KPERS 1 and KPERS 2
If you leave you can withdraw your contributions and interest any time 31 days after your last day of employment (direct payment or rollover). Withdrawing gives up all service and benefits; employer contributions stay with KPERS. Vested members who leave the money in get a lifetime benefit when eligible. Non-vested members must withdraw within five years: after that the account stops earning interest and the service is forfeited. Membership Guide, p. 11, Leaving Employment Before Retiring; 2025 actuarial valuation, p. 154, Withdrawal Benefit
- 7% a year interest if you joined before July 1, 1993
- 4% a year interest if you joined on or after July 1, 1993
Membership Guide, p. 3, Interest ('Before July 1, 1993: 7%; On or after July 1, 1993: 4%'
KPERS 3
If you leave you can withdraw your contribution account (your contributions plus interest). Vested members who withdraw give up the retirement credits; vested members who leave the money in get a lifetime benefit when eligible, and both accounts keep earning interest and dividends. Non-vested members must withdraw; the account earns interest for two plan years. Returning within five years keeps past service you haven't withdrawn. KPERS 3 Retirement Benefits, PDF p. 3, If you leave employment; KPERS 3 at a Glance, PDF p. 1
Taxes
A direct payment is federally taxable (20% withheld; possible 10% penalty under 59 1/2); a rollover defers tax. KPERS sends a 1099-R in January. Membership Guide, p. 11, The Withdrawal Process; KPERS 1 & 2 retirement booklet, pp. 23-24
If you come back later, your tier may change: see which tier am I? A withdrawal is taxed federally (see Taxes), and forfeited service may be bought back later (see Buying service credit).
What KPERS says
- KPERS 1 and 2: If you leave you can withdraw your contributions and interest any time 31 days after your last day of employment (direct payment or rollover). Withdrawing gives up all service and benefits; employer contributions stay with KPERS. Vested members who leave the money in get a lifetime benefit when eligible. Non-vested members must withdraw within five years: after that the account stops earning interest and the service is forfeited.Membership Guide, p. 11, Leaving Employment Before Retiring; 2025 actuarial valuation, p. 154, Withdrawal Benefit
- Interest on KPERS 1 and 2 contributions: 7% a year if you joined before July 1, 1993; 4% a year if you joined on or after July 1, 1993.Membership Guide, p. 3, Interest ('Before July 1, 1993: 7%; On or after July 1, 1993: 4%'
- KPERS 3: If you leave you can withdraw your contribution account (your contributions plus interest). Vested members who withdraw give up the retirement credits; vested members who leave the money in get a lifetime benefit when eligible, and both accounts keep earning interest and dividends. Non-vested members must withdraw; the account earns interest for two plan years. Returning within five years keeps past service you haven't withdrawn.KPERS 3 Retirement Benefits, PDF p. 3, If you leave employment; KPERS 3 at a Glance, PDF p. 1
- A direct payment is federally taxable (20% withheld; possible 10% penalty under 59 1/2); a rollover defers tax. KPERS sends a 1099-R in January.Membership Guide, p. 11, The Withdrawal Process; KPERS 1 & 2 retirement booklet, pp. 23-24
Questions
Can I get my KPERS money back if I quit?
Yes, your own contributions plus interest, 31 days after your last day of work (KPERS 1 and 2). Withdrawing ends your service and benefits.
What happens if I'm vested and leave the money in?
With 5 years you're vested: leave your money with KPERS and you get a lifetime benefit when you're eligible.
Is a KPERS refund taxed?
A direct payment is federally taxable (20% withheld; possible 10% penalty under 59 1/2); a rollover defers tax. KPERS sends a 1099-R in January.
Source: KPERS Membership Guide: KPERS 1 & 2, Correctional KPERS 1 & 2, Revised 2/26, pp. 11, 3, 4. Also: KPERS Actuarial Valuation as of Dec. 31, 2025 (July 16, 2026), pp. 154, 156. Also: KPERS 3 Retirement Benefits (9/25), PDF pp. 3, 1-3. Also: KPERS 3 Benefits at a Glance (rev. 1/25), PDF p. 1. Also: KPERS 1 & 2 Retirement Application booklet (6/26), pp. 23-24. Also: KPERS 2 Benefits at a Glance (rev. 5/25), PDF p. 1. Last reviewed .