Active, contributing members can buy past public service: forfeited KPERS service, military, elected official, out-of-state teaching (not private school), in-state or out-of-state non-federal public service, forfeited Board of Regents service, the Regents plan waiting period, VISTA and Peace Corps, and (non-school KPERS 1 members only) the 'year of service' wait. Cost depends on your age and salary and is set from actuarial factors; pay by pretax payroll deduction, rollover or lump sum, all before your last day on payroll. Military: up to five years can be granted free in some cases, and up to six years bought. Membership Guide, pp. 4-5, Purchasing Service and Military Service; Pre-Retirement Guide, pp. 9-10
What a bought year adds
| Final average salary | KPERS 1 (1.75%) | KPERS 2 (1.85%) |
|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $43.75/mo | $46.25/mo |
| $50,000 | $72.92/mo | $77.08/mo |
| $70,000 | $102.08/mo | $107.92/mo |
Final average salary × multiplier ÷ 12. KPERS's table rounds these to $44 / $46, $73 / $77, $102 / $108. Membership Guide, p. 4, Benefit of Purchasing Service; Pre-Retirement Guide, p. 9, Benefit of Purchasing Service Credit
KPERS doesn't publish what buying service costs.
We show what a year adds to the KPERS 1 or 2 benefit (KPERS's own table) and not the price.
Would settle it: A KPERS purchase cost letter.KPERS 3
For KPERS 3, buying service counts toward vesting and moves you to a higher retirement credit rate sooner, but the payment isn't added to your contribution account or the balance used for your benefit; it earns interest and is paid out only if you withdraw or die before retirement. Membership Guide, pp. 4-5, Purchasing Service and Military Service; Pre-Retirement Guide, pp. 9-10
A bought year counts like any other year in the benefit formula (KPERS 1 at the purchased-service rate), and it can bring full retirement closer. Compare the cost with what one more year of work adds. Forfeited KPERS service from an earlier withdrawal is on the list of what you can buy.
What KPERS says
- Active, contributing members can buy past public service: forfeited KPERS service, military, elected official, out-of-state teaching (not private school), in-state or out-of-state non-federal public service, forfeited Board of Regents service, the Regents plan waiting period, VISTA and Peace Corps, and (non-school KPERS 1 members only) the 'year of service' wait. Cost depends on your age and salary and is set from actuarial factors; pay by pretax payroll deduction, rollover or lump sum, all before your last day on payroll. Military: up to five years can be granted free in some cases, and up to six years bought.Membership Guide, pp. 4-5, Purchasing Service and Military Service; Pre-Retirement Guide, pp. 9-10
- What a bought year adds, per KPERS's table: $30,000 salary: $44 a month (KPERS 1) or $46 (KPERS 2); $50,000 salary: $73 a month (KPERS 1) or $77 (KPERS 2); $70,000 salary: $102 a month (KPERS 1) or $108 (KPERS 2).Membership Guide, p. 4, Benefit of Purchasing Service; Pre-Retirement Guide, p. 9, Benefit of Purchasing Service Credit
- Check with KPERSKPERS calculates each purchase cost from actuarial factors and tables when you apply (form KPERS-67); the tables aren't published.Membership Guide, pp. 4-5, Purchasing Service and Military Service; Pre-Retirement Guide, pp. 9-10KPERS prices each service purchase from actuarial factors when you apply (KPERS-67); the tables aren't published.
- For KPERS 3, buying service counts toward vesting and moves you to a higher retirement credit rate sooner, but the payment isn't added to your contribution account or the balance used for your benefit; it earns interest and is paid out only if you withdraw or die before retirement.Membership Guide, pp. 4-5, Purchasing Service and Military Service; Pre-Retirement Guide, pp. 9-10
Questions
What service can I buy in KPERS?
Active, contributing members can buy past public service: forfeited KPERS service, military, elected official, out-of-state teaching (not private school), in-state or out-of-state non-federal public service, forfeited Board of Regents service, the Regents plan waiting period, VISTA and Peace Corps, and (non-school KPERS 1 members only) the 'year of service' wait. Cost depends on your age and salary and is set from actuarial factors; pay by pretax payroll deduction, rollover or lump sum, all before your last day on payroll. Military: up to five years can be granted free in some cases, and up to six years bought.
How much does a bought year add?
KPERS's table: on a $30,000 final average salary, about $44 a month for KPERS 1 (1.75%) or $46 for KPERS 2 (1.85%), for life.
What does it cost?
KPERS calculates each purchase cost from actuarial factors and tables when you apply (form KPERS-67); the tables aren't published.
Source: KPERS Membership Guide: KPERS 1 & 2, Correctional KPERS 1 & 2, Revised 2/26, pp. 4-5, 4. Also: KPERS Pre-Retirement Planning Guide for KPERS 1 & 2 (1/25), pp. 9-10, 9. Also: KPERS 1 & 2 Pre-Retirement Webinar slides, slides 20-22. Also: KPERS 3 Pre-Retirement Webinar slides, slides 21-24. Last reviewed .