The retirement system must make and continue certain DROP transfers, and eligible retirees or beneficiaries are entitled to the account balance and related benefits.
Sec. 824.804. BENEFITS UNDER PLAN. (a) On the effective date of a member's participation in the plan, the retirement system shall make the transfers required by Section 825.309 to the retired reserve account as if the member had retired on that date. The retirement system shall transfer monthly, during the period of the member's participation in the plan, from the retired reserve account to an account for the member in the deferred retirement option account an amount equal to: (1) 60 percent of the amount the member would have received that month under a standard service retirement annuity if the member had retired under the multiplier currently in effect; or (2) if the member began participation in the plan before September 1, 1999, 79 percent of the amount the member would have received that month under a standard service retirement annuity if the member had retired under the multiplier currently in effect. (b) When a member who has participated in the plan retires from the retirement system, the person is entitled to the accumulated amount in the member's account in the deferred retirement option account, including creditable interest. The amount is payable in a lump sum, in periodic installments, or as provided by Section 825.509, at the option of the member. The board of trustees by rule shall determine the number and frequency of installment payments. (c) If a member dies during participation in the plan or after participation but before retirement, the decedent's designated beneficiary is entitled to the accumulated amount in the decedent's account in the deferred retirement option account, including creditable interest. The beneficiary is also entitled to a death benefit based on compensation and years of service on the effective date of participation in the plan and on age on the date of death. (d) Payment of the benefit provided under the plan is in addition to any annuity otherwise payable under this subtitle. The retiring member may choose a DROP payment in accordance with the provisions of Section 825.509. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1416, Sec. 21, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1540, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.