MOSERS provides annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to retired members and their surviving beneficiaries.

The purpose of a COLA is to increase your pay or pension benefits to help with inflation. A COLA allows you to maintain your purchasing power as inflation increases the cost of goods and services.

The COLA rate for MOSERS retirees in 2024 is 3.293%.

How is the COLA calculated?

The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Each year, MOSERS compares the average CPI for the calendar year just completed to the average CPI from the prior year to determine the percentage change between the two years.

If you are a retired general state employee, your COLA is based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average CPI from one year to the next. Your COLA can range from a minimum of 0% to a maximum of 5%.

If you retired under MSEP and were employed before August 28, 1997, you will receive a minimum 4% COLA until accumulated COLAs reach 65% of your initial base benefit. This is called your COLA cap. After reaching the cap, your COLA is based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average CPI from one year to the next. Your COLA can range from a minimum of 0% to a maximum of 5%.

• If you converted from MSEP to MSEP 2000 during the conversion window in 2000, we will apply your COLA each July.
• If you elected BackDROP, we will apply your COLA each year on the anniversary of your BackDROP date.
• If you are a retired inactive-vested member of MSEP 2011, we will apply your first COLA on the second anniversary of your retirement (rather than the first anniversary).
• If you are a retired legislator who took office after July 1, 2000, your benefit will be adjusted according to the increase in pay for an active member of the general assembly. No other COLAs will be provided.
• If you are a retired statewide elected official who took office after July 1, 2000, your benefit will be adjusted according to the increase in pay for an active member in that office. No other COLAs will be provided.