Working After Retirement 101: The Basics You Need to Know
Working as a retiree for a PSRS/PEERS-covered employer can be rewarding and beneficial for you and your employer. But this work is limited by law. If you exceed a limit that applies to you, your benefits may be put on hold, and you will be required to pay back the amount you go over or your monthly benefit, whichever is less.
To help you work after retirement without an impact on your benefits here is a quick look at the basics you need to know.
Most Work for Employers that Are Not Part of PSRS/PEERS is Not Limited
If you are a PEERS service retiree, work for employers that are not covered by PSRS/PEERS is not limited by law and will not affect the payment of your benefits.
If you are a PSRS service retiree, this is also true in most cases. Exceptions occur when performing part-time or temporary-substitute work at a PSRS-covered school district, but working for a third-party provider (such as a staffing agency) or as an independent contractor, in a position normally requiring a DESE-issued certificate.
Work at Covered Employers Has Limits
Work performed by service retirees at covered employers is subject to limits which vary depending on whether you are retired from PSRS or PEERS. For PSRS retirees, limits also vary based on whether it requires a DESE-issued educator certificate.
Detailed information about your personal limits will be sent to you by mail when we are notified by your employer that you are working after retirement.
Learn more about the limits:
Work Limits on Substitute Teaching are Temporarily Waived This School Year
The work limits on part-time or temporary-substitute work as a classroom teacher are waived through June 30, 2025. This is due to legislation signed by the Missouri governor in 2022. As of this time, the work limits will once again apply starting July 1, 2025.
Disability Retirees Have Work Limits that Depend on Their Age
Disability retirees who return to work before age 60 may earn up to the substantial gainful activity limit for non-blind Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, which is set by the Social Security Administration and is subject to change each year. For 2024 this limit is $18,600. Upon reaching age 60, disability retirees are subject to the same post-retirement work limits as service retirees.
Check the Work Your Employer Has Reported for You in Web Member Services
You can see the work your employer has reported to us by logging in to Web Member Services. Keep in mind, that there can be a delay between the time of your work and when your employer submits payroll to us, so you may have worked more hours than what is reported online.