We are unable to provide the 2022 COLA at this time, typically you can expect to see it by the end of January. For general state employees, COLAs are based on 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from one year to the next. The maximum increase is 5% (minimum 0%).

We calculate COLAs based on the CPI-U, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers. To learn more, review the Consumer Price Index Frequently Asked Questions on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

See the History of COLAs and the COLA page on our website for more information.

The COLA rate for 2021 is 0.987%. We calculate it every year in mid-January. This COLA rate applies to: 

• All retired members of MSEP 2000 and MSEP 2011
• MSEP retirees who have reached their 65% COLA cap
• MSEP retirees first employed on or after August 28, 1997

If you were employed before August 28, 1997, and retired under the MSEP, you will get a COLA of at least 4% each year (maximum 5%) until you reach your COLA cap. You reach the COLA cap when the sum of your COLAs equals 65% of your initial base benefit amount. After reaching your COLA cap, your annual COLA will be equal to 80% of the percentage increase in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from one year to the next, which, as noted above, is 0.987% for 2021.

The purpose of a COLA for any type of pay or retirement benefit is to help you cope with inflation. COLAs help you maintain your purchasing power as inflation increases the cost of various items you buy. See the article, The 2021 COLA is Here, and the COLA page on our website for more information. 

We expect to have the data by this Friday and we will post it ASAP.

COLAs are payable on the anniversary of your retirement date except for:

• Retirees who converted from MSEP to MSEP 2000 during the conversion window in 2000 will have COLAs payable in July.
• Retirees who elected a BackDROP will have COLAs payable on the anniversary of their BackDROP date.
• Terminated-vested members of the MSEP 2011 will receive their first COLA on the second anniversary of their retirement (rather than the first anniversary).

We will send you a notice, either in the mail or in your MOSERS Document Express online mailbox, during the month when you get your COLA.

*If you retired under the MSEP, and were hired before August 28, 1997, your COLA may be different. See the MSEP/MSEP 2000 Handbook.

Please see the COLA page on our website for additional information.