2010 Legislation

House.Bill 1205 was passed in the 2010 Legislature.  The original bill sponsored by RIPEA included the following:

• $10.00 across the board increase for PERF retirees
• A "13th check" based on years of service worked in a PERF position:

                                                                               5-10 years (disabled retirees) - $125.00

                                                                             10 years but less than 20 years - $235.00

                                                                             20 years but less than 30 years - $325.00

                                                                                           At least 30 years - $400.00

This bill was introduced and sponsored by Representative David Niezgodski of South Bend.  The bill as finally passed by the Legislature contained the 13th check only as the COLA was removed by a senate amendment.  The bill required the 13th check to be paid by October 1, 2010 and also stipulated that the retirees's effective date must be December 1, 2009 or prior.

House Bill 1205 was also amended to require the Boards of PERF and Teachers Retirement Fund to select a single Director of both funds by July 1, 2010.  This newly established position will report to both boards.

2009 Legislation

The only bill passed by the Indiana Legislature in 2009 affecting PERF retirees was H.B. 1546 which contained a "13th check".  There was no COLA passed in 2009.  To be eligible for the 13th check a retiree must have an effective date of retirement of 12-01-08 or prior and be receiving benefits in July, 2009.  The amount of the 13th check, which is considerably higher than previous years, is as follows:

   Years of PERF Service

    5 to 10        -        $150.00
   10 to 20       -        $275.00
   20 to 30       -        $375.00
30 or more       -        $450.00

The 13th check in 2008 ranged from a low of $50.00 to a maximum of $225.00.  These additional monies will be paid to retirees with their regular monthly checks in September of 2009.

OTHER

Direct Deposit to be Preferred Method for PERF Benefit Payments

Direct deposit is hassle-free and convenient.  And soon it will be the preferred PERF method to provide monthly benefit payments.

Legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly allows PERF to select direct deposit as the preferred method of making monthly benefit payments to members.

Direct deposit eliminates waiting for the mail, standing in lines at the bank and the risk of a lost or stolen check.  You will receive an annual statement showing all PERF direct deposits to your bank account.

Need more information regarding direct deposit?

Check with your bank, savings and loan or credit union for questions about direct deposit.  If you don't have an account, consider opening one for your benefit check.  Your banker may be able to help you open an account, possibly with little or no fees.

Contact PERF with your questions, toll-free, at (888) 526-1687 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

NOTE:  RIPEA strongly endorses direct deposit as the preferred method of payment for monthly benefits.