Retirement Income and Survivor Benefits

After you retire, you receive a guaranteed monthly payment from KPERS for the rest of your life. You can choose from different survivor payment options at retirement that will provide a guaranteed benefit to your named survivor. Click on the links below to find out the differences between maximum benefit, joint survivor benefit and life certain option. Remember if your joint survivor passes before you, your monthly benefit will automatically jump up to the maximum benefit amount.

View KPERS 1 Retirement Options on the KPERS website

View KPERS 2 Retirement Options on the KPERS website

View KPERS 3 Retirement Options on the KPERS website

Basic Life Insurance

You have basic group life insurance equal to 150% of your annual salary. The cost of this benefit is paid by Olathe Public Schools. You can name different beneficiaries for your life insurance and retirement benefits. A beneficiary is the person who will receive your life insurance money should you pass away.

Long Term Disability Benefits

Disability benefits are based on 60% of your annual salary in the event you become disabled while employed. Olathe Public Schools pays this premium for you. To be eligible, you must be disabled for 180 days and no longer receive employer compensation. You will continue to earn service credits and have basic life insurance coverage during this time.

Death Benefits

KPERS returns your contributions and interest in the event of your death to your beneficiary(s). If you name your spouse as your sole primary beneficiary, they will be eligible for the surviving spouse benefit options. This benefit allows your spouse to select between two options:

1. If you are eligible to retire on the day you pass away, your spouse begins receiving a monthly benefit immediately for the rest of their life.
2. If you are not eligible to retire on the day you pass away, but had 10 years of service, your spouse begins receiving a monthly benefit for the rest of their life when you would have reached age 55.

If you name more than one primary beneficiary for the retirement benefits, the surviving spouse option does not apply.  If you choose more than one beneficiary, each will share your contribution and interest equally.  You can elect different beneficiaries for life insurance and retirement benefits.

You will need to get online account access to establish beneficiaries.  You can log into your KPERS account to change your beneficiaries at any time you would like.  Remember to update your beneficiaries if a life event occurs such as a marriage, childbirth, or divorce.  If you are considering naming a child under the age of 18, please read the KPERS criteria for naming a minor child as beneficiary.