MoDOT & Patrol Employees’ Retirement System
MPERS retirees dedicated their careers to serving their communities, and they continue to make a difference today. As a retiree, staying connected to MPERS helps ensure your benefits are managed smoothly and your information stays current. You can make updates, view benefit details, and access important documents anytime through myMPERS.
And remember, we’re always here to support you. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Monthly Benefit Payments
Your MPERS pension is paid on the last working day of each month via direct deposit. Through myMPERS, you can view your payment history, update your bank information, or change your tax withholding. Monthly benefit payment information is only available online through myMPERS. If desired, you may request that an email be sent to you when your payment information has been posted and is ready to view. This information is generally available online three to four days before the end of the month.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
MPERS provides an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to eligible retired members and their surviving beneficiaries for their lifetime. Regardless of which plan you are in, the annual COLA rate is based on 80% of the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers for the United States (CPI-U) for the previous year, with an annual maximum of 5%.
$5,000 Death Benefit
MPERS provides a $5,000 death benefit to members who retire directly from active employment, work-related disability recipients, and long-term disability recipients who retire on or after September 28, 1985.
Learn how to designate a beneficiary →
Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefit payments begin the first of the month following your date of death; however, they are not automatic. Each eligible benefit recipient must submit a survivor application along with additional documentation provided to the eligible benefit recipient by MPERS.
Learn more about survivor benefits →
Final Benefit Payment
The final monthly benefit is paid for the month in which you pass away. It is not prorated. If no beneficiary is designated, the payment is made in the following order:
- Surviving spouse
- Surviving children
- Surviving parents
- Surviving siblings
If no one is eligible, payment is made as permitted by law.
Understanding how your MPERS benefit is taxed is an important part of managing your retirement income. This section provides guidance on federal and Missouri state tax withholding, as well as how to access your annual 1099-R tax form. You can update your tax withholding preferences at any time by submitting a new W-4P form.
Federal Taxes
To manage your federal tax withholding from your MPERS benefit, you must use the IRS Form W-4P (Withholding Certificate for Periodic Pension or Annuity Payments).
This form allows you to:
- Specify additional income
- Claim deductions and tax credits
- Request extra withholding amounts
If you are already receiving monthly payments and do not wish to make changes, you are not required to submit a new form. However, if you want to adjust your withholding, you must complete and return the current version of Form W-4P.
Download Form W-4P and instructions →
Missouri State Taxes
Your MPERS benefit qualifies for the Missouri public pension exemption, which may reduce your state income tax liability.
Learn more about the Missouri public pension exemption →
Note: MPERS does not withhold taxes for any state other than Missouri. If you reside in another state, you are responsible for managing your own state tax obligations.
1099-R Tax Form
MPERS mails 1099-R tax forms to all retirees and benefit recipients by the end of January each year. This form lists your retirement benefit income from MPERS and is required to file your federal income tax return.
You can:
- Access an electronic copy by logging in to myMPERS
- Request a replacement copy through your myMPERS account if needed
Address or Contact Changes
Notify MPERS promptly if your address, phone number, or email changes to avoid disruptions in benefit delivery. You can update your information through myMPERS.
When to Contact MPERS After Retirement
Contact MPERS if you need to:
- Inform MPERS of any name or address changes
- Report the death of a spouse or beneficiary
- Request a pop-up provision
- Change your beneficiary designation
- Report a change in marital status
- Discuss reemployment
- Update your federal or Missouri state tax withholding
- Change your direct deposit account
Record of Important Documents
A downloadable guide to help you gather and organize essential information, including:
- Personal identification (SSN, birth/marriage certificates)
- MPERS benefit details
- Insurance policies
- Will or trust documents
- Contact list for legal, financial, and retirement advisors
- Login credentials for key accounts
Your Benefits
Retiree Benefits
Pay Days
Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Planning for the Unexpected
Tax Considerations
Tax FAQ
Changing Your Tax Withholding
Reemployment After Retirement
Working After Retirement
Bona Fide Separation
Support & Resources
Latest News
Forms & Publications
myMPERS Login
Survivor Benefits