As a state employee, you may be participating in both the MOSERS defined-benefit pension and the supplemental retirement savings program through MO Deferred Comp. Since we are not sure which one you are referring to, we’ve addressed both below.

Defined Benefit Pension: 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, you may request a refund of your employee contributions. Please see our Employee Contributions brochure for more information. Use the Request for Refund of Employee Contributions - Member form, have it notarized and return it to MOSERS by mail, bring it into our office during normal business hours, or put it in our 24/7 drop box near the front of our building. Our address is on the top of the form.

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.

By taking a refund, you will lose all your credited service and future rights to receive pension and LTD benefits from MOSERS.

MO Deferred Comp: If you are still employed with the state, you cannot access your MO Deferred Comp 457 retirement savings except for qualified unforeseen emergency withdrawals. However, upon separation of service and notification from your employer – either voluntary, by retirement, or otherwise – you may be eligible to withdraw money from your MO Deferred Comp Plan account.

Visit the MO Deferred Comp website for more information, or if you have any questions, please call (800) 392-0925.

• You experience a qualifying, unforeseeable emergency that causes extreme financial hardship, or
• If your account balance is $5,000 or less – you may elect a one-time, in-service distribution, provided you have not made a contribution during the prior two-year period.