Life Insurance and Death Benefits for Active Members - KPERS, Correctional Officers and Judges

You have basic group life insurance equal to 150 percent of your annual salary. The cost of this benefit is paid by your employer. The Retirement System also returns your contributions and interest. In certain situations, your spouse may be able to choose a monthly benefit instead of receiving your contributions. Please see Surviving Spouse Benefit Option for details.

You can name different beneficiaries for your life insurance and retirement benefits. See "Naming Your Beneficiary" for details.

Accelerated Death Benefit
If you are diagnosed as terminally ill with 12 months or fewer to live, you may be eligible to receive up to 100 percent
of your life insurance instead of your beneficiary receiving a death benefit.
Minnesota Life Insurance Accelerated Death Benefit Claim Form, (PDF, 33KB)

Job-Related Death (KPERS only)
If you die from an on-the-job accident, your spouse receives a monthly benefit based on 50 percent of your final average salary, less Workers' Compensation. The minimum benefit is $100 per month. He or she also receives a $50,000 lump-sum payment. This is in addition to your life insurance and returned contributions plus interest.

Optional Group Life Insurance
Optional group life insurance is coverage beyond your regular death benefit. You pay the cost of this coverage by payroll deduction. Many employers offer optional group life insurance, including the State of Kansas. Check with your employer about participation. For details, please see Optional Group Life Insurance.