‼️ Access to your MO Deferred Comp account through MissionSquare Retirement ends December 19, 2025. To download past statements or documents, log in to your former account using your previous username and password.‼️
Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers.

As a saver in the deferred comp plan, you are saving money today to help meet your future retirement needs. With something so important, it’s likely you will have questions. Below are a number of answers to common deferred comp questions. If you don’t see your question below, remember you can email us anytime or call 800-392-0925.

FAQ Quick Links
Getting StartedMaking ContributionsManaging My AccountRoth SavingsInvestment OptionsEducation and ResourcesRetirement and Withdrawing MoneyUniversity Employees
Website Walk-Thru Tutorials
Visit our video library to learn how to navigate your account and easily use deferred comp calculators.

01. Getting Started

How and when can I enroll in the deferred comp plan?
All employees of the state of Missouri and participating colleges and universities are immediately eligible to participate in the plan. There are no minimum service requirements to fulfill.
New permanent full-time and part-time employees working for a Missouri state agency are automatically enrolled at a1% contribution each pay period.
To set up your account and begin saving, click Log In at the top of this site, then select Register Now and follow the prompts.
You may also enroll by calling the MO Deferred Comp Service Center at 800-392-0925,or your local financial education professional.  For those participants who are hearing impaired, please call 800-579-5708.
Who is automatically enrolled into the deferred comp plan?
New permanent full-time and part-time employees working for a Missouri state agency are automatically enrolled at a1% pre-tax contribution each pay period. If you change agencies, please check your paystub to make sure your contributions continue.
Automatic enrollment excludes employees of colleges and universities and previous temporary or seasonal non-benefit eligible employees.
Automatic enrollment went into effect July 1, 2012. If you were newly hired on or after July 1, 2012 and left state employment on or after January 31, 2017, at rehire your contribution will be what was previously on file.
Can I "opt out" of automatic enrollment?
Yes. To “opt out” of automatic enrollment, you must login into Account Access through this website, SEBES or the Employees’ Self-Service portal and adjust your contribution to zero within 30 days of your official hire date. If you meet the 30-day limit, you will receive a full refund of any contributions. If you do not adjust your contributions to zero within the 30-day time frame, the plan’s standard withdrawal options apply to your account. See the plan's How to Change Your Contribution flyer for step-by-step instructions.

What does it cost to participate in the deferred comp plan?

Costs include plan administration fees and investment management fees. The administration fee covers the cost of deferred comp staff, local customer service, call center, education, mailings, printed materials, technology and tools, recordkeeping and the general administration of the plan. Each participant pays only $21 a year ($1.75 per month) and 0.08% of assets (part of the investment option expense ratio) for plan administration. In addition, each investment option charges an investment management fee for the operation of the fund that is included in the expense ratio. The annualized investment management fees are deducted daily from the funds.

Please see the Investments page for each investment option’s fees or you may call the MO Deferred Comp Service Center at 1-800-392-0925.

‍Fee Calculation Example: An account with a balance of $20,000 that is invested in a fund with an expense ratio of 0.25% would incur fees totaling approximately $50 on an annual basis in addition to the plan administration fee of $21. If the same account were invested in a fund with an expense ratio of 0.90%, annual fees would total approximately $180 plus the $21 plan administration fee.
I have both a 457 and Incentive plan within my MO Deferred Comp account. What is the difference between them?
When you log in to your online account, you may notice your funds are divided by source -- 457 and Incentive.
The 457 portion of your account includes:
  • Payroll contributions, including both pre-tax and after-tax (Roth) contributions
  • Annual leave payout
  • Rollovers from other 457 plans-Rollovers from 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), traditional IRA, and BackDrop occurring after January 1, 2020
  • Earnings on the above
The Incentive portion of your account contains:
  • Statematching funds
  • Rollovers from 401(a), 401(k), traditional IRA, and BackDrop occurring before January 1, 2020
  • Earnings on the above
Depending on the source of your funds (payroll contributions, state match, rollover), withdrawals may follow different tax codes and distribution guidelines.
What kind of transactions and services are available via the telephone?
  • Check fund performance
  • Contact a local education professional
  • Speak with a participant service representative.
  • Check account balances

02. Making Contributions

How much can I contribute to the deferred comp plan?
Participants can choose to contribute a flat dollar amount or percentage of each paycheck. Percentage contributions can be made at a minimum of 1% and adjustments can be made in as little as 0.1%increments. Your contribution goes into effect immediately or as soon as administratively possible by your payroll department. Changes to your contribution amount can be made at any time.
In addition, you can also elect to make contributions on a pre-tax and/or after-tax (Roth) basis. See the Roth FAQ section for more infromation.
You may contribute up to the annual maximum set by the IRS, as shown in the table below. Contribution limits apply to the combination of pre-tax and Roth contributions made through payroll deduction.
Contribution Limits
2026
2025
Maximum Annual Deferral – under age 50
$24,500
$23,500
Age 50 and Over Catch-Up Limit
$8,000
$7,500
Age 60-63 Catch-Up Limit
$11,250
$11,250
Pre-Retirement Catch-up Provision Limit
$24,500
$23,500
Refer to the “What are catch-up provisions?” FAQ to see if you qualify for a catch-up provision.
Age 50 and Over Catch-up Provision
If you are age 50 and over, you have the ability to make additional catch-up contributions of $8,000, for a total of $32,500 to your plan account.
Age 60 to 63 Catch-up Provision
New federal tax law (SECURE 2.0) will allow employees age 60 to 63 to save even more for their future retirement with a higher catch-up contribution. In 2026, employees age 60, 61, 62 and 63 on December 31 can contribute $11,250 instead of $8,000, totaling $35,750.
Pre-Retirement Catch-up Provision
This provision may be used in one or more of the three calendar years before reaching "normal retirement age." This option allows eligible participants to defer up to $49,000 (twice the maximum deferral) for the year. To find out if you are eligible for this catch-up, please call the MO Deferred Compensation Service Center at 800-392-0925.
Visit the IRS website for more information on contribution limits.
What are catch-up provisions?
Catch-up provisions allow State of Missouri Deferred Compensation Plan participants to save beyond the maximum annual deferral limits established by the IRS. The standard annual limit for calendar year 2025 is $23,500. There are three catch-up options for plan participants; however, they may not be used concurrently: Age 50 and Over Catch-Up Provision, Age 60 to 63 Catch-Up Provision, and Pre-Retirement Catch-up Provision. The 2026 catch-up limits are as follows:‍
Age 50 and Over Catch-up Provision
If you are age 50 and over, you have the ability to make additional catch-up contributions of $8,000, for a total of $32,500 to your plan account.
Age 60 to 63 Catch-up Provision
New federal tax law (SECURE 2.0) will allow employees age 60 to 63 to save even more for their future retirement with a higher catch-up contribution. In 2026, employees age 60, 61, 62 and 63 can contribute $11,250 instead of $8,000, totaling $35,250.
Pre-Retirement Catch-up Provision
If you are within three years of normal retirement with MOSERS or MPERS, you can make additional catch-up contributions of $24,500 for a total of $49,000. This is a one-time provision and can be used up to three consecutive years. It cannot be used in the year of your retirement. For more information and the application,  please call the MO Deferred Comp Service Center at 800-392-0925.
Visit the IRS website for more information on contribution limits.
Does the State of Missouri match my contributions to the MO Deferred Comp Plan?
Yes. Effective July 1, 2022, if you are an active state agency employee and contribute at least $25 a month to your MO Deferred Comp account, the State of Missouri will match your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $75 each month. College and university employees are not eligible to receive the state match. The matching incentive is funded by the State of Missouri and is subject to the approval of the state’s annual budget and could vary from year to year. For more detailed match information, please review the State Match page‍
What is automatic increase?
The annual automatic increase feature is an optional and powerful tool that allows you to schedule annual contribution increases. Your automatic increase can be set in increments as little as 0.1% (percent-based) or $12.50 (dollar-based) per pay period. You will select the month in which you want the increase to occur every year. You can adjust or cancel your automatic increase at any time. Please refer to the How to Change Your Contribution flyer for step-by-step instructions on how to set up your annual automatic increase.
Will contributing to deferred comp reduce my future Social Security benefit?
No, contributing to your deferred comp account, pre-tax or after-tax (Roth), will NOT reduce your future Social Security benefit as your contributions are subject to Social Security (FICA) and Medicare tax. For more information, visit www.irs.gov.
Can I transfer (rollover) money from other retirement savings plan into deferred comp?
You may rollover before-tax and after-tax (Roth) funds from qualified retirement plans, including 401(a) plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457 plans, traditional IRAs and BackDROP funds from MOSERS or MPERS. A Roth IRA cannot be rolled to MO Deferred Comp. Your funds are deposited into your 457 account.
Note: If you roll-in Roth assets from another employer’s plan, this may impact the period when you are eligible to receive qualified (tax-free) distributions from your current employer’s plan. Segregation of rolled-over amounts between different sources and types of plans may be required.
What is the saver's credit?
The IRS Saver’s Credit is designed to help low- and moderate-income workers save for retirement by providing a dollar-for-dollar reduction on their tax bill by the amount of the credit. If you qualify, the credit is based on your contributions to an eligible retirement savings plan, like deferred comp. You may be eligible for 50%, 20% or 10% of the maximum contribution amount, depending on your filing status and adjusted gross income. For more information about the Saver’s Credit, please visit the IRS website.

03. Managing My Account - How do I ... ?

How do I access my account?
Plan transactions and information requests can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by logging into Account Access from the right sidebar of this website or via the ESS portal, or by calling the State of Missouri Deferred Compensation Plan Information Line at 800-392-0925.
You must establish a username and password before logging in to your online account. For instructions to create your credentials, please see the How To Log In to Your Account document.
How do I change my contribution amount?
To change your contribution amount, follow the steps on the How to Change Your Contribution flyer or watch this short video tutorial. You can change your contribution at any time. Your contribution change goes into effect immediately or as soon as administratively possible by your payroll department.  
How do I change my future investment election?
To change your future investment election, please refer to the flyer, How to Change Your Future Investment Choices flyer. To transfer balances, please refer to the flyer, How to do a Single Fund Transfer. You can also call the Plan Information Line at 800-392-0925.
Transactions completed before 3:00p.m. CT  are processed the same business day. Transactions completed after 3:00 p.m. CT  are processed the next business day. You may cancel a transaction if you do so before 3:00 p.m. CT on the same day the transaction is made. (This does not apply to transactions requested from the Self-Directed Brokerage Account).
How do I transfer money among the investment options?
View the How to Complete a Fund Transfer flyer for step-by-step instructions to money between investment options. If you want to change the way your current balance is invested across all investment options, please review and follow the directions on the How to Change Your Future Investment Choices flyer.
How do I change my beneficiary(ies)?
To change your beneficiary(ies) online, please refer to the flyer, How to Update My Beneficiary(ies) flyer. You can also complete and return the Designation of Beneficiary Form, call the Information Service Center Line at (800) 392-0925, or reach out to your local financial education professional.
How do I change my address in my deferred comp account?
If you are currently employed by the state, you must contact your Division Payroll Officer to change your address. Your payroll office maintains the “official” address of record for active employees. If applicable, you can update your address through the Employee Self Service (ESS) portal and your address will automatically update with the plan within 2-3 business days. If you have separated from service, you can change your address on the Personal Information page of Account Access, found in the My Profile section under the My Account tab, or by calling the State of Missouri Deferred Compensation Plan Information Line at 800-392-0925 or your local financial education professional.
To change your address in the Self-Directed Brokerage account offered through Charles Schwab, log into your account, click on Profile at the top of the page and then click Edit under Contact Information.
How do I withdraw money from the deferred comp plan?
Once deferred comp has received notice from your employer that your state employement has ended, you may withdraw money from your account.  Withdrawals from the plan can be made online in Account Access or by calling the Plan’s Information Line at 800-392-0925. Please see deferred comp’s Withdrawal Options Guide to learn about your withdrawal options, or talk with your tax adviser.
Can I cancel a transaction after I receive a confirmation number?
Yes, transactions can be canceled any time before 3:00 p.m. CT on the same day. (This does not apply to transactions requested from the Self Directed Brokerage Account.) Transactions may be canceled by navigating to the View Transaction History section under the My Account tab within Account Access. Click the View link toward the top of the page (following the "You have pending transactions" text) to view and/or adjust any pending transactions.
How do I locate my account number?
Your plan reference code/account number is located on your quarterly statement as well as within Account Access under the Personal Information section of the Manage My Account tab.
How do I submit a form?
You can submit a deferred comp form by fax, regular mail or overnight mail.
  • By Fax:
    Attn: MO Deferred Comp
    1-855-545-2212
  • By Regular Mail:
    Voya Financial
    Attn: MO Deferred Comp
    P.O. Box 389
    Hartford, CT 06141
  • Overnight mail:
    Voya Financial
    Attn: MO Deferred Comp
    One Orange Way
    Windsor, CT 06095
Follow the directions on the How to Access Your Account By Phone flyer to access your account using the automated phone system.

04. Roth Savings

What is the difference between the pre-tax and Roth 457 plan?
Pre-tax 457 contributions are made before taxes are deducted from your paycheck. Your savings in the pre-tax 457 account, and any investment earnings on those assets, will grow tax-free until funds are withdrawn. Roth 457 contributions are made after taxes are deducted from your paycheck. Roth assets can be withdrawn tax-free if you are 59 ½ and 5 years have passed since January 1 of the year of your first Roth contribution, including Roth rollovers (also known as a qualified distribution). Roth assets may also be tax-free in the event of disability or death.
For more information related to these two savings options, see the Roth 457 Savings flyer.
Can I convert pre-tax savings to the Roth 457 savings source?
Yes, but any pre-tax assets converted to Roth is considered taxable income in the year of the conversion. If you are still employed when the conversion occurs, the taxes cannot be deducted from your deferred compensation balance. If you are eligible to withdraw assets from deferred comp, you can convert your pre-tax assets to Roth assets through an in-plan rollover. You are subject to income taxes up front on the amount you convert. However, future distributions of Roth assets are tax-free if the requirements for a qualified distribution are met.
IMPORTANT: Roth Conversions and Your Brokerage Account
‍A Roth in-plan conversion is treated as a distribution, meaning it can only take place within the plan’s core investment line-up. Conversions between the two brokerage accounts are not permitted. The only way to convert money from the standard brokerage to the Roth brokerage is to first liquidate and transfer money from the standard brokerage to investments in your core account. You may then complete a conversion request and transfer the Roth money to your Roth-only brokerage account.
How will Roth contributions be invested in my account?
You specify how the contributions to your account will be allocated among the available investments. Pre-tax and roth can be allocated differently. Your allocation instructions will apply for both pre-tax and Roth contributions.
Can I invest my Roth contributions differently than my pre-tax contributions?
Yes.
Can I transfer Roth assets from one fund to another, without transferring pre-tax assets?
Yes, pre-tax and after-tax (Roth) assets can be transferred separately.
Can I transfer Roth assets to my brokerage account, without transferring pre-tax assets?
Yes. You can transfer Roth savings from your core account to a Roth-only brokerage account. You must first set up a Roth brokerage account. Please review the Roth Brokerage Account FAQ publication for more information.
Can I make Roth contributions to the Roth-only brokerage account?
No. To fund your Roth-only brokerage account, you will need to transfer Roth money from the investments in your core account. Contributions cannot be allocated directly to the Roth-only account. Please review the Self-Directed Brokerage Account - Everything You Need to Know publication for more information.
How do I transfer my Roth money without transferring pre-tax?
You can transfer Roth-only assets by logging in to Account Access and navigating to the Single Fund Transfer page under the Manage Funds menu option. Once there, select "Contributory Roth" within the Source drop down menu. Choose what fund you're transferring from, the type of transfer (flat dollar or percent), and the amount you'd like to transfer and then click the Next button. Follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

05. Investments Options

How should I invest my money?
Every saver's financial situation and outlook is different. Before choosing an investment option, you should carefully consider your time horizon, tolerance for risk and future financial needs. If you were auto-enrolled, you are defaulted into the Target Date Fund closest to the year you reach age 65.

Visit the Investments page to learn about the the investment options available to you through the deferred comp plan.
What are the Missouri Target Date Funds?
The Missouri Target Date Funds provide professionally-managed, broadly-diversified portfolios named for different retirement dates. The asset allocations within these target date funds adjust automatically over time. Each fund invests more aggressively in its early years and becomes more conservative as it reaches its time horizon. Learn more about the Missouri Target Date Funds on the Investments page.
What is the Stable Income Fund?
The Stable Income Fund is a fixed-income, cash-like investment option for those with a low tolerance for risk. It aims to protect your principal balance and allows for steady growth over time without experiencing daily market fluctuations. The stable income pays a flat rate of interest that resets every quarter. Earnings on the fund accrue daily and post to accounts at the end of the month. Review the 2Q 2020: The MO Stable Income Fund newsletter or visit the Investments page for more information on this option.
What is the self-directed brokerage account?
The Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) is a brokerage option that offers you investment flexibility. Through the SDBA, you have access to most individual stocks and bonds, and more than 13,000 mutual funds, including 1,300 no-load, no-transaction-fee funds.* You must complete the online application form to set up a separate SDBA before you can trade.
Follow the steps below to enroll and set up your self-directed brokerage account. If you prefer a paper enrollment form, please reach out to our local office at 573-893-1053.
  1. Log in to your MO Deferred Comp account.
  2. Choose an account to open a brokerage account.
  3. Go to the Investments & Research tab in the menu and select Self-Directed Brokerage Account.
  4. Click the Open An Account link and follow the instructions.
  5. Follow the instructions provided (enrollment typically takes less than five minutes to complete).
Once your account is open, you may make your initial transfer into the SDBA through the Investments & Research section of your account or by calling the 800-392-0925.
You must maintain a minimum balance of $500 in a deferred comp target date fund and/or the stable income fund. The minimum transfer amount is also $500. Any remaining balance may be transferred into the SDBA. You can also direct up to 90% of your contributions directly to the SDBA. There is no annual fee to participate in the SDBA, however, transaction fees may still apply. All fees are outlined in the Charles Schwab Pricing Summary document.
DISCLAIMER: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. and MissionSquare are not affiliated and are not responsible for the products and services provided by the other. Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account® (PCRA) is offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC), the registered broker/dealer, which also provides other brokerage and custody services to its customers. A short-term redemption fee of $49.99 applies to no-load, no-transaction fee mutual funds for shares held 90 days or less.
Does the plan offer an annuity product?
You have access to an annuity product through our record keeper, MissionSquare Retirement. Learn more about the MissionSquare Retirement Income for Life Annuity Program (PDF).
How are daily investment earnings allocated between the various sources in my account (pre-tax, Roth, rollover)?
The value of your investments will typically fluctuate every day the stock market is open, and investment earnings are allocated proportionately based on your previous balance in each fund. For example: If you have $10,000 invested in the Missouri 2030 fund, and 60% of that amount is in the pre-tax source and 40% is Roth, and the share price of the fund increases by 1% over the previous day. The 1% increase, equal to $100 on your $10,000 balance from the previous day, would be split up with $60 allocated to the pre-tax source and $40 allocated to the Roth source.
When are transactions effective?
Transactions completed before 3:00 p.m. CT are effective on the same business day. Transactions completed at or after 3:00 p.m. CT are effective the next business day. (This does not apply to transactions requested from the Self-Directed Brokerage Account.)
What are the New York Stock Exchange holidays?
The New York Stock Exchange is open from Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and will observe the following holidays:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • President's Day
  • Good Friday*
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas
*Please note, the Jefferson City local office will be open on Good Friday.

06. Education and Resources

Who do I call if I have more questions?
If you have questions, you can contact your local financial education professional directly or call the MO Deferred Comp Service Center at 800-392-0925 to speak with a representative. Call center staff are available Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on New York Stock Exchange holidays.
What is the MO Deferred Comp Service Center?
The MO Deferred Comp Service Center is an automated telephone system that allows you to access your account 24/7. When you call the State of MO Deferred Comp Service Center at 800-392-0925, you’re asked to enter your Social Security number and Personal Identification Number (for first time callers, the PIN will be the last 4 digits of your Social Security number). Then a recorded voice guides you through the menus, and you make your selections by pressing the appropriate keys on your telephone keypad.
For participants who are hearing impaired, please call 1-800-579-5708.
What is the hearing-impaired service hotline?
The phone number for hearing-impaired services is 1-800-579-5708.
Who are the financial education professionals?
Education professionals deliver plan seminars and provide individual consultations across the state. Consult the Financial Education Professionals page to see who represents your territory or agency. You can also email the education professionals directly using the addresses below:
  • David Gibson
  • Don Wilson, CFP®
  • Jesse Stewart
  • Kate Kuse, CRPC™
  • Ronda Peterson
  • Tammara Carter, MBA, MS
Will I receive account statements?
Yes, savers in the deferred comp plan receive quarterly account statements. If you have an email address on file with deferred comp, those statements will be sent via eDelivery unless you opt out and your statements will be mailed to you.
The eDelivery system is an alternative to traditional mail and is a quick and environmentally friendly way to send plan notifications and confirmations to participants via email.
To view your eDelivery preferences, log in to your account, hover over your name in the upper righthand corner, and select Communication Preferences from the dropdown menu. Scroll down to the Paperless or Mail Option section of the page and click Edit to change your eDelivery preferences.
If you would like to receive eDelivery notifications and confirmations, please ensure your email address is correct by navigating to the Contact Information section of the page. Click the Edit link in the Email field to view and/or update your email address(es).
Please note: Even if you choose to receive your statements and confirmations by mail, they will still be available to you online within Account Access.
When can I expect my quarterly account statements to arrive?
Generally, quarterly statements are sent to you via eDelivery within 12 business days of the end of each calendar quarter. If you prefer to receive your quarterly statement by mail, you can opt-out of eDelivery by logging into your account via the plan website, or by calling the Plan Information Line at 800-392-0925.
What if I did not receive my quarterly statement?
Quarterly statements are available to ALL participants within your online account. Depending on your account preferences, you will either receive an eDelivery notification when statements are available or paper copies of your statement(s) in the mail. If you do not receive either of these, log in to your online account and open either your 457 or incentive plan. Hover over the Overview tab in the middle of the page and select Statements & Documents. You can also generate an Online Statement.
To change how you receive statements, hover over your name in the upper righthand corner, and select Communication Preferences from the dropdown menu. Scroll down to the Paperless or Mail Option section of the page and click Edit to change your eDelivery preferences.
If you would like to receive eDelivery notifications and confirmations, please ensure your email address is correct by navigating to the Contact Information section of the page. Click the Edit link in the Email field to view and/or update your email address(es).
Please note, even if you choose to receive your statements by mail, they will still be available to you online.
How do I join a webinar or Web 1-on-1 meeting from my smartphone?
Joining a webinar or web 1-on-1* meeting with your smartphone is quick and simple. Once you’ve registered for an event, you’ll be sent meeting details with a link and/or access code to join the meeting. You may be asked to download the platform's mobile app from the App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone Store.
*Web 1-on-1 sessions are available to those with a high-speed internet connection. Web cameras are not needed for these appointments.

07. Retirement and Withdrawing Money

What process or paperwork is required from deferred comp when I retire?
There is no paperwork or notification required on your part. Your employer will notify deferred comp of your termination from employment. You should ensure that your contact information and beneficiaries are up-to-date. You can contact deferred comp or log in to your account and make a withdrawal when you want to withdraw funds.
Can I participate in the deferred compensation plan after I leave state employment?
While you may no longer make contributions to your account, you can keep your money in the deferred compensation plan. Keep in mind, if you leave your money in the plan, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) in the year you turn 73. By staying in the plan after you separate from service, you will enjoy:
  • Penalty-free access to your 457 contributory savings before age 59 ½
  • Competitively priced, custom investment solutions
  • Low administrative and investment fees, and no transaction fees
  • Convenient online account access
  • Dependable customer service
  • Easy rollovers into deferred comp
You may lose these privileges — specifically the penalty-free access to your assets — if you roll your deferred compensation plan balance to another account type after leaving state employment.
When can I expect my scheduled installment payment to post to my bank account?
Installment payments can be scheduled for the 1st or 15th of the month. The processing time for this transaction varies by financial institution, so please follow up with your bank to ensure the payment has been credited to your account.
When am I eligible to withdraw assets from the 457 plan?
Once you separate from state service and 30 days have passed since your employer reports your separation date to the plan, you will have full access to your deferred compensation funds. Please note that it may take 2–3 weeks for your employer to report your final date of employment.
There are additional requirements for withdrawing Roth assets. Please see the following FAQ.
In what situations will a distribution of Roth assets be tax-free?
A qualified tax-free withdrawal of Roth assets is not subject to taxes, if you meet the following requirements:
  • You must be retired or separated from all state service.
  • Five years must have passed since January 1 of the year of your first Roth contribution.
  • You are at least 59½ years old.
In the event of disability or death, Roth assets may be subject to tax-free withdrawals.
Unforeseen emergency withdrawals from an after-tax Roth 457 source are considered non-qualified for distribution purposes and the earnings portion will be taxed as ordinary income.
Can I withdraw Roth contributions without withdrawing Roth earnings?
No. Distributions of Roth assets are required to include a proportionate share of contributions and earnings.
For example, if your Roth assets total $10,000; your contributions equal $8,000 (80%) and your earnings equal $2,000 (20%). Any distribution of Roth assets would consist of 80% contributions and 20% earnings.
What is a required minimum distribution (RMD) and when do I have to begin taking it?
Once you reach age 73* and are no longer an active state employee, the IRS mandates that you must withdraw a certain amount of money from your pre-tax retirement savings each year. This is known as a required minimum distribution (RMD).
The deadline for taking your RMD is December 31 each year. However, your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year following the calendar year you turn age 73*. Keep in mind, if you delay your first RMD to the following year, you must take two RMDs that year, the one delayed and the one required for that year.
You can choose to withdraw your annual RMD in one lump-sum, in monthly payments, or you may make withdrawals periodically throughout the year, but the total required annual amount must be withdrawn by the deadline.
If you do not withdraw an amount equal to your RMD, MO Deferred Comp will automatically send it to you before the deadline.  The penalty for not taking an RMD is 25% of the RMD amount. A RMD may not be rolled over to another retirement plan.
*The Secure 2.0 Act was signed into law by the President on December 29, 2022 and raised the required minimum distribution (RMD) age from 72 to age 73. The Act ONLY applies to distributions required to be made after December 31, 2022, with respect to individuals who attain age 73 after such date.
How is the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) calculated?
To calculate your RMD, follow these steps based on IRS guidelines:
  • Determine your account balance as of the previous December 31.
  • Find the distribution period (or "life expectancy") that corresponds to your age on the following IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. The full table can be found at www.irs.gov.
Age
Distribution Period
73
26.5
74
25.5
75
24.6
76
23.7
77
22.9
78
22.0
79
21.1
80
20.2
  1. Divide #1 by #2 to determine your RMD amount.
Visit the Required Minimum Distribution Calculator to calculate RMDs.
If I return to state employment, can I withdraw funds from my deferred comp account?
If you are working for the state of Missouri in any capacity, the IRS considers you an active employee. Active employees may not withdraw funds from their deferred comp accounts unless the source of the funds is a qualified rollover. A qualified rollover would include funds rolled into deferred comp from an outside source, including BackDROP funds from your MOSERS or MPERS pension plan.
Can I take a loan against my deferred comp funds?
Loans from deferred comp are not permitted. If you are an active employee and meet specific requirements, you may be eligible to take an emergency withdrawal from your account.

08. University Employees

Can college and university employees participate in the deferred compensation plan?
Yes, both the faculty and staff at 10 of Missouri's public college and universities are eligible to participate in the deferred compensation plan. College and university employees are unique in that they can participate in and max out BOTH a 457(b) and 403(b) retirement savings plan in the same tax year. For more information, visit mo457.com. Eligible colleges/universities include:
  • Harris-Stowe State University
  • Lincoln University
  • Missouri Southern State University
  • Missouri State University
  • Missouri Western State University
  • Northwest Missouri State University
  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • State Technical College of Missouri
  • Truman State University
  • University of Central Missouri
What is the difference between a 457(b) and a 403(b) plan?
College and university employees are unique in that they can participate in and max out BOTH a 457(b) and 403(b) retirement savings plan in the same tax year.

For a summary of the differences between plans, please review the 403(b) & 457(b) Plan Comparison document.
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