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Kansas Public Employees Retirement System
KPERS Information:
Local KPERS Designated Agent ("DA"): Candy Schmitt, City
Clerk
Contact: Phone (785) 486-2681
E-mail: candy.schmitt@hortonkansas.net
KPERS Website: http://www.kpers.org
Overview of KPERS. The Kansas Legislature created KPERS in 1962 to provide Kansans with careers in public service the opportunity to build a nest egg for retirement that would last a lifetime. Besides retirement benefits, KPERS also provides life insurance, long-term disability benefits and a death benefit for retirees. Because the Retirement Act requires that the State of Kansas participate, membership in the System is mandatory for all state employees. Any governmental entity or instrumentality whose employees are covered by Social Security may also affiliate for KPERS coverage. Over 1,600 employers have affiliated with KPERS in order to ensure their employees eventually enjoy a guaranteed lifetime retirement benefit.
Public Employees Are Required to Participate. Kansas
law requires that all employees in covered positions with participating
employers must become members. A covered position for non-school
employees is one that is covered by Social Security, is not seasonal or
temporary, and requires at least 1,000 hours of work per year. The
requirements for school employees differ only in the required hours:
630 hours per year or 3.5 hours per day for at least 180 days,
ncluding those who are working concurrently for more than one school
employer. Non-school employees work for one year in a
KPERS-covered position (“year of service”) before becoming a
member. School employees become members on their first day of
employment in a KPERS-covered position. Once a member, non-school
members can purchase the service credit for their year of
service. Elected officials may choose whether or not to become a
member of KPERS. If this applies to you, see your designated agent for
more information.
Amount of Contribution. As an active member, you contribute 4 percent of your gross earnings and your contributions earn interest annually. Kansas law does not allow you to borrow from your contributions. Contributions are made on a basis and deferred from federal income taxes until you either withdraw or retire. You do need to add the contributions back into your gross income for state income tax purposes when you file your Kansas state income taxes each year.
Forms Required to be Completed Prior to Entry in Retirement
System. Included under this folder is a list of forms,
including the KPERS Form 67 (Service Credit for Kansas Public
Service), KPERS Form 67PS (Service Credit Purchase for Non-Kansas
Public Service, e.g., Military Service), and KPERS Form 799 (Designation of Primary &
Contingent Beneficiaries).
Additional Information. If you have additional
information, you may either ask the City of Horton's Designated KPERS
Agent, Candy Schmitt, Horton City Clerk, or you may refer
to the KPERS Membership Guide, which is included under
this folder in PDF format for your review. Additionally, you may
review the KPERS website or contact a KPERS representative
if you have any further questions.
