State of Missouri Merit System Employment Benefits

(The benefits stated on this page pertain to Merit System Agencies. For benefit information for non-merit agencies, please refer to the non-merit agency's website for further information.

LEAVE

Annual Leave

• 15-21 days per year (earned at a rate of 10-14 hours per month) for full-time employees, depending on years of service.
• Prorated leave for eligible part-time employees.

Sick Leave

• 15 days per year (earned at a rate of 10 hours per month).
• Employees can accumulate sick leave without limit.
• Sick leave balance can be converted to employment credit at retirement.
• Prorated for part-time employees in eligible positions who work a minimum of 40 hours in a pay period.

Holidays

• Twelve paid holidays per year, with possible additional days as designated by the governor.

Additional Paid Time Off includes:

• Military Service
• Bereavement
• Jury Duty
• Workers' Compensation
• Disaster Relief Services (Red Cross or SEMA)
• Leave for Emergency Services (Civil Air Patrol)
• Missouri Mentor Leave (pilot program)

Leave of Absence without Pay

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows for extended leave for medical related absences.

Share Leave

• Allows employees to donate leave for use by other employees who have experienced catastrophic illness or injury.

INSURANCE

Medical:   Employees have options of different coverage depending on location.  Family, spouse, and/or dependent coverage are available the first full month following employment. Continued medical and dental insurance coverage is available at retirement. Voluntary participation in the Lifestyle Ladder Wellness Program reduces monthly medical insurance premium.

Vision Benefits

Dental Benefits

Employee Assistance Program:   Employees may obtain free counseling for short term mental health issues, access to legal and financial specialists, access to trained identity theft and consumer fraud protection specialists, and access to self assessment tools and calculators for a variety of issues.

Basic Life Insurance:   Term life insurance coverage, equal to one times employee's annual salary, through the Missouri State Employees Retirement System.

Optional Life Insurance:   Optional term life insurance available with maximum coverage of six times member annual salary.  Plans are also offered for spouse and dependents. Premiums paid by employee.

COBRA:   Continuation of health insurance benefits after separation of employment or during periods of reduced work hours.

Worker's Compensation:   Protection paid by the state against work-related accidents or illnesses provided immediately upon employment and so long as employed.

Universal Life Insurance:  Life insurance and long-term care benefit.

Long-Term Disability:   Premiums are paid by the employer.

RETIREMENT

Coverage provided through the Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS), supported solely by the state, which provides a monthly benefit to vested retired state employees. Vesting occurs after five years.  Employees may apply for normal retirement at age 50 with 30 years of service, at age 60 with 15, at age 65 with 10. Retirement plan also includes survivor benefits.

MISSOURI DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

A payroll deduction plan available to defer taxes until retirement by investing in mutual funds and a fixed income account is currently provided by ING. Monies are taxable when withdrawn.  State provides a matching contribution.

SAVINGS AND OTHER BENEFITS

Cafeteria Plan:   A payroll-deduction savings plan (flexible spending plan) which permits employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a tax-free basis to pay for state-sponsored medical and group term life insurance premiums and to be reimbursed for certain medical, child, and dependent care expenses.

Direct Deposit:   Employees paychecks are directly deposited to bank, savings institution, or credit union account of their choice.

Payroll Deductions:   Direct payment through payroll deductions is available for a variety of insurance and investment programs and for certain charitable causes. 

Credit Union:   Checking, savings, and lending services through payroll deduction.  Services also include traveler's checks, credit cards, and automatic teller machine cards.

Social Security:   Paid through employee-employer contributions.

U.S. Savings Bonds:  Available through payroll deduction plan.

Survivor Benefits

Educational Seminars (Pre-retirement Planning and Money Matters)

Annual Benefits Statements

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

Managerial and Supervisory Training classes

Technical and computer training classes

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON BENEFITS PROVIDED FOR STATE OF MISSOURI EMPLOYEES