November 15th 2024
Did You Know?
Assignment and Attachment of Benefits
Your retirement benefits may be subject to assignment or attachment to satisfy court and administrative orders for spousal maintenance and child support, or orders authorized by federal law. LEOFF is authorized to divide pensions between members and ex-spouses based on court-ordered property division. If the divorce decree complies with the applicable law, LEOFF will send the property division payment directly to the ex-spouse. For more information, refer to the publication, Can Legal Action Affect My Retirement Account?
What are my survivor benefits?
Survivor benefits are payable from the day after your death.
Benefits to Spouse
Your eligible surviving spouse is entitled to survivor benefits if you die:
- In service or while on disability leave, or
- After you begin a disability retirement.
To be eligible, your spouse must be married to you:
- For one year before your disability retirement begins, or
- At the time of death, if you die in service or while on disability leave.
Your eligible surviving spouse will receive a monthly benefit equal to 50 percent of your final average salary for his or her lifetime. The amount of your spouse's benefit will be increased by 5 percent of final average salary for each eligible child, to a maximum of 60 percent of final average salary. If your children have a legal guardian, the amount attributable to the children will be paid to the guardian. If there is no guardian but you have created a trust for the children's benefit, the amount attributable to the children will be paid to the trust.
Where to Find More Information
For more information about your rights and benefits as a LEOFF member, refer to your LEOFF Plan 1 Member Handbook. The Handbook is also available from your employer or DRS. See Contact DRS for address and contact information.