Beneficiary Designation for Members

For active members, the pension system pays a death benefit to your designated beneficiary. The death benefit is a one-time payment of $800 per full year of service, up to a maximum of $16,000. Following retirement, the benefit is reduced by 25% each year with a minimum benefit of $4,000. You may name one or more beneficiaries. A Primary Beneficiary is the person who will receive a death benefit. You can name multiple primary beneficiaries, and the system will split your benefit among all primary beneficiaries. A Contingent Beneficiary (or beneficiaries) will only receive a death benefit if all primary beneficiaries are deceased.

If you pass away before you retire, your beneficiary will also be entitled to a return of your contributions, in addition to the death benefit. If you are vested and have named an Optional Annuity Protection (OAP) beneficiary, your beneficiary will have the option of receiving either a return of your contributions or a monthly annuity, in addition to the death benefit. Important: Public safety members should only fill out an Optional Annuity Protection form if their beneficiary is not their spouse as the OAP form will negate whatever benefits are available under the police and fire statutes.