The Division of Human Resources’ staff are available by appointment to advise and assist you in your preparation for retirement from KSU. The Benefits Administration staff will provide retirement counseling as well as assist you in completing necessary applications to begin retirement income. They may be contacted at the Division of Human Resources, 103 Edwards Hall, (785) 532-6277.
The earlier you begin retirement planning, the better prepared you will be. Actual application to begin annuity income should be made three to six months before retirement. To assure inclusion in KSU retirement recognition ceremonies, notify the Benefits Administration office by February 1 if you intend to retire before the beginning of the next academic year.
Kansas Public Employees Retirement System
The normal retirement age for members is 65 with any number of years of service credit; age 62 with 10 years of service credit; or at any age when your combined age and years of service equal 85 "points." However, you may retire as early as age 55 if you have at least 10 years of credited service. There will be a reduction in monthly benefits if you retire before age 62.
To begin annuity income you must complete an Application for Retirement Benefits, KPERS-15 form (pdf), prior to your selected retirement date. KPERS requires proof of your age (birth certificate) and proof of any name change since birth (marriage certificate). If you choose to retire under a joint annuitant option, these same documents of proof are required for the joint annuitant.
Detailed information on the various annuity payment methods under KPERS and assistance in choosing the best time to retire may be obtained from the Benefits Administration office. (Unclassified employees with prior service credit only under KPERS should follow these same procedures).
Contact your company representative as follows for guidance on receiving retirement income:
ING Financial AdvisersTo begin annuity income, request an application and income estimates from your retirement annuity provider. Once the application forms are received, Benefits Administration staff are available to assist in completion of forms. Your annuity income may begin the month following your final pay check from KSU or anytime thereafter.
Contact the Extension Operations office for information on the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System; health insurance and other benefits available to federal retirees.
Apply for Medicare health insurance two or three months before you or your spouse reach 65 so protection will start at age 65. You do not need to enroll in Part B, Medical Insurance, until you have retired from the University unless you choose Medicare as your primary insurance carrier.
Apply for Social Security retirement checks about three months before you plan to stop working.
In order to make application for benefits, you should call the local Social Security office for an appointment and provide the following documents at your appointment:
You may continue participating in the State of Kansas employee group health insurance plan (Blue Cross and Blue Shield or one of the approved Health Maintenance Organizations) if you will receive a pension from KPERS or from one of the Board of Regents Basic Retirement Plan providers.
KSU paid health insurance coverage terminates the last day of the month in which you leave the payroll. You may continue coverage for yourself and dependents by paying the full monthly premium. Complete the appropriate health insurance change form in your departmental office or in the Benefits Administration office.
Retiree enrollment in the State of Kansas health insurance plan is administered by the Division of Personnel Services in Topeka. Questions concerning membership should be referred to that office at 1-866-541-7100. The State of Kansas has contracted with CONEXIS in Dallas, Texas as the third party administrator who will contact you concerning payments of premiums. Their toll-free telephone number is 1-866-214-2978.
Premiums are paid directly to a CONEXIS by automatic withdrawal (bank draft) from a checking or savings account. CONEXIS will correspond with you at your home address for premium payments.
You are paid at the time of retirement for any accumulated annual or compensatory time credits up to your maximum accumulation limit.
| Length of Service | Maximum Accumulation |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | 144 hours - (18 working days) |
| 5 years and less than 10 years | 176 hours - (22 working days) |
| 10 years and less than 15 years | 208 hours - (26 working days) |
| 15 years and over | 240 hours - (30 working days) |
This annual leave compensation is included as a lump sum with your last pay check from KSU and calculated based on the hourly rate of pay earned in your final pay period.
Partial sick leave is paid at retirement when the following conditions are met:
| Minimum Length of Service | Minimum Accumulation | Working Days Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or more years | 800 hours | 30 - (240 hours) |
| 15 or more years | 1000 hours | 45 - (360 hours) |
| 25 or more years | 1200 hours | 60 - (480 hours) |
This sick leave compensation is included as a lump sum with your last pay check from KSU and calculated based on the hourly rate of pay earned in your final pay period.
If you are a member of the Teachers and Employees Association (TEA) of KSU, you may continue your membership and the life insurance policy during retirement. You will be billed at your home address for the annual premium.
The KPERS insured death benefit equal to 150% of your annual salary for which premiums are paid by KSU, and the KPERS optional group life insurance which is deducted from your pay check, if applicable, may be converted to an individual, non-group policy at increased rates within 31 days after your retirement. To continue either or both of these policies, contact your departmental office or the Benefits Administration office for the necessary form.
The "K-Statement", the KSU employee newspaper, is available by subscription from Media Relations and Marketing.
Contact the Intercollegiate Athletics ticket office to determine your eligibility for purchasing athletic tickets.
You are eligible to retain your KSU I.D. card. When following normal KSU clearance procedures notify the Campus Card Center, K-State Student Union, that you are retiring; they will make a retirement notation on your card and return it to you.
Upon retirement, the Visa Business Travel Card becomes invalid and must be returned (cut in half) to the Division of Human Resources.
Contact KSU Parking Services, Edwards Hall, to determine your eligibility to obtain a campus parking permit.
Contact the Recreational Services office at the Peters Recreation Complex to determine your eligibility to use this facility.
Contact Computing and Network Services (CNS) and Telecommunications to determine your eligibility for internet access and maintaining a computing account.
Shortly before your retirement, your departmental personnel specialist will complete the appropriate personnel forms and supporting documents for your signature. Included will be an Employee Separation Checklist (pdf) and an Exit Interview Letter at Retirement (pdf). The checklist is designed to advise you of clearance obligations at the time of retirement from KSU and the Exit Interview Letter explains your options for an exit interview.
Related KSU
Policy and Procedures Manual Chapter:
4810 Retirement
Plans, Policies and Procedures
Related Link: