When is a member considered to have inactive status?

     Members-in-service become members-inactive when their employment terminates and their accumulated deductions remain in the system of which they were an active member; or when they are on an authorized leave of absence (non-medical) without pay for a reason other than retirement board duties which extends for more than a year.

     The law provides for the extension of particular benefits to the beneficiaries of members-inactive whose death occurs prior to retirement.

Survivors of Inactive Members

If an individual is an inactive member when he/she dies, what benefits are payable to the member’s spouse?

     The spouse has the same choice as the surviving spouse of a member-in-service whose death occurs prior to retirement. The eligible spouse may elect to receive an Option D allowance. Please refer to the section of this guide pertaining to Option D. If the spouse fails to elect the Option D allowance, the accumulated deductions will be paid to the member’s surviving beneficiaries of record or, if there are none, to the surviving spouse in one sum.

If an individual dies as an inactive member, is his/her spouse entitled to a minimum allowance?

     No minimum guaranteed allowance would be payable to the spouse nor can any additional allowance be paid for the benefit of any children.