KPERS 2 started with a 2% COLA at 65, but it ended July 1, 2012 in exchange for the 1.85% multiplier. Only KPERS 2 members who retired before July 1, 2012 get it. 2025 actuarial valuation, p. 157; KPERS 2 at a Glance, PDF p. 2
KPERS 3: the self-funded COLA
At retirement you can choose no COLA, 1% or 2% a year. Your starting benefit is lower to pay for it. Increases are on July 1 and begin one year after retirement. KPERS 3 retirement booklet, p. 4, Part C and p. 7; KPERS 3 Retirement Options, PDF p. 2, COLA Options For example, retire on July 1, 2027 and the first increase comes on July 1, 2028.
| Choice | Year 0 | Year 5 | Year 10 | Year 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No COLA | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 1% COLA | $1,000 | $1,051 | $1,105 | $1,220 |
| 2% COLA | $1,000 | $1,104 | $1,219 | $1,486 |
How a $1,000 check grows, compounded yearly. An illustration: it leaves out the lower starting amount, which KPERS doesn't publish.
KPERS says the KPERS 3 COLA is a fixed 1% or 2% each July 1 starting a year after you retire, but not whether it compounds or what it costs.
We illustrate compounding yearly increases on the base amount and don't show the lower starting check.
Would settle it: KPERS 3 Membership Guide or a KPERS 3 estimate with the COLA option.Recent bills
The 2025 Legislature enacted no KPERS benefit changes. 2025-2026 COLA bills (HB 2380, for retirees 85 and older; HB 2500, a COLA study commission) died. The 2024 interim committee recommended that standing committees review COLAs. KPERS Budget Narrative FY 2027, PDF p. 18 (2025 Legislation); kslegislature.gov HB 2380 and HB 2500 bill pages, retrieved 2026-11-12
With no regular COLA, the size of your first check matters more: see One more year? for what waiting adds and Payment options for how each choice changes it. KPERS 3 members can read how KPERS 3 works.
What KPERS says
- KPERS retirees don't receive regular COLAs; any increase needs a new law.Membership Guide, p. 14, Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustments; Pre-Retirement Guide, p. 19
- KPERS 2 started with a 2% COLA at 65, but it ended July 1, 2012 in exchange for the 1.85% multiplier. Only KPERS 2 members who retired before July 1, 2012 get it.2025 actuarial valuation, p. 157; KPERS 2 at a Glance, PDF p. 2
- Check with KPERSKPERS 3: At retirement you can choose no COLA, 1% or 2% a year. Your starting benefit is lower to pay for it. Increases are on July 1 and begin one year after retirement.KPERS 3 retirement booklet, p. 4, Part C and p. 7; KPERS 3 Retirement Options, PDF p. 2, COLA OptionsThe 1% or 2% self-funded COLA starts July 1, one year after retirement (K3-15 booklet p. 7). Whether increases compound, and how much lower the starting benefit is, aren't published.
- The 2025 Legislature enacted no KPERS benefit changes. 2025-2026 COLA bills (HB 2380, for retirees 85 and older; HB 2500, a COLA study commission) died. The 2024 interim committee recommended that standing committees review COLAs.KPERS Budget Narrative FY 2027, PDF p. 18 (2025 Legislation); kslegislature.gov HB 2380 and HB 2500 bill pages, retrieved 2026-11-12
Questions
Do KPERS retirees get a COLA?
KPERS retirees don't receive regular COLAs; any increase needs a new law.
Did KPERS 2 have a COLA?
KPERS 2 started with a 2% COLA at 65, but it ended July 1, 2012 in exchange for the 1.85% multiplier. Only KPERS 2 members who retired before July 1, 2012 get it.
What is the KPERS 3 self-funded COLA?
At retirement you can choose no COLA, 1% or 2% a year. Your starting benefit is lower to pay for it. Increases are on July 1 and begin one year after retirement.
Source: KPERS Membership Guide: KPERS 1 & 2, Correctional KPERS 1 & 2, Revised 2/26, p. 14. Also: KPERS Pre-Retirement Planning Guide for KPERS 1 & 2 (1/25), p. 19. Also: KPERS Actuarial Valuation as of Dec. 31, 2025 (July 16, 2026), pp. 157, 158. Also: KPERS 2 Benefits at a Glance (rev. 5/25), PDF p. 2. Also: KPERS 3 Retirement Application booklet K3-15 (6/26), pp. 4, 7. Also: KPERS 3 Retirement Options (rev. 5/25), PDF p. 2. Also: KPERS 3 Pre-Retirement Webinar slides, slide 34. Last reviewed .