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The Public School Retirement System of Missouri (PSRS)

PSRS provides lifetime retirement benefits for Missouri public school teachers and other qualified individuals who work for covered employers. If you don't have an educator certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), you may be a member of PEERS.

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Membership Advantages

PSRS is a Defined Benefit (DB) pension plan, providing predictable retirement income for life, no matter how long you live. In most cases, the retirement benefits paid to PSRS members greatly exceed the funds they contribute while working.

  • The amount of your contributions to PSRS does not impact the amount of your benefits.
  • Benefit amounts are based on a formula that is set by Missouri law.
  • Our professional investment staff and managers invest your PSRS contributions for you.
  • Financial protection is available for your loved ones in the event of your death before or after retirement, including a $5,000 death benefit.
  • Disability benefits are available to members who qualify.
  • Cost-of-living adjustments are granted on service and disability retirement benefits when eligibility and economic requirements are met.
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In addition to any beneficiary protection you choose to provide through the selection of your benefit plan, if you pass away after retirement, a one-time, lump-sum death benefit of $5,000 is payable to the beneficiary you designate. You may designate an individual(s), a legal entity(ies), an established trust, or your estate. Your designation can be changed at any time by filing a new $5,000 Death Benefit Beneficiary Designation with PSRS.

This is a taxable distribution, not a life insurance policy. If your beneficiary is your spouse, he or she can roll it over to a qualified retirement plan to avoid incurring an immediate tax liability. If your beneficiary is someone other than your spouse, he or she can roll it to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) set up as an inherited IRA.

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Education and Counseling

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We want to help you learn more about your benefits and retirement system. Our counselors are here to help you get all the information you need, and offer a variety of counseling and educational opportunities to best fit your busy life.

Service Purchases

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Purchasing or reinstating service can increase your benefit amount or help you retire with a higher benefit formula. All members are eligible to purchase some type of service before PSRS retirement.

Service Retirement

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Eligibility for service retirement is determined by your age and/or years of service. Service retirement benefits are calculated using a predetermined formula and are payable for life, with various benefit payment plans to choose from.

Disability Retirement

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If you develop an illness or sustain an injury that prevents you from working in any occupation, you may be eligible for PSRS disability benefits. The cause of your disability does not have to be work-related.

Working After Retirement

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Working at a PSRS-covered employer after retirement can be beneficial. However, if you work for a PSRS-covered employer, your work is subject to limits. If you exceed a limit that applies to you, it will affect the payment of your retirement benefits.

Benefit Recipients

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Are you a retiree or a beneficiary of a member? Stay informed about the retirement system and keep us informed when your contact information changes.

Taxes and Your Benefit

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PSRS employees do not offer tax advice. The following information is provided as a reference only. It is recommended that you speak with your tax professional or the Missouri Department of Revenue for tax advice.

Survivor Benefits

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PSRS offers valuable financial protection for your family if you die before retirement or while receiving PSRS disability retirement benefits.

Form and Resources

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Here's where you'll find printable forms, our list of FAQs and publications such as brochures and Member Handbooks.