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The Public Education Employee Retirement System of Missouri (PEERS)

PEERS provides lifetime retirement benefits for qualified Missouri public school employees who work for covered employers. If you have an educator certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), you may be a member of PSRS.

Membership Advantages

PEERS is a Defined Benefit (DB) pension plan, providing predictable retirement income for life, no matter how long you live. In most cases, the retirement benefits paid to PEERS members greatly exceed the funds they contribute while working.

The amount of your contributions to PEERS does not impact the amount of your benefits.
Benefit amounts are based on a formula that is set by Missouri law.
Our professional investment staff and managers invest your PEERS contributions for you.
Financial protection is available for your loved ones in the event of your death before or after retirement.
Disability benefits are available to members who qualify.
Cost-of-living adjustments are granted on service and disability retirement benefits when eligibility and economic requirements are met.

Education and Counseling

We want to help you learn more about your benefits and retirement system. Our counselors are here to help you get all the information you need, and offer a variety of counseling and educational opportunities to best fit your busy life.

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Service Purchases

Purchasing or reinstating service can increase your benefit amount or help you retire with a higher benefit formula. All members are eligible to purchase some type of service before PEERS retirement.

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Service Retirement

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Eligibility for service retirement is determined by your age and/or years of service. Service retirement benefits are calculated using a predetermined formula and are payable for life, with various benefit payment plans to choose from.

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Disability Retirement

If you develop an illness or sustain an injury that prevents you from working in any occupation, you may be eligible for PEERS disability benefits. The cause of your disability does not have to be work-related.

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Working After Retirement

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Working at a PEERS-covered employer after retirement can be beneficial. However, if you work for a PEERS-covered employer, your work is subject to limits. If you exceed a limit that applies to you, it will affect the payment of your retirement benefits.

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Benefit Recipients

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Are you a retiree or a beneficiary of a member? Stay informed about the retirement system and keep us informed when your contact information changes.

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Taxes and Your Benefit

PEERS employees do not offer tax advice. The following information is provided as a reference only. It is recommended that you speak with your tax professional or the Missouri Department of Revenue for tax advice.

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Survivor Benefits

PEERS offers valuable financial protection for your family if you die before retirement or while receiving PEERS disability retirement benefits.

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Forms and Resources

Here's where you'll find printable forms, our list of FAQs and publications such as brochures and Member Handbooks.

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