27. What effect will my choice of a survivor option have on my retirement benefit?
As a disability retiree, you will have the same right as any other SERS member to choose a form of payment that provides pension benefits after your death to a surviving person you have designated. For details about these survivor options, please see the Summary Plan Description for your plan. (You can find it at Plan Information » Office of the State Comptroller » State of Connecticut.) You can also watch a video lesson about survivor options here: Counseling » Office of the State Comptroller » State of Connecticut.)
If you select a survivor option, the amount of your pension will be reduced by a percentage that is calculated on the basis of the actuarial cost of the survivor benefit you have chosen. Your designated survivor will receive a pension in an amount that is either 50% or 100% (based on your choice) of your reduced benefit.
Please note: If you receive Social Security benefits in retirement; if, because of those benefits, your SERS benefit has been reduced under the 60% Minimum or 80% Maximum rules that are discussed above; and if your designated survivor does not receive the same Social Security benefits after your death; then the SERS benefit paid to your survivor will be re-calculated. The new benefit will not take account of the Social Security benefit you received.