MoDOT & Patrol Employees’ Retirement System
Your retirement benefit is based on a formula that takes into consideration the amount of service credit you have accumulated towards retirement. The more service you have and the higher your salary, the higher your monthly benefit amount.
The most common way of accumulating service credit is to work in a benefit-eligible position; however, there are provisions that allow you to combine certain types of prior governmental service credit with your MPERS service. Combining your service may increase the amount of your retirement benefit and might make you eligible to retire at an earlier date.
What Is a Service Purchase?
A service purchase lets you buy eligible service for qualifying work you performed outside of your MPERS-covered service. Purchasing prior service permanently adds it to your credited service total, increasing your monthly benefit and potentially allowing you to retire earlier.
Not all prior service qualifies. There are four specific types of service that can be purchased, each with its own eligibility rules, cost formula, and documentation requirements. All purchases must be completed before you submit your Notice of Retirement.
Types of Service That Can Be Purchased
| Type of service | Closed Plan | Year 2000 | 2011 Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public employment (§104.040.6) Full-time, non-federal Missouri public employment worked before joining MPERS |
✔ Available | ✖ Not available | ✖ Not available |
| Public employment (§105.691) Full-time, non-federal Missouri public employment worked before joining MPERS |
✔ Available | ✔ Available | ✔ Available |
| Prior military service (§104.040.4/104.1021.6) Active-duty service with honorable discharge, before joining MPERS |
✔ Available | ✔ Available | ✖ Not available |
| Certified police officer service (§104.040.5) Prior police service anywhere in the U.S., before joining MPERS |
✔ Uniformed patrol only | ✖ Not available | ✖ Not available |
Prior Public Employment in Missouri
Service credit may be purchased for any full-time, non-federal public sector employment worked within Missouri — including work for a city, county, public school, the University of Missouri, or other political subdivision. Federal employment and out-of-state employment are not eligible.
Which provision applies depends on your membership status at the time you apply.
Active Members §104.040.6
Eligibility
- Must be an active employee at the time of purchase
- Service must have been full-time, non-federal, worked within Missouri, and earned before becoming an MPERS member
- Must not be eligible for credit or benefits from any other public plan for the same period of service
- Must purchase all eligible months and days up to four years — partial purchases are not permitted under this statute
- Purchase must be completed before applying for retirement or before leaving state employment
Active or Vested-Former Members §105.691.5 / §105.691.7
Eligibility
- Must be vested in MPERS (5+ years of credited service) before applying
- Obtaining credit in MPERS requires permanently forfeiting all rights to benefits under the other system for that same period
- Partial purchases are permitted — remaining service can be purchased later, but the cost will be recalculated at that time
Prior Military & Police Service
Two additional purchase types are available to members with prior service in the military or as a certified police officer.
Prior Military Service §104.040.4 / §104.1021.6
Available to Closed Plan and Year 2000 Plan members. Not available to 2011 Tier.
Eligibility
- Must be an active or vested former member; Year 2000 Plan members must be vested (5+ years) before purchasing
- Service must have been performed before becoming an MPERS member with an honorable discharge
- Must purchase all eligible months and days up to four years — partial purchases are not permitted under this statute
- Purchased periods cannot coincide with existing MPERS-covered service or any other service you are receiving credit for in MPERS – the service from any service purchases cannot overlap
Eligible Branches
- U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force
- Army and Air National Guard
Required Documentation
- DD214, NGB Form 23, or Army National Guard Current Annual Statement confirming eligible branch, dates of service, and honorable discharge
- Missing your DD214? Contact the National Personnel Records Center: (314) 801-0800 or archives.gov
- If discharged in Missouri, contact the Missouri National Guard: (573) 638-9890
Certified Police Officer Service §104.040.5
Available to uniformed Patrol members under the Closed Plan only.
Eligibility
- Must be a uniformed member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Service must have been earned prior to becoming an MPERS member
- Police service may be from anywhere in the United States — not limited to Missouri
- Must not be receiving or eligible to receive benefits from any other public or private retirement plan for the same service
- Must purchase all eligible months and days up to four years — partial purchases are not permitted under this statute
Required Documentation
A letter from your former employer on official letterhead containing:
- Your name and dates of employment (mm/dd/yy)
- A statement that you were a commissioned officer
- A statement that you are not receiving and are not eligible for benefits from any other public or private plan for this service
- Verification by an appropriate agency employee
- A statement of whether the service was covered by Social Security
How to Pay for a Service Purchase
Once MPERS calculates your cost estimate, we will provide it along with benefit estimates that illustrate the impact the purchase may have on your monthly benefit. Once you have decided to proceed with the purchase, MPERS will provide you with the necessary documents to continue the process.
There are four payment methods that are accepted and may be combined.
Payment Options
Lump sum — cash or check
A single payment covering the full cost, no interest added. The most cost-effective option if funds are available.
Monthly payments/payroll deductions
Payments deducted from your paycheck. Interest is added to the purchase cost. Payments cannot extend beyond two years.
Rollover from an eligible plan or traditional IRA
A tax-free rollover from an eligible employer plan, including Missouri Deferred Compensation, or a traditional IRA. See the MPERS Tax-Free Rollovers fact sheet for details.
Combination of lump sum, monthly payments, and rollover
Pay a partial lump sum upfront and/or rollover; MPERS recalculates monthly payments on the remaining balance. Interest applies only to the monthly portion.
Keep in Mind
- Waiting to purchase may increase the cost
- If full payment is not made within the prescribed period, all partial payments are refunded, and no service is credited
- Some provisions require you to remain an active employee throughout the payment period. Contact a benefit counselor before leaving state employment if a purchase is in progress
- Requesting a cost estimate does not obligate you to purchase
- Consult a financial advisor before proceeding to evaluate how the purchase fits your overall financial plan