PROPOSED RULES
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 05-12-019.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 415-106 WAC, Public safety employees' retirement system.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Retirement Systems, 6835 Capitol Boulevard, Conference Room 115, Tumwater, WA 98501, on December 19, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: December 21, 2007.
Submit Written Comments to: Sarah Monaly, Rules Coordinator, Department of Retirement Systems, P.O. Box 48380, Olympia, WA 98504-8380, e-mail sarahm@drs.wa.gov, fax (360) 753-3166, by 5:00 p.m. on December 19, 2007.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Sarah Monaly by December 10, 2007, phone (360) 664-7291, e-mail sarahm@drs.wa.gov, TDD (360) 586-5450 or (866) 377-8895.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of this proposal is to adopt a new WAC chapter to implement chapter 41.37 RCW, Washington public safety employees' retirement system (PSERS). PSERS is a retirement system for public employees whose jobs contain a high degree of physical risk to their own personal safety.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Chapter 41.37 RCW took effect on July 1, 2006. The department needs to implement rules for this new retirement system to assist plan members, retirees, employers and department staff.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.50.050(5) and for WAC 415-106-600 is RCW 41.37.170 and 41.50.050(5).
Statute Being Implemented: For WAC 415-106-010 is chapter 41.37 RCW; for WAC 415-106-050, 415-106-060, 415-106-070, 415-106-290 and 415-106-295 is chapter 41.37 RCW and IRS regulations; for WAC 415-106-080 is chapters 41.37, 41.45, and 41.50 RCW; for WAC 415-106-100 is RCW 10.93.020, 41.04.270, 41.37.010 (4) and (5), 41.37.020; for WAC 415-106-105 is RCW 41.37.010(4); for WAC 415-106-110 is chapters 41.37 and 41.45 RCW and RCW 41.40.113; for WAC 415-106-200 is chapter 41.37 RCW; for WAC 415-106-205, 415-106-210, 415-106-215, 415-106-220, 415-106-225, 415-106-230, 415-106-235, 415-106-240, 415-106-245, 415-106-250, 415-106-255, 415-106-275, 415-106-285 and 415-106-315 is RCW 41.37.010(6); for WAC 415-106-260, 415-106-265 and 415-106-280 is RCW 41.37.260; for WAC 415-106-270 is RCW 27.04.100, 41.04.650 through 41.04.670, 41.37.010(6), 41.37.060, 72.01.045 and 72.09.240; for WAC 415-106-300 is RCW 41.37.010(6) and IRS regulations; for WAC 415-106-330 is RCW 41.50.150 and IRS regulations; for WAC 415-106-400 and 415-106-401 is RCW 41.37.020(2); for WAC 415-106-405 is RCW 41.37.020(2) and 41.37.210; for WAC 415-106-500 is RCW 41.37.010(4), 41.37.090(3), 41.37.100, 41.37.200, 41.37.230, 41.50.165 and chapter 41.54 RCW; for WAC 415-106-600 is RCW 41.37.050, 41.37.170, 41.37.210, 41.37.230 and 41.50.790; for WAC 415-106-610 is RCW 41.37.170 and 41.50.790; for WAC 415-106-620 is RCW 41.37.190; for WAC 415-106-700 is RCW 41.37.050, 41.50.130, chapters 41.32, 41.35 and 41.40 RCW; for WAC 415-106-710 is RCW 41.37.050, 41.37.180 and 41.37.190; and for WAC 415-106-900 is RCW 41.37.250.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of retirement systems, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Sarah Monaly, P.O. Box 48380, Olympia, WA 98504-8380, (360) 664-7291; Implementation and Enforcement: Cathy Cale, P.O. Box 48380, Olympia, WA 98504-8380, (360) 664-7305.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules have no effect on businesses.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The department of retirement systems is not one of the named departments in RCW 34.05.328.
November 6, 2007
Sarah Monaly
Rules Coordinator
OTS-8742.3
PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
(1) AFC means average final compensation as defined in RCW 41.37.010(14).
(2) Employer means the state or local government entities as defined in RCW 41.37.010(4) employing members eligible for PSERS.
(3) Full-time employee means an employee who is regularly scheduled to provide at least one hundred sixty hours of compensated service for an employer each calendar month.
(4) LEOFF means the law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' retirement system.
(5) PERS means the public employees' retirement system.
(6) PSERS means the public safety employees' retirement system.
(7) Reportable compensation means compensation earnable as that term is defined in RCW 41.37.010(6).
(8) SERS means the school employees' retirement system.
(9) TRS means the teachers' retirement system.
(10) WSPRS means the Washington state patrol retirement system.
(11) County corrections department means any subsection or unit of a county employing correctional employees.
(12) City corrections department means any subsection or unit of a city employing correctional employees.
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ADMINISTRATION(2) All benefits paid from the PSERS retirement plan shall be distributed in accordance with the requirements of IRC section 401 (a)(9) and the regulations under that section. In order to meet these requirements, the retirement plan shall be administered in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Distribution of a member's benefit must begin by the later of the April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which a member attains age seventy and one-half or the April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which the member retires;
(b) The member's entire benefit must be distributed over the member's life or the lives of the member and a designated beneficiary;
(c) The life expectancy of a member or the member's spouse or beneficiary may not be recalculated after the benefits commence;
(d) If a member dies before the distribution of the member's benefits has begun, distribution of the member's entire interest must be distributed in accordance to IRC section 401 (a)(9) and the regulations implementing that section. Distributions must occur over the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary and must begin no later than December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the member died;
(e) The amount of benefits payable to a member's beneficiary may not exceed the maximum determined under the incidental death benefit requirement of the Federal Internal Revenue Code; and
(f) If a member dies after the distribution of the member's benefits has begun, the remaining portion of the member's interest will be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used for the member as of the date of the member's death. Death benefits must be distributed in accordance with IRC section 409 (a)(9) and the regulations implementing that section.
(3) A distributee may elect to have eligible rollover distributions paid in a direct rollover to an eligible retirement plan the distributee specifies, pursuant to IRC section 401 (a)(31).
(a) An eligible rollover distribution is any distribution of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of the distributee, except that an eligible rollover distribution does not include:
(i) Any distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expectancy) of the distributee or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the distributee and the distributee's designated beneficiary, or for a specified period of ten years or more;
(ii) Any distribution to the extent such distribution is required under IRC section 401 (a)(9);
(iii) The portion of any distribution that is not includible in gross income; and
(iv) Any other distribution that is reasonably expected to total less than two hundred dollars during the year.
(b) A portion of a distribution shall not fail to be an eligible rollover distribution merely because the portion consists of after-tax employee contributions that are not includible in gross income. However, effective for taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2007, this portion may be paid only to an individual retirement account or annuity described in IRC section 408 (a) or (b), or to a qualified defined contribution plan described in IRC section 401(a) or 403(a) that agrees to separately account for amounts so transferred, including separately accounting for the portion of such distribution which is includible in gross income and the portion of such distribution which is not so includible. Provided, however, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006, this portion may be paid only to:
(i) An individual retirement account or annuity described in IRC section 408 (a) or (b);
(ii) A qualified defined contribution plan described in IRC section 401(a);
(iii) A qualified plan described in IRC section 403(a);
(iv) A qualified defined benefit plan described in IRC section 401(a); or
(v) An annuity contract described in IRC section 403(b), and such trust or contract provides for separate accounting for amounts so transferred (and earnings thereon), including separately accounting for the portion of such distribution which is includible in gross income and the portion of such distribution which is not so includible.
(c) An eligible retirement plan for a distributee is:
(i) An individual retirement account described in IRC section 408(a);
(ii) An individual retirement annuity described in IRC section 408(b);
(iii) An annuity plan described in IRC section 403(a);
(iv) A qualified trust described in IRC section 401(a), that accepts the distributee's eligible rollover distribution;
(v) An annuity contract described in IRC section 403(b);
(vi) An eligible plan under IRC section 457(b) which is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state and which agrees to separately account for amounts transferred into such plan from this plan; or
(vii) Effective January 1, 2008, an eligible retirement plan shall also mean a Roth IRA described in IRC section 408A.
(d) The definition of eligible retirement plan in (c) of this subsection shall also apply in the case of a distribution to a surviving spouse, or to a spouse or former spouse who is the alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order, as defined in IRC section 414(p).
(e) A distributee includes an employee or former employee. In addition, the employee's or former employee's surviving spouse and the employee's or former employee's spouse or former spouse who is the alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order, as defined in section 414(p) of the code, are distributees with regard to the interest of the spouse or former spouse.
(f) A direct rollover is a payment by the plan to the eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee.
(g) Effective for distributions after December 31, 2006, if, with respect to any distribution from the account of a deceased PSERS member, a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer is made to an individual retirement plan (an individual retirement account or annuity described in IRC section 408 (a) or (b)) established to receive distributions for the designated beneficiary of the deceased PSERS member, and the designated beneficiary is not the surviving spouse, then:
(i) The transfer shall be treated as an eligible rollover distribution;
(ii) The individual retirement plan shall be treated as an inherited individual retirement account or individual retirement annuity (within the meaning of IRC 408 (d)(3)(C)); and
(iii) The distribution requirements of IRC section 401 (a)(9)(B) (other than clause (iv) thereof), as clarified by IRS Notice 2007-7 for this purpose, shall apply to the individual retirement plan.
To the extent provided in federal regulations, a trust maintained for the benefit of one or more designated beneficiaries shall be treated in the same manner as a trust designated beneficiary.
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(2) A participant may not receive an annual benefit that exceeds the dollar amount specified in IRC section 415 (b)(1)(A), subject to the applicable adjustments in IRC section 415. For purposes of applying IRC 415(b) when a participant retires before age sixty-two or after age sixty-five, the determination as to whether the benefit satisfies IRC section 415(b) limitations is made by comparing the equivalent annual benefit, determined in Step 1, (a) of this subsection, with the age-adjusted dollar limit, determined in Step 2, (b) of this subsection. The plan will satisfy IRC section 415(b) limitations only if the equivalent annual benefit determined in Step 1 is less than the age-adjusted dollar limit determined in Step 2.
(a) Step 1: Under IRC 415 (b)(2)(B), determine the annual benefit in the form of a straight life annuity commencing at the same age that is actuarially equivalent to the plan benefit. In general, IRC 415 (b)(2)(E)(i) and (v) require that the equivalent annual benefit be the greater of (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection. This step applies only to a benefit that is required to be converted to a straight life annuity under IRC section 415 (b)(2)(B), for example, a qualified joint and survivor annuity.
(i) The equivalent annual benefit computed using the interest rate and mortality table, or tabular factor, specified in the plan for actuarial equivalence for the particular form of benefit payable (plan rate and plan mortality table, or plan tabular factor, respectively).
(ii) The equivalent annual benefit computed using a five percent interest rate assumption and the applicable mortality table.
(b) Step 2: Under IRC 415 (b)(2)(C) or (D), determine the IRC 415(b) dollar limitation that applies at the age the benefit is payable (age-adjusted dollar limit).
(i) If the age at which the benefit is payable is less than sixty-two, the age-adjusted dollar limit is determined by reducing the dollar limit on an actuarially equivalent basis. In general, IRC 415 (b)(2)(E)(i) and (v) require that the age-adjusted dollar amount be the lesser of (b)(i)(A) or (B) of this subsection.
(A) The equivalent amount computed using the plan rate and plan mortality table (or plan tabular factor) used for actuarial equivalence for early retirement benefits under the plan.
(B) The amount computed using five percent interest and the applicable mortality table described in the Federal Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Revenue Ruling 2001-62. (This is used only to the extent described in Q&A 6 of Revenue Ruling 98-1. Q&A 6 states that for purposes of adjusting any limitation under IRC 415 (b)(2)(C) or (D), if forfeiture does not occur upon death, the mortality decrement may be ignored prior to age sixty-two and must be ignored after the Federal Social Security Retirement Age.)
(ii) If the age at which the benefit is payable is greater than age sixty-five, the age-adjusted dollar limit is determined by increasing the IRC section 415(b) dollar limitation on an actuarially equivalent basis. In general, IRC 415 (b)(2)(E)(i) and (v) require that the increased age-adjusted dollar limit be the lesser of (b)(ii)(A) or (B) of this subsection.
(A) The equivalent amount computed using the plan rate and plan mortality table (or plan tabular factor) used for actuarial equivalence for early retirement benefits under the plan.
(B) The equivalent amount computed using five percent interest and the applicable mortality table (used to the extent described in Q&A 6, as described in the prior paragraph).
The dollar limit will be reduced proportionally for less than ten years of participation. For example, if you have five years of service the IRC section 415(b) limit is reduced to 5/10 (fifty percent) of the limit.
(3) The maximum annual addition that may be contributed or allocated to a participant's account for any limitation year may not exceed the lesser of:
(a) Forty thousand dollars, which limit shall be adjusted for increases in the cost-of-living under IRC section 415(d); or
(b) One hundred percent of the member's compensation, within the meaning of IRC section 415 (c)(3), for the limitation year.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the department may modify a request by a participant to make a contribution to the retirement plan if the amount of the contributions would exceed the limits under IRC section 415(c) or 415(n).
(5) The definition of compensation, earnable compensation or other similar term when used for purposes of determining compliance with IRC section 415 includes the amount of any elective deferral, as defined in IRC section 402 (g)(3), or any contribution which is made or deferred by the employer at the election of the employee and which is not includible in the gross income of the employee by reason of IRC sections 125, 132 (f)(4), or 457, but excludes member contributions picked under IRC section 414 (h)(2).
(6) The annual compensation taken into account in calculating retiree benefits under this system must not exceed the limits imposed by IRC section 401 (a)(17) for qualified trusts. This limitation shall be adjusted for cost of living increases in accordance with IRC section 401 (a)(17)(B).
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MEMBERSHIP(1) Subject to the exceptions in subsection (2) of this section, you will be a PSERS member on the date you become employed in a full-time position for an employer as defined in WAC 415-106-010, provided one or more of the following applies:
(a) The position requires completion of a certified criminal justice training course and you are authorized by your employer to arrest, conduct criminal investigations, enforce the criminal laws of the state of Washington, and carry a firearm as part of the job.
(b) Your primary responsibility is to ensure the custody and security of incarcerated or probationary individuals.
(c) You are a limited authority Washington peace officer, as defined in RCW 10.93.020.
(d) Your primary responsibility is to supervise members eligible under this section.
(2) You are exempt from PSERS membership if:
(a) One or more of the exemptions in RCW 41.37.020 apply to you;
(b) You are a retirement system retiree, estopped from membership under RCW 41.04.270;
(c) You are, or have been, a PERS Plan 1 member; or
(d) You were a PERS Plan 2 or 3 member on July 1, 2006, and are not required to join PSERS membership according to WAC 415-106-110.
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(1) You may change retirement system membership from PERS to PSERS if:
(a) You were a member of either PERS Plan 2 or Plan 3 prior to July 1, 2006; and
(b) On July 1, 2006, you meet the requirements for membership in WAC 415-106-100.
(2) If you meet the conditions in subsection (1) of this section and wish to change membership from PERS to PSERS, you must submit a properly completed election form to your employer during the election period that begins on July 1, 2006, and ends on September 30, 2006.
(3) Your change in membership is prospective only.
(a) You become a member of PSERS on the election date shown on your election form.
(b) You will become a dual member of PSERS and PERS. All service credit and compensation previously reported in PERS will remain in PERS. Your retirement benefits will be governed by the dual member "portability" provisions in chapters 41.54 RCW and 415-113 WAC.
(4) If you meet the conditions in subsection (1) of this section and do not change membership to PSERS on or before September 30, 2006, you may not become a member of PSERS while you continue employment with the same employer. However, if you terminate your employment with the employer with whom you were employed on July 1, 2006, and become employed in a PSERS eligible position with another employer after July 1, 2006, you will be mandated into PSERS membership.
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REPORTABLE COMPENSATION
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(1) The department determines whether payments you receive are reportable compensation based on the nature of the payment, not the name of the payment. The department considers the reason for the payment and whether the reason brings the payment within the statutory definition of "compensation earnable" in RCW 41.37.010(6). It must:
(a) Be paid to you by an employer as a salary or wage for services you provided; or
(b) Qualify as reportable compensation under chapter 41.37 RCW or this chapter.
(2) Your employer must report all of your reportable compensation to the department. Your employer must report compensation for the month in which it was earned. Compensation is earned when the service is provided, rather than when payment is made.
| Example: | Bill is paid in July for work performed during June. The employer must report his compensation to the department as "June earnings." |
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| Type of Payment | PSERS Reportable Compensation? |
| Annual leave cash outs | No - WAC 415-106-255 |
| Assault pay (state employees) | Yes - WAC 415-106-270 |
| Base rate | Yes - WAC 415-106-215 |
| Cafeteria plans | Yes - WAC 415-106-290 |
| Deferred wages | Yes - WAC 415-106-300 |
| Disability insurance payments | No - WAC 415-106-275 |
| Disability: Salary imputed while on duty-disability leave | Yes - WAC 415-106-270 |
| Employer provided vehicle | No - WAC 415-106-325 |
| Employer taxes/contributions | No - WAC 415-106-300 |
| Fringe benefits, including insurance | No - WAC 415-106-295 |
| Illegal payments | No - WAC 415-106-305 |
| Legislative leave | Yes - WAC 415-106-285 |
| Longevity/education attainment pay | Yes - WAC 415-106-215 |
| Nonmoney compensation | No - WAC 415-106-315 |
| Optional payments | No - WAC 415-106-310 |
| Overtime payments | Yes - WAC 415-106-220 |
| Performance pay | Yes - WAC 415-106-230 |
| Paid leave | Yes - WAC 415-106-260 |
| Reimbursements | No - WAC 415-106-320 |
| Reinstatement payments | Yes - WAC 415-106-240 |
| Retirement or termination bonus | No - WAC 415-106-235 |
| Retroactive salary increase | Yes - WAC 415-106-245 |
| Severance pay | No - WAC 415-106-250 |
| Shared leave (state employees) | Yes - WAC 415-106-270 |
| Sick leave cash outs | No - WAC 415-106-255 |
| Standby pay | Yes - WAC 415-106-225 |
| Time off with pay | Yes - WAC 415-106-255 |
| Union leave1 | Yes - WAC 415-106-265 |
| Unpaid leave2 | Yes - WAC 415-106-280 |
| Vehicle allowances | No - WAC 415-106-330 |
2Only the unpaid leave specified in WAC 415-106-280(2) will be used in the calculation of your AFC.
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(1) A member who receives a salary increase based upon longevity or educational attainment receives a higher salary without working more hours. The higher salary indicates a higher level of service due to greater experience or more education.
(2) Simply attaching the label "longevity" to a payment does not guarantee that it will be reportable compensation. If a payment described as a longevity payment is actually based upon some other criteria, such as retirement or notification of intent to retire, the payment may not be reportable compensation.
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(1) Additional pay for working on a holiday. If you receive an extra payment for working on a scheduled holiday, the payment is overtime. Your employer may make the additional payment when the holiday occurs or in a lump sum at some other time.
| Example: | Bill works on Christmas day. He is given the option of taking another day off with pay or receiving an extra day's pay. If he opts for the extra pay, the payment is overtime and is reportable compensation. If he takes another day off in lieu of the extra pay, it is paid leave and also qualifies as reportable compensation. |
(3) Court pay. If you receive an additional payment for appearing in court or performing other duties outside your regularly scheduled shift, it is overtime.
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(1) The pay you receive for being on standby qualifies as reportable compensation; however
(2) The time you spend on standby is not counted toward service credit and is not reported to the department by your employer.
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| Example: | An employer offers each employee in a work group an additional $100 if the work group has no work-related accidents during the upcoming year. Remaining accident free is a performance goal. Therefore the payment will be for services provided and will qualify as reportable compensation. |
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| Example: | A collective bargaining agreement authorizes a city to pay employees a higher salary during the last two years of employment if the employee gives written notice of intent to retire or terminate. Because the payment is in exchange for the agreement to retire or terminate and not for services, the payment is not reportable compensation. |
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(2) For purposes of this section, "reinstatement" means that you are entitled to return to full employment rights by action of either:
(a) The employer; or
(b) A personnel board, personnel appeals board or court of law.
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(1) To qualify as reportable compensation under this section, the retroactive salary increase must be made pursuant to:
(a) An order or conciliation agreement of a court or administrative agency charged with enforcing federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances, or regulations protecting employment rights;
(b) A bona fide settlement of a claim before a court or administrative agency for a retroactive salary increase;
(c) A collective bargaining agreement; or
(d) Action by a personnel resources board which expressly states the payments are retroactive.
(2) Your employer must report compensation for the month in which it was earned.
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(2) Sick and annual leave cash outs. Under RCW 41.37.010 (6)(a), sick and annual leave cash outs are not reportable compensation.
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(1) The payment does not exceed the salary for the position from which you are on leave; and
(2) The payment is received from the employer, not from a third party. Except as provided in WAC 415-106-265, if you receive the payment from your employer, but your employer is reimbursed for the payment by a third party, the payment is not reportable compensation.
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(1) Assault pay qualifies as reportable compensation to the extent authorized by RCW 27.04.100, 72.01.045, and 72.09.240.
(2) Duty disability. You may make contributions and receive up to twelve consecutive months of service credit for periods of disability covered by Title 51 RCW or similar federal workers' compensation program as provided in RCW 41.37.060. In this case, the compensation you would have received but for the disability qualifies as reportable compensation to the extent authorized by RCW 41.37.060.
(3) Shared leave.
(a) If you are a state employee, as defined in RCW 41.04.655, the compensation you receive due to participation in a leave-sharing program qualifies as reportable compensation to the extent authorized by RCW 41.04.650 through 41.04.670.
(b) If you are not a state employee, shared leave payments are not specifically authorized by RCW 41.37.010(6) and do not qualify as reportable compensation.
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(2) Workers' compensation payments are not reportable compensation.
| Example: | Susan, an employee on unpaid disability leave, submits her workers' compensation payments to her employer. The employer then issues Susan a check for the same amount through the payroll system. Even though the payment may have the appearance of compensation from the employer, it is not a payment for services provided and is not reportable compensation. |
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(2) Military leave. If you purchase service credit for a period of interruptive military service and that period falls in your AFC period, federal law entitles you to have the salary you would have earned during that time period used in the calculation of your AFC.
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For any year in which you serve in the legislature, you may choose that your reportable compensation be either:
(1) The reportable compensation you would have earned had you not served in the legislature; or
(2) The compensation you actually received for nonlegislative public employment and the legislative service combined.
If you choose the option in subsection (1) of this section, you must pay the additional employer and employee contributions to the extent the compensation reported is higher than it would have been under subsection (2) of this section.
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(1) Employer retirement contributions;
(2) Any type of insurance such as medical, dental or life insurance; and any employer contribution to meet the premium or charge for the insurance; and
(3) Any employer payments into a private fund to provide health or welfare benefits for you or your dependents, with the exception of compensation paid pursuant to a bona fide cafeteria plan, flexible benefit plan or similar arrangement as described in WAC 415-106-290.
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(1) Your member contributions to PSERS. Your employer's contributions are a fringe benefit and are not reportable compensation. See WAC 415-106-295.
(2) Amounts withheld for federal income tax purposes; and
(3) Other authorized voluntary deductions, such as deferred compensation or IRC section 457 plan contributions.
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| Example: | An employer offers to make a contribution to Joe's deferred compensation plan only if Joe agrees to have a portion of his salary deferred. Because Joe does not have a right to receive the contribution based solely on providing service, the payment is not reportable compensation. |
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(b) A vehicle allowance qualifies as reportable compensation to the extent that it exceeds your actual expenses. For instance, if you receive both a vehicle allowance and separate reimbursements for vehicle expenses each time you use a privately owned vehicle for business purposes, the vehicle allowance is reportable compensation.
(2) To prove that your vehicle allowance exceeded your actual expenses, your employer must maintain ongoing monthly records, documenting:
(a) The dates, if any, on which you used a privately owned vehicle in performing services for your employer;
(b) The miles you drove the vehicle on each of these trips;
(c) Your itinerary for each of these trips; and
(d) The amount of the allowance less the actual expenses, using IRS methodology. Under the IRS methodology, your actual expenses are the miles you drove multiplied by the IRS rate.
(i) The miles you drove are the number of miles you drove a privately owned vehicle for business purposes during the month.
(ii) "IRS rate" means the Internal Revenue Service mileage rate for use by taxpayers computing the value of the use of a vehicle.
(3) If a vehicle allowance exceeds actual expenses, your employer must report the excess, calculated in subsection (2)(d) of this section.
(4) If any part of a vehicle allowance is included in the calculation of your retirement allowance, your employer will be billed for excess compensation under RCW 41.50.150.
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ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS(1) You must submit a written application directly to the department.
(2) If you submit your application before your service in a state elective position starts:
(a) Your employee contributions will be deducted from your compensation for your elective service.
(b) Except as provided in WAC 415-106-285, your employer(s) will pay the required employer contributions.
(3) If you submit your application mid-term (after your service in a state elective position has started):
(a) You and your employer will begin making contributions according to subsection (2) of this section.
(b) You must establish service credit for the prior portion of your current term by paying the employee contributions plus interest. Your employer must pay the required employer contributions plus interest.
(4) If you submit your application after your service in a state elective position has been completed, you must pay the required employee and employer contributions for the service credit with interest as determined by the department. Your former employer, at its discretion, may pay the required employer contributions plus interest.
(5) If you work in a PSERS eligible position at the same time you accrue service credit in a state elective position:
(a) Employee contributions will be deducted from your compensation for your service in the PSERS position and in the state elective position; and
(b) Both employers will make employer contributions.
(6) You will earn one service credit month for each calendar month during which you provide service in a state elective position. If you provide concurrent service in a PSERS eligible position, you will not receive additional service credit for that service.
(7) Once you start to accrue service credit in PSERS for a state elective position you must remain an active PSERS member until:
(a) You separate from all eligible public employment. You are not separated from eligible public employment if:
(i) You are reelected or reappointed to a successive term or terms of office; or
(ii) You resign from your state elective position and later resume service in the same state elective position during the same term.
(b) You retire from PSERS, whether or not you continue to serve in your elective position. See WAC 415-106-405.
(8) A state elective position is any position held by any person:
(a) Elected or appointed to a statewide office; or
(b) Elected or appointed as a member of the legislature.
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(1) You must be an active PSERS member at the time you submit your application.
(2) The term of office must have begun on or after July 1, 2006.
(3) You must submit a written application directly to the department.
(4) You must pay the required employee and employer contributions for the service credit with interest as determined by the department. Your former employer, at its discretion, may pay the employer contributions plus interest.
(5) You must establish service credit for a full term of office. You may not establish service for only a portion of your term in office. However, if you served multiple terms, you are not required to establish service credit for all of the terms served.
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(a) You are eligible to retire under RCW 41.37.210;
(b) You submit a written statement to the department, waiving the right to earn PSERS service credit for any future period of service in a state elective position; and
(c) Your compensation in the state elective position is fifteen thousand dollars or less per year, adjusted annually for inflation by the director. See subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The compensation threshold in subsection (1)(c) of this section is adjusted on April 1 of each year, based on the average consumer price index for Seattle for the previous calendar year. Effective April 2006, the threshold is $21,551. You may contact the department for the threshold in effect for subsequent years.
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DISABILITY BENEFITSMembers may also be eligible for benefits from the Washington state departments of labor and industries (workers' compensation benefits) and social and health services, the U.S. Social Security Administration, employers, disability insurers, and others. Please contact these organizations directly for more information.
(1) Am I eligible for disability benefits? You are eligible for disability benefits if, at the time of your separation from employment, you are totally incapacitated to perform the duties of your job or any other PSERS position for which you are qualified by training or experience. Objective medical evidence is required to establish total incapacitation. Vocational and/or occupational evidence may be required at the discretion of the department.
(2) If eligible, what will I receive as a monthly disability allowance?
(a) If you have at least ten years of service credit in PSERS, you will receive a monthly allowance equal to two percent of your AFC times your service credit years, permanently actuarially reduced to reflect the difference in the number of years between your age when you separate for disability and age sixty. Your monthly allowance may be further reduced to offset the cost of the benefit option you choose. See WAC 415-106-600.
(b) If you have less than ten years of service credit, you will receive a monthly allowance1 equal to two percent of your AFC times your service credit years, permanently actuarially reduced to reflect the difference in the number of years between your age when you separate for disability and age sixty-five. Your monthly allowance may be further reduced to offset the cost of the benefit option you choose. See WAC 415-106-600.
1You may choose to receive a lump sum payment instead of a monthly allowance if your initial monthly allowance will be less than fifty dollars. See RCW 41.37.200.
See WAC 415-02-320 for early retirement factors and examples.
(3) How do I apply?
(a) You or your representative must contact the department to request an application. The three-part application must be completed by the proper persons and returned to the department.
(i) Part 1: Disability retirement application. You must complete and sign the application. If you are married, your spouse must sign consent to the benefit option you select. You, and your spouse if you are married, must have your signatures notarized.
(ii) Part 2: Employer's statement and report. Your employer must complete and sign Part 2, and return it directly to the department.
(iii) Part 3: Medical report. You must complete section one. Your physician must complete the remainder of the form, attach supporting documentation, sign and return it directly to the department. You are responsible for all medical expenses related to your application for benefits. A copy of your job description must be provided to the physician at time of examination.
(b) When the department receives Part 1 of your application, you are considered to be an applicant for disability benefits. However, your eligibility will not be determined until the department receives all three parts of the application.
(4) What is the time limit for filing an application for disability benefits? There is no time limit for applying for benefits. However, if you have separated from employment, your application must be based on your condition at the time of separation.
(5) If I am eligible to retire, may I still apply for disability benefits? Yes, however, you should request a benefit estimate from the department, as there may be a difference in the dollar amount of your monthly allowance.
(6) Once my application is approved, when will my monthly allowance begin?
(a) Your disability allowance will accrue from the first day of the calendar month immediately following your separation from employment. If you are continuing to earn service credit while on paid leave or through programs such as shared leave, you are not considered to be separated from employment.
(b) Your first payment will include all retroactive benefits to which you are entitled.
(c) Department approval will expire ninety days after the approval date if you have not officially separated from PSERS employment.
(i) If you are continuing to perform the duties of your position or another PSERS position, you may reapply for disability benefits according to subsection (3) of this section if your condition worsens.
(ii) If you are on leave, the department may reinstate approval upon your request and your employer's verification of your leave status.
(7) What are my options if my application is denied?
(a) You may submit additional information that shows you were totally incapacitated at the time of your separation from employment.
(b) If you continue to work in a PSERS position, you may reapply for disability benefits at a later time if your condition worsens.
(c) You may petition for review of the department's decision according to the provisions of chapter 415-04 WAC.
(8) Are my disability benefits taxable? You should consult with your tax advisor regarding all questions of federal or state income, payroll, personal property or other tax consequences regarding any payments you receive from the department. The department does not:
(a) Guarantee that payments should or should not be designated as exempt from federal income tax;
(b) Guarantee that it was correct in withholding or not withholding taxes from disability payments;
(c) Represent or guarantee that any particular federal or state income, payroll, personal property or other tax consequence will occur because of its nontaxable determination; or
(d) Assume any liability for your compliance with the Internal Revenue Code.
(9) Are disability benefits subject to court or administrative orders? Your benefits may be subject to orders for spousal maintenance, child support, property division, or any other administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law. For more information, see RCW 41.37.090(3) or contact the department.
(10) Am I eligible for disability benefits if my disability is the result of my criminal conduct? No. See RCW 41.37.100.
(11) How is my disability benefit affected if I am a member of more than one retirement system? If you are a member of more than one retirement system, your benefit is governed by portability law. See chapters 41.54 RCW and 415-113 WAC. You may apply for disability only from your active system. However, if you qualify for a disability benefit from your active system, you will also be eligible for a service retirement calculated under the laws governing the inactive system.
(12) How long will I continue to receive a monthly disability allowance? You may receive a monthly allowance throughout your lifetime, subject to the provisions of subsection (13) of this section.
(13) Is it possible to lose my monthly disability allowance after I begin receiving it?
(a) The department may, at its expense, require comprehensive medical examinations to reevaluate your eligibility for disability benefits. You will no longer be eligible to receive a disability allowance if both of the following apply:
(i) Medical evidence indicates you have recovered from the disability for which the department granted your disability benefits; and
(ii) You have been offered reemployment by an employer, as defined in RCW 41.37.010(4), at a comparable compensation.
(b) If you return to employment and reenter PSERS membership, your benefits will cease.
(14) If I take my disability benefit in a lump sum and return to work, may I restore my service credit? Yes, you may restore your service credit if you take a lump sum benefit and return to PSERS membership at a later date.
(a) You may restore your service credit within two years of reentering membership or prior to retirement, whichever comes first. You must pay back the lump sum amount you received, minus the monthly amount for which you were eligible, plus interest as determined by the director.
(b) If you restore your service after two years, you will have to pay the actuarial value of the resulting increase in your future retirement benefit. See RCW 41.50.165 and 41.37.200.
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RETIREMENT(1) Which option will pay my beneficiary a monthly allowance after my death? Options described in subsection (2)(b) through (d) of this section include a survivor feature. The person you name at the time of retirement to receive a monthly allowance after your death is referred to as your "survivor beneficiary." Upon your death your survivor beneficiary will be entitled to receive a monthly allowance for the duration of his or her life. Your monthly retirement allowance will be actuarially reduced to offset the cost of the survivor feature. The factors used to determine the amount of the reduction are in WAC 415-02-380.
(2) What are my benefit options?
(a) Option one: Standard allowance (no survivor feature). The department will pay you a monthly retirement allowance throughout your lifetime. Your monthly retirement allowance will cease upon your death.
(b) Option two: Joint and whole allowance. The department will pay you a reduced monthly retirement allowance throughout your lifetime. After your death, the department will pay your survivor beneficiary a monthly allowance equal to the gross monthly retirement allowance you were receiving.
(c) Option three: Joint and one-half allowance. The department will pay you a reduced monthly retirement allowance throughout your lifetime. After your death, the department will pay your survivor beneficiary a monthly allowance equal to one-half of the gross monthly retirement allowance you were receiving.
(d) Option four: Joint and two-thirds allowance. The department will pay you a reduced monthly retirement allowance throughout your lifetime. After your death, the department will pay your survivor beneficiary a monthly allowance equal to two-thirds (66.667%) of the gross monthly retirement allowance you were receiving.
(3) Do I need my spouse's consent on the option I choose? If you are married, you must provide your spouse's notarized signature indicating consent to the retirement option you select. If you do not provide spousal consent, the department will pay you a monthly retirement allowance based on option three (joint and one-half allowance) and record your spouse as the survivor beneficiary as required by RCW 41.37.170(2). If your survivor beneficiary has been designated by a dissolution order according to subsection (4) of this section, which was filed with the department at least thirty days before your retirement date, spousal consent is not required.
(4) Can a dissolution order require that a former spouse be designated as a survivor beneficiary? Yes. A dissolution order may require that a former spouse be designated as a survivor beneficiary. The department is required to pay survivor benefits to a former spouse pursuant to a dissolution order that complies with RCW 41.50.790.
(5) What happens if I choose a benefit option with a survivor feature and my survivor beneficiary dies before I do? Your monthly retirement allowance will increase, provided you submit proof of your survivor beneficiary's death to the department. The increase will accrue from the first day of the month following the death. Your increased monthly allowance will be:
(a) The amount you would have received had you chosen the standard allowance option at the time of retirement; plus
(b) Any cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) you received prior to your survivor beneficiary's death, based on your original option selection.
| Example: | John retires from PSERS in 2006. John chooses a benefit option with a survivor feature and names Beatrice, his daughter, as his survivor beneficiary. As a result, John's monthly allowance is reduced from $2,000 (standard allowance) to $1,750. Beatrice dies in 2011. John's monthly allowance will increase to $2,191.05, which equals the amount he would have received had he chosen the standard allowance option, plus the COLAs he has received (based on his prior monthly allowance). |
| Year | Standard Allowance | Survivor Option plus COLAs | COLA incr. (3% max) |
$ Increase | |||
| 2006 | 2,000.00 | 1,750.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| 2007 | 1,750.00 | .02 | 35.00 | ||||
| 2008 | 1,785.00 | .03 | 53.55 | ||||
| 2009 | 1,838.55 | .025 | 45.96 | ||||
| 2010 | 1,884.51 | .03 | 56.54 | ||||
| 2011 | 2,000.00 | 1,941.05 | — | — | |||
| Total COLAs | 191.05 | ||||||
| Original Option One Monthly Allowance | + Total COLAs | = New Monthly Allowance | |||||
| $2000 | + $191.05 | = $2,191.05 | |||||
(a) Return to membership. If you retire and then return to membership for at least two years of uninterrupted service, you may choose a different retirement option upon your subsequent retirement. See RCW 41.37.050(3).
(b) Postretirement marriage option. If you select the standard allowance option at the time of retirement and marry after retirement, you may select a benefit option with a survivor feature and name your current spouse as survivor beneficiary, provided that:
(i) Your benefit is not subject to a property division obligation pursuant to a dissolution order. See WAC 415-02-500;
(ii) The selection is made during a one-year window, on or after the date of the first anniversary and before the second anniversary of your postretirement marriage;
(iii) You provide a copy of your certified marriage certificate to the department;
(iv) You provide proof of your current spouse's birth date; and
(v) You exercise this option one time only.
(c) Removal of a nonspouse survivor option. If you select a benefit option with a survivor feature and name a nonspouse as survivor beneficiary at the time of retirement, you may remove that survivor beneficiary designation and have your benefit adjusted to a standard allowance. You may exercise this option one time only.
(7) Who will receive the balance of my accumulated contributions, if any, after my death?
(a) If you do not have a survivor beneficiary at the time of your death, and you die before the total of the retirement allowance paid equals the amount of your accumulated contributions at the time of retirement, the balance will be paid:
(i) To the person or entity (i.e., trust, organization, or estate) you have nominated by written designation, executed and filed with the department.
(ii) If you have not designated a beneficiary, or if your designated beneficiary is no longer living or in existence, then to your surviving spouse.
(iii) If not paid according to (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection, then to your estate.
(b) If you have a survivor beneficiary at the time of your death, and your survivor beneficiary dies before the total of the retirement allowance paid equals the amount of your accumulated contributions at the time of retirement, the balance will be paid:
(i) To the person or entity (i.e., trust, organization, or estate) your survivor beneficiary has nominated by written designation, executed and filed with the department.
(ii) If your survivor beneficiary has not designated a beneficiary, or if the designated beneficiary is no longer living or in existence, then to your survivor beneficiary's spouse.
(iii) If not paid according to (b)(i) or (ii) of this subsection, then to your survivor beneficiary's estate. See RCW 41.37.170.
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(1) A completed, signed and notarized retirement application, including:
(a) Your selection of one of the benefit options described in WAC 415-106-600.
(b) Designation of a survivor beneficiary if you selected a benefit option with a survivor feature.
(c) If you are married, your spouse's notarized signature indicating consent to the retirement option you selected.
(i) If you are married and you do not provide spousal consent, the department will pay you a monthly retirement allowance based on WAC 415-106-600 (2)(c), option three (joint and one-half allowance) and record your spouse as the survivor beneficiary as required by RCW 41.37.170 (2)(a).
(ii) Spousal consent is not required if a dissolution decree designating your survivor beneficiary under RCW 41.50.790 was filed with the department at least thirty days prior to your retirement date.
(2) Evidence of your birth date, such as a photocopy of your certified birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, certificate of armed services record U.S. DD 214, or other documentation acceptable to the department.
(3) If you selected a benefit option with a survivor feature, acceptable evidence of your designated survivor beneficiary's birth date.
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(a) The department will calculate the provisional allowance based on:
(i) The data for service credit and reportable compensation in the department's system at the time it is calculated; and
(ii) Projections of your salary for periods that have not yet been reported by your employer.
(b) The department will pay you the provisional allowance until your actual retirement allowance has been calculated.
(2) To compute your actual allowance, the department must receive a final compensation report from your employer. The department may also require any of the following from your employer:
(a) Earnings history.
(b) Copies of your employment contract(s).
(c) Copies of your employer's compensation policies.
(3) The department will make a final calculation of your actual retirement allowance by making a final determination of your service credit and AFC and by applying the correct formula to these values. Your actual retirement allowance may be higher or lower than your provisional allowance.
(4) If the amount of your actual allowance is different from your provisional allowance, the department will make the necessary adjustments.
(a) If you were underpaid, the department will pay you a lump sum payment equal to the difference of the total provisional payments you received and the total you would have received based on your actual allowance.
(b) If you were overpaid, the department will recover the overpayment either through a lump sum payment, monthly installment payments, or through an actuarial reduction of your actual allowance.
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POSTRETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT(a) You return to work as an employee for a private employer;
(b) You return to work as a bona fide independent contractor as defined in WAC 415-02-110;
(c) Your only employment is as an elected official of a city or town and you are not a PERS member;
(d) You work in an ineligible position; or
(e) You are a retiree returning as an active member of a higher education retirement plan.
(2) If you return to work in a PERS, SERS, or TRS Plan 2 or 3 eligible position, your retirement allowance will be affected as follows:
(a) If you return to work within thirty consecutive calendar days from your accrual date (effective retirement date):
(i) Your monthly retirement allowance will be reduced by five and one-half percent for every eight hours you work during that month. This reduction will be applied each month until you remain absent from such employment for thirty calendar days.
(ii) The reduction provided in (a)(i) of this subsection will accrue for a maximum of one hundred sixty hours per month. Any reduction over one hundred percent will be applied to the allowance you are eligible to receive in subsequent months. See RCW 41.37.050(1).
(b) If you return to work after thirty consecutive calendar days have elapsed, you may work for eight hundred sixty-seven hours each calendar year before your retirement allowance is suspended.
(3) If you return to work in an eligible PSERS position, your retirement allowance will be affected as follows:
(a) If you return to an eligible PSERS position and elect to reenter membership, your retirement allowance will be suspended. If you make this election, your retirement allowance will be recalculated pursuant to WAC 415-106-710 when you reretire.
(b) If you return to an eligible PSERS position within thirty consecutive days of your accrual date (effective retirement date) and do not reenter membership, your monthly retirement allowance will be reduced by five and one-half percent for every eight hours you work during that month. This reduction will be applied each month until you remain absent from such employment for thirty calendar days. The reduction will accrue for a maximum of one hundred sixty hours per month. Any reduction over one hundred percent will be applied to the allowance you are eligible to receive in subsequent months. See RCW 41.37.050(1).
(c) If you return to an eligible PSERS position after thirty consecutive days of your accrual date (effective retirement date) and do not reenter membership, your retirement allowance will be suspended.
(4) What hours are counted toward the limits?
(a) Hours that count toward the limits are:
(i) All compensated hours that you work in an eligible position for any employer whose retirement plan is administered by the department;
(ii) Used earned sick leave and vacation days;
(iii) Paid holidays; and
(iv) Compensatory time, whether you use the time or cash it out.
(b) Not counted toward the hour limits: Unused sick and vacation leave you cash out.
(5) What happens if I work over the annual hour limit? The department will:
(a) Suspend your retirement allowance on the day following the day you exceed the limit, and prorate your payment for that month.
(b) Restart your retirement allowance the next calendar year or the day after you terminate all employment identified in subsection (2) of this section, whichever occurs first.
(c) Recover any overpayments made to you for the month(s) in which you exceeded the hour limit and received a retirement allowance. See RCW 41.50.130.
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(1) If you previously retired before age sixty, the department will:
(a) Calculate your retirement allowance pursuant to RCW 41.37.190 using:
(i) Your total years of career service, including service earned prior to your initial retirement and service earned after reentering membership; and
(ii) Any increase in your AFC resulting from your reentry into membership; and
(b) Actuarially reduce your retirement allowance:
(i) Based on the present value of the retirement allowance payments you received during your initial retirement;
(ii) To account for any lump sum payment you took at the time of your previous retirement, plus interest, unless you choose to repay the entire amount before you reretire;
(iii) To reflect the difference in the number of years between your current age and the attainment of age sixty, if you are not yet age sixty; and
(iv) To offset the cost of your benefit option if it includes a survivor feature. See WAC 415-106-600.
(2) If you previously retired at or after age sixty, the department will:
(a) Calculate your retirement allowance pursuant to RCW 41.37.190 using:
(i) Your total years of career service, including service earned prior to your initial retirement and service earned after reentering membership; and
(ii) Any increase in your AFC resulting from your reentry into membership; and
(b) Actuarially reduce your retirement allowance:
(i) To account for any lump sum payment you took at the time of your previous retirement, plus interest, unless you choose to repay the entire amount before you reretire; and
(ii) To offset the cost of your benefit option if it includes a survivor feature. See WAC 415-106-600.
(3) Under no circumstances will you receive a retirement allowance creditable to a month during which you earned service credit.
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(2) You may name one or more of the following as a beneficiary or beneficiaries:
(a) An organization or person, including unborn or later adopted children. However, unborn or later adopted children must be specifically designated as beneficiaries on the form. You must indicate the date of birth for any living person you name as a beneficiary.
(b) Your estate.
(c) An existing trust, or a trust to be established at a later date or under your last will. If you designate a trust that is not in existence at the time of your death, or is not created under your last will, the designation will be invalid. Before making distribution to any trust, the department must receive:
(i) A copy of the entire trust document;
(ii) The name, address, telephone number of the current trustee; and
(iii) The tax identification number.
(3) You may name contingent beneficiaries in addition to primary beneficiaries.
(4) You may change your beneficiary designation at any time.
(5) A change in marital status may invalidate your prior designation.
(6) Your named beneficiary may not necessarily receive a distribution if you die prior to retirement. (See example three.) Distribution is governed by RCW 41.37.250.
(7) If your surviving spouse is eligible to receive a benefit under RCW 41.37.250(2), but your spouse dies before requesting a distribution, your minor children and your spouse's minor children may elect to receive either:
(a) Your accumulated contributions; or
(b) A monthly benefit, share and share alike, until each child reaches the age of majority. See example four.
EXAMPLE ONE.
Facts
John, a member, completes a beneficiary designation form.
In the place on the form reserved for persons, he names his daughter Ann. He checks the box to indicate that Ann is a primary beneficiary.
In the place on the form reserved for trust/organizational beneficiaries, he lists the "Barbara Trust." His daughter Barbara is the trust beneficiary. He checks the box to indicate that the trust is a primary beneficiary.
Result
At John's death, Ann and the Barbara Trust are the primary beneficiaries. The department will require the name of the trustee, the tax identification number, a copy of the entire trust and other information specified in this rule before distribution to the trust. Distribution is governed by RCW 41.37.250.
EXAMPLE TWO.
Facts
John, a member, completes a beneficiary designation form.
In the place on the form reserved for persons, he names his daughter Ann. He checks the box to indicate that Ann is a primary beneficiary.
In the place on the form reserved for trust/organizational beneficiaries, he lists his daughter Barbara personally; i.e., no trust name is provided. John checks the corresponding box to indicate a primary beneficiary designation. At John's death, the department learns that John has created no trusts.
Result
Because John has created no trust, Barbara, personally, will not be a beneficiary.
EXAMPLE THREE.
Facts
When she became a PSERS member, Joan named her mother as her beneficiary. Joan later married, but did not file a new beneficiary form before she died with eleven years of service.
Result
Unless required to do otherwise by a court order, the department will comply with RCW 41.37.250(2) and pay Joan's surviving spouse either a retirement allowance or lump sum. In this case, Joan's mother will not receive a distribution.
EXAMPLE FOUR.
Facts
John is a PSERS member with eleven years of service. He and his wife Mary have a total of three minor children. They have one child together, and each has one child from a previous marriage.
John and Mary were in a skydiving accident. John died instantly making Mary eligible for a benefit under RCW 41.37.250(2). However, Mary died the following week before requesting a distribution from the department.
Result
Since Mary died before requesting a distribution of John's account, John and Mary's three minor children are eligible and opt to receive a monthly benefit, share and share alike, until each child reaches the age of majority.
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