sum MSEP payment will forfeit all credible service and future rights to receive retirement annuity and long-term disability benefits relative to that MSEP service.

MSEP benefits are for vested prior service as a general state employee, legislator, or elected state official in Missouri, if applicable.

For additional information, contact MOSERS.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Judicial Buyout

Guide to Rollovers for Your Judicial Buyout Distribution

Judges' Retirement Handbook

Log in to myMOSERS to retire online or contact a MOSERS benefit counselor to request a personalized retirement application.

Glossary of Terms