Text Size
"Tier 2" Surviving Spouse Annuity
This page describes the benefit for the surviving spouse of members that began employment on or after January 1, 2011 (Tier 2).
Surviving Spouse Benefits for Retirement Members
Eligibility
A surviving spouse who was married when the member began received a retirement annuity and is still married upon the member's death is eligible for a spouse annuity.
A surviving spouse who married after the member's retirement and is married for at least 1 year prior to the member's death is eligible for a spouse annuity, provided they elect to repay the refund of spouse contributions received by the member plus the applicable interest.
Benefit
66-2/3% of the member's retirement annuity.
The surviving spouse will receive an increase in the annuity beginning January 1 after the start of the annuity and each January 1 thereafter. The increase amount will be 3% or one-half the consumer price index, whichever is lower. The increase will be based on the originally granted annuity.
Surviving Spouse Benefits for Employed Members
Eligiblity
A surviving spouse of an actively employed member that was legally married upon the member's death is eligible for a spouse annuity.
Benefit
66-2/3% of the members earned retirement.
The surviving spouse will receive an increase in the annuity beginning January 1 after the first anniversary of the start of the annuity and each January 1 thereafter. The increase amount will be 3% or one-half the consumer price index, whichever is lower. The increase will be based on the originally granted annuity.
If you have any questions about your benefits, please contact us.