If you’re an MSEP 2011 or Judicial Plan 2011 member, you are required to contribute 4% of your pay to the MOSERS trust fund. These contributions help to pay the cost of your future pension benefit and can potentially pay you back far more than you contributed.

Your pension benefits are funded by three sources:

• your contributions
• contributions from your employer, and
• investment earnings

MOSERS invests the contributions it receives, manages the portfolio, and bears the risk. Regardless of investment performance, you are guaranteed a lifetime monthly pension benefit in retirement!

Can I access funds before retirement?

You cannot access your MOSERS defined benefit pension until retirement. However, if you no longer work in a MOSERS benefit-eligible position and are a member of MSEP 2011 or the Judicial Plan 2011, you may request a refund of your employee contributions.

However, if you become vested and leave your contributions in place, they will continue to earn interest, and you will be eligible for a future pension benefit based on your total service and final average pay. If you leave state employment before becoming vested, you will not be eligible for future pension benefits, and interest will not continue to accrue on your contributions.

How do I request a refund?

If you’re a member of MSEP 2011 or the Judicial Plan 2011 and leave state employment, you can either request a refund or leave your contributions with MOSERS.

• Why would I request a refund? If you are not vested (not eligible for a future pension benefit) and do not plan to return to state employment, it may be in your best interest to request a refund.
• Why would I leave my contributions with MOSERS? If you are vested, you will be eligible for a future pension benefit once you meet the age requirement. Vested or not, if you think you may return to state employment and you left your contributions intact, your prior service can be restored.

You are not required to withdraw your employee contributions if you leave state employment. A refund will include your contributions and any interest.

It’s important to note that by taking a refund, you will lose all your credited service and future rights to receive a pension, life insurance, and long-term disability benefits from MOSERS.

Refunds of employee contributions are not automatic. To request a refund, you must complete the Request for Refund of Employee Contributions - Member form and have it notarized. You can return the form to MOSERS by mail, submit it in person during normal business hours, or put it in our 24/7 drop box near the front of our building.

Keep in mind that there is a 90-day waiting period if you request a refund. Missouri law requires MOSERS to pay your refund within an administratively reasonable period but no sooner than 90 days from the date your state employment ended. To learn more, visit our Refund of Employee Contributions page.

Watch our short video, What Are These Deductions? and check out our Employee Contributions brochure for more information.