Phased Retirement

Under Kansas state statue and Board of Regents policy, the University and an eligible faculty or unclassified professional staff member may enter into a voluntary Phased Retirement agreement. The impact to your benefits under the phased retirement plan are explained below.

Benefits Calculation

Under phased retirement, your benefits are calculated on a "full-time basis" which is defined as your appointment percentage before entering into the phased retirement agreement. If your appointment is less than 100% when you enter phased retirement, your benefits will not be calculated at 100%, but will instead be calculated at the percentage appointment you had just prior to entering into phased retirement. Below are some example scenarios:

  • Scenario 1: If your appointment is 100% prior to entering phased retirement and you enter into a 50% phased retirement agreement, your benefits will be calculated at a "full-time equivalency" of 100%.
  • Scenario 2: If your appointment time is 75% prior to entering phased retirement and you enter into a 50% phased retirement agreement, your benefits will be calculated at a "full-time equivalency" of 75%.

Benefits Affected

Under phased retirement, your employer provided benefits continue on a "full-time basis." Those benefits include:

  • Mandatory Retirement Plan Contributions: You will receive a salary based on your FTE and your contribution to the Mandatory Retirement Plan will be 5.5% of that reduced gross salary. The University's contribution to the Mandatory Retirement Plan (8.5% of gross salary) will be based on your "full-time equivalent" salary.
  • Accrual of Sick and/or Annual Leave: You will accrue sick and/or annual leave based on "full-time equivalency”.
  • Life Insurance Coverage: In the event of death, your benefit will be calculated at 150% of "full-time equivalent" salary.
  • Disability Insurance Coverage: In the event of approved disability under the State of Kansas long-term disability program, your benefit will be calculated at 60% of the "full-time equivalent" annual salary.
  • Health Insurance Premiums: You will pay health insurance premiums based on the lower "full-time equivalent" semi-monthly premium.
  • Income from the Mandatory Retirement Program: Participants may elect to receive income from the Mandatory Retirement Plan.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the Phased Retirement Policy or contact the Benefits Office by email at benefits@ku.edu or by phone at 785-864-4946.