When you retire, you will get a monthly pension benefit for life. Your base benefit is calculated using a formula, as defined by law, using the following factors:

• Final Average Pay (FAP) – The average of your highest 36 consecutive months of pay
• Multiplier – A number established by the legislature
• Credited Service – Your years and months of credited service earned, purchased, or transferred, and unused sick leave (if applicable)

(Base benefit is the amount before any reductions, taxes, or other deductions.)

To answer your question specifically, the FAP is based on the highest 36 consecutive months in your pay history, not on fiscal years. For most people that ends up being at the end of their state service, but not always.  

No. The law does not allow you to purchase or transfer service from another state to MOSERS.

Depending upon your plan membership (MSEP, MSEP 2000, or MSEP 2011), once you are vested, you may be able to purchase or transfer service acquired in the state of Missouri. With the exception of prior military service, it must be full-time, nonfederal, public (government) employment, and rendered in Missouri, such as the following types of service:

• Service with MODOT or the Missouri Highway Patrol
• Service with a city, county, or public school in Missouri
• Prior military service

Purchasing or transferring service may increase your pension benefit, make you eligible for retirement sooner, or both. For more information contact a MOSERS benefit counselor and see

Purchasing and Transferring Service Guide for MSEP (Closed Plan) Members

Purchasing and Transferring Service Guide for MSEP 2000 Members

Purchasing and Transferring Service Guide for MSEP 2011 Members

It depends on where you transfer to. MOSERS defined benefit pension plan covers most, but not all, state agencies. If you are transferring from a benefit-eligible position with one MOSERS-covered employer to a benefit-eligible position with another MOSERS-covered employer, then yes, you can continue to find the information you need on our website and your personal information by logging in to myMOSERS. This is a nice advantage of working for the state since it gives you so many options.

If you move to an employer not covered by MOSERS, you should contact that retirement system. For example, employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Highway Patrol are covered by the MODot and Patrol Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS).

If you are referring to your MO Deferred Comp contributions, when transferring to another state agency, your contribution to your deferred compensation account will not be interrupted. However, we recommend that you confirm with your human resources or payroll representative to ensure that all deductions are accurate. To view your deferred comp account for balance and contribution activity, you can either access through the ESS portal or by logging in at www.modeferredcomp.org.