September 25, 2026 | kspers.gov | kpers@kspers.gov

Learn More About KPERS Optional Life Insurance

Life insurance helps take care of your loved ones if something happens to you.

This fall, you can add or increase your optional life insurance coverage. This gives you extra coverage on top of your basic life insurance and death benefits.

You choose how much you need and pay the premiums by payroll deduction. If you want more than the guaranteed coverage amount or if you have been declined in the past, you will need to answer a few health questions.

Guaranteed Coverage

Members: Add up to $50,000 without health questions (to $250,000 guaranteed max)
Spouse: Add up to $25,000 without health questions (to $25,000 guaranteed max)
Child: $10,000 or $20,000 without health questions

Open Enrollment Dates

September 1-30, 2026: School & Local Members

October 1- 30, 2026: State & Kansas Board of Regents Members

Coverage effective January 1, 2027. Learn more at kspers.gov/optionallife.

*If you have been declined previously, you will need to answer health questions when you apply for any coverage.

Estimate Your Retirement Benefits

It’s easier than you think to estimate your monthly retirement benefits.

Go to kspers.gov and click the blue Member Login button. Once you log in, go to the Benefit Calculator on the left to start your estimate. It will be personalized based on the information in your account. You can also make any adjustments for future salary changes or possible retirement dates. It uses your real-time data (as of your last paycheck) to give you results fast.

If you’re less than a year away from retirement, you can request an official estimate. Submit your form to KPERS and a benefits specialist will calculate an estimate for you.

You can also use the generic calculators at kspers.gov. From the menu bar, click Members, then Benefit Calculators, then choose your group. Remember to grab a copy of your annual statement to use for the latest details.

Visit kspers.gov to learn more about Retiring Ready.

Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Budget

Winter will be here before we know it! Here are three steps you can take now to save money and reduce stress this season.

Create a Holiday Fund: Set aside a small amount of money each week. Put it toward gifts, travel and other holiday expenses. For example, if you save $25 a week now until the end of the year, you could save an additional $300. This may help remove any last-minute financial pressures.

Set a Spending Limit: Take 30 minutes to decide how much you want to spend on various items this season. A clear limit helps you say no to impulse buys and avoid overspending.

Shop Early: Start shopping several months before the holidays. This lets you spread costs over time and find good deals on items, helping you avoid stress and higher costs.

*Please check out this article on NerdWallet to learn more about holiday budgeting.

Be Alert For Potential Scams

There are a few recent phishing scams targeting KPERS members. Learn more about recent phishing attempts and how to report them here.

Letter from the Executive Director

I am pleased to share an update on KPERS’ recent funding results.

Our actuary conducts an annual valuation on December 31 each year to assess funding levels, compare Trust Fund assets to liabilities, and estimate the future cost of benefits. This process also sets employer contribution rates and projects funded ratios based on investment returns.

In July, KPERS received its latest valuation report, which provides a snapshot of the Retirement System as of December 31, 2025. Three of the most important measures from this report are the KPERS Trust Fund investment returns, the funded ratio and the unfunded actuarial liability.

This year, KPERS’ overall funded ratio (assets/liabilities) increased slightly to 75% up from 74%, in 2024. For pension systems like KPERS, a funded ratio of 80% and rising is a good sign that we’re on track toward our goal of full funding. For 2025, the System’s net investment return reached 13.4%, exceeding the long-term target of 7%. This high investment return helped boost our funded ratio.

The unfunded liability is the difference between Trust Fund assets and the cost of future benefits. With the 2025 valuation, the unfunded liability decreased slightly from $10.05 billion in 2024 to $10.00 billion as of December 31, 2025. Strong investment returns and full actuarial required contributions ultimately lowered the unfunded liability in 2025.

As of June 30, 2026, the KPERS Trust Fund’s most recent annual return is 14.1%, with assets now over $32.5 billion. This is a new record for the highest level ever achieved by the Trust Fund.

This progress reflects the Governor’s and the Legislature’s commitment to support KPERS’ funding. Overall funding has increased steadily from a low 56% in 2012 to 75% in 2025. Continued funding improvements hinge on meeting investment targets over time, in addition to full and consistent employer contributions each year. This marks the ninth consecutive year in which the State/School employer contributions have met the actuarially required amount. These payments are key to KPERS’ long-term funding.

As always, if you have any questions about KPERS’ funding, please feel free to contact me at (785) 296-1017 or aconroy@kspers.gov. You may also visit kspers.gov/about/funding to keep up with the latest funding and investments. Thank you for your public service and dedication to serving our fellow Kansans.

Questions?

kpers@kspers.gov