Using AI Safely: What to Know Before Asking About Your PSRS/PEERS Benefits
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become a part of everyday life. People of all ages use AI to find quick explanations, summarize information, and learn about new topics. Because these tools are so accessible, you may want to use them to explore retirement topics or ask questions related to the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri (PSRS/PEERS).
If you choose to use AI in this way, it’s important to understand both its limitations and the potential risks. AI tools often sound confident in their responses, but the information they produce may not be complete or accurate. You should approach AI responses with caution and always verify information through PSRS/PEERS.
Below are helpful reminders to keep in mind if you are exploring general retirement topics using AI.
Start With Safety and Skepticism
AI cannot access your personal PSRS/PEERS information, and it may not limit its answers to Missouri laws or system-specific rules. For example, it might include outdated laws, rules from other states, or details from retirement systems that work differently than PSRS/PEERS.
This can lead to confusion or misunderstandings if you interpret the information as authoritative. Always verify the details using official PSRS/PEERS resources.
Direct the Tool to Trusted Sources
Some AI tools respond more accurately when you tell them where to look for information. If you want AI to focus only on what is publicly available from PSRS/PEERS, you can add a direction such as, “Only using information from the www.psrs-peers.org website, explain how a cost-of-living adjustment is generally calculated for a PEERS member.” Including your specific system — PSRS or PEERS — is important to direct AI to the correct area of the website.
A few AI tools allow users to upload documents directly into the chat. If this feature is available, uploading a PDF of your Member Handbook can help the tool answer general questions more accurately. AI can reference the document’s language instead of relying on older or unrelated information it may have learned elsewhere. Again, be sure to upload the correct system handbook — either PSRS or PEERS — and be sure to upload the current version. You can access the current PDFs on www.psrs-peers.org.
Even when directing AI to trusted sources, always remember:
- AI cannot access your personal membership information.
- AI can misinterpret information, even from an uploaded document.
- You should verify anything AI provides by checking the PSRS/PEERS website or contacting us directly.
Avoid Asking AI About Your Personal Situation
Never share personally identifiable information in a public AI tool. This includes your Social Security number, member ID, birth date, specific salary details, and other sensitive data.
Keep your questions general. AI tools cannot:
- Update or change information associated with your account
- Review your membership records
- Access your salary or service information
- Answer questions about your beneficiary designations
- Provide secure or individualized guidance
Even when AI appears to give specific answers, it is only producing information based on patterns — not on your actual PSRS/PEERS data.
For information specific to your membership, log in to your secure membership information portal, Web Member Services, at https://wms.psrs-peers.org.
Be Aware of AI-Driven Scams
As AI becomes more advanced, scammers are using it in new ways. AI-generated voices, images, and messages can be extremely convincing. Treat unexpected calls, emails, or messages with caution — especially if they ask for personal information.
To protect yourself:
- Verify unexpected communications directly with PSRS/PEERS.
- Avoid sharing any sensitive information unless you initiate the contact using contact information found on our website at www.psrs-peers.org.
- Be cautious of urgent or emotional messages, which are common tactics in scams.
Rely on PSRS/PEERS for Accurate, Member-Specific Information
AI can help you learn general concepts, but it cannot replace the expertise of trained PSRS/PEERS staff. For anything involving your actual benefits, eligibility, or membership details, the safest and most reliable step is to reach out to us directly.
We are here to help you understand your benefits, make informed decisions, and ensure you always receive accurate information specific to your situation.
If you have questions at any point, please contact us. Your retirement is too important to rely on information that may not be correct.