NCPERS to Sponsor Public Pension Plan Mortality Study with Society of Actuaries Research Institute

February 19, 2025, Washington, D.C. and Chicago, IL— The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute and the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) announced development of a new study, focusing on U.S. public pension plan mortality data. Sponsored by NCPERS, the study will analyze in-depth data from more than 30 U.S. public pension systems spanning from 2022 to 2026. The research findings are scheduled to be released around 2030.

NCPERS Executive Director and Counsel, Hank Kim, said “We look forward to partnering with the SOA Research Institute to ensure continued access to the latest public sector-specific mortality tables. This essential data will help public pensions and their actuaries better understand life expectancy of their participants, more precisely project the fiscal health of their plans, and ultimately contribute to the long-term sustainability of public pensions across the country.”

In preparation for the research efforts beginning in 2026, the SOA Research Institute actively seeks actuaries and NCPERS members to serve on the advisory board or as volunteers on the Retirement Plans Experience Committee (RPEC) which manages the project. For more information contact research@soa.org. 

“We’re excited to work with NCPERS on this research, tapping into their member insights and data in continuing our ongoing studies of mortality rates for public pension systems,” said R. Dale Hall, FSA, CERA, MAAA, SOA Managing Director of Research.

Visit the SOA Research Institute’s Mortality and Longevity Research page for more details on the available studies and future projects.

About the Society of Actuaries

With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world’s largest actuarial professional organization with more than 34,000 actuaries as members. The SOA’s vision is for actuaries to be the leading professionals in measuring and managing risk. To learn more, visit soa.org. The SOA Research Institute provides objective, data-driven research bringing together tried and true practices and future-focused approaches to address societal challenges and your business needs. It provides trusted knowledge, extensive experience and new technologies to help effectively identify, predict and manage risks. Visit soa.org/research/research-institute/

About NCPERS

Established in 1941, the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is the largest trade association working on behalf of public sector retirement systems. Organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a diverse membership that includes 500 plans, plan sponsors, and stakeholders who collectively oversee approximately $6 trillion in retirement funds, NCPERS works to protect and expand pension access through essential education, innovative research, and unwavering advocacy. From the largest statewide systems to the smallest local funds, NCPERS members make possible the work to safeguard the retirement security of more than 20 million teachers, police, firefighters, and other public servants.