About IPERS
IPERS is the state’s largest public retirement system. We are committed to transparent communication with our members, lawmakers and all Iowans.
Mission Statement
IPERS is the fiduciary responsible for administering the IPERS Trust Fund. IPERS exists for the exclusive benefit of its members and fulfills its obligations to cost-effectively pay benefits, maintain stable contribution rates, protect member information and provide outstanding service.
Explore IPERS
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Governance
Learn about IPERS' governance plan, as well as the Investment Board and Benefits Advisory Committee.
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Plans & Performance
Explore fiscal year financial reports, pension administration benchmarks, valuations and more.
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Fraud Prevention
IPERS is committed to protecting your personal information and takes steps to prevent fraud and identity theft.
History
The Iowa Legislature created IPERS in 1953 to attract and retain quality public employees, including those who teach our children, maintain our roads and parks, care for our most vulnerable residents, and protect our citizens. Today, IPERS' Trust Fund hovers around $45 billion and pays more than $2.7 billion in annual benefits.
Defined Benefit Plan
The IPERS plan is a defined benefit plan with qualified plan status under federal Internal Revenue Code section 401(a). A defined benefit plan provides a lifetime benefit calculated using a formula. Your benefits grow with you during your working career. As your years of service and salary increase, your IPERS benefits also grow. At retirement, you receive the benefit you earned regardless of the performance of the stock market.
70%
investment income pays the majority of IPERS' benefits.
$2.76
billion dollars in benefits paid in FY25.
1 in 10
Iowans do or will depend on IPERS as part of their retirement income.