CHAPTER 167a*
TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Actuarial reserve basis" means a basis under which the liabilities of the retirement system are determined under acceptable actuarial methods and under which assets are accumulated under a program designed to achieve a proper balance between the accumulated assets and the liabilities of the system.
(2) "Amortization of unfunded liabilities" means a systematic program of annual payments determined as a level per cent of expected member annual salaries in lieu of a lump sum payment.
(3) "Annual salary" means the annual salary rate for service as a Connecticut teacher during a school year but not including unused sick leave, unused vacation, terminal pay, coaching or extra duty assignments, unless compensation for coaching or extra duty assignment was included in salary for which contributions were made prior to July 1, 1971. In no event shall annual salary include amounts determined by the board to be included for the purpose of inflating the member's average annual salary. The inclusion in annual salary of amounts paid to the member, in lieu of payment by the employer for the cost of benefits, insurance, or individual retirement arrangements which in prior years had been paid by the employer and not included in the member's annual salary, shall be prima facie evidence that such amounts are included for the purpose of inflating the member's average annual salary. Annual salary shall not include payments the timing of which may be directed by the member. Annual salary shall not include payments to a superintendent pursuant to an individual contract between such superintendent and a board of education, of amounts which are not included in base salary. Annual salary shall include amounts paid to the member during a sabbatical leave during which mandatory contributions were remitted, provided such member returned to full-time teaching for at least five full years following the completion of such leave.
(4) "Average annual salary" means the average annual salary received during the three years of highest salary.
(5) "Board" means the Teachers' Retirement Board.
(6) "Child" means a natural child, an adopted child, or a stepchild of a deceased member who has been a stepchild for at least one year immediately prior to the date on which the member died. A child is a "dependent child" of a deceased member if at the time of the member's death (A) the member was living with the child or providing or obligated to provide, by agreement or court order, a reasonable portion of the support of the child and (B) the child (i) is unmarried and has not attained age eighteen or (ii) is disabled and such disability began prior to the child attaining age eighteen.
(7) "Contributions" mean amounts withheld pursuant to this chapter and paid to the board by an employer from compensation payable to a member. "Mandatory contributions" are contributions required to be withheld under this chapter and consist of "six per cent contributions" and "one per cent contributions". "Voluntary contributions" are contributions by a member authorized to be withheld under section 10-183i.
(8) "Credited interest" means interest at the rate from time to time fixed by the board which shall be substantially that earned by the funds of the system. Such interest shall be applied to a member's account based on the balance as of the previous June thirtieth. Credited interest shall be assessed on any mandatory contributions which were due but not remitted prior to the close of the school year for which salary was paid.
(9) "Current service" means service rendered in the current fiscal year.
(10) "Dependent former spouse" means a former spouse of a deceased member who (A) has in his or her care a dependent child of the deceased member; and (B) was receiving, or was entitled to receive, from the deceased member at the time of the death of the deceased member, at least one-half of his or her support; and (C) has not remarried; and (D) is the parent of the child or adopted the child while married to the member and before the child attained age eighteen or, while married to the member, both of them adopted the child before the child attained age eighteen.
(11) "Dependent parent" means a parent of a deceased member who (A) has reached the age of sixty-five; and (B) has not married after the death of the member; and (C) was receiving at least one-half of his or her support from the member at the time of the member's death and files proof of such support within two years of the date of the member's death; and (D) is not receiving, or entitled to a federal or state old age benefit based on the parent's own earnings, equal to or greater than the amount the parent would be entitled to as a dependent parent under this chapter. A "parent of a deceased member" is (A) the mother or father of a deceased member; or (B) a stepparent of a deceased member by a marriage entered into before the member attained age sixteen; or (C) an adopting parent of a deceased member who adopted the deceased member before the member attained age sixteen.
(12) "Designated beneficiary" means a person designated on a form prescribed by the board by a member to receive amounts which become payable under this chapter as the result of the member's death whether before or after retirement. If a designated beneficiary is not living at the time of the death of a member, the amounts that would have been payable to the designated beneficiary shall be paid to the member's estate.
(13) "Disabled" means inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, except that during the first twenty-four months that a member is receiving a disability allowance, "disabled" means the inability to perform the usual duties of his occupation by reason of any such impairment.
(14) "Employer" means an elected school committee, a board of education, the State Board of Education, the board of governors or any of its constituent units, the governing body of the Children's Center, the E. O. Smith School and any other activity, institution or school employing members.
(15) "Formal leave of absence" means any absence from active service in the public schools of Connecticut formally granted by a member's employer as evidenced by contemporary records of the employer, provided in the case of an absence due to illness, medical or other evidence of such illness may, at the discretion of the Teachers' Retirement Board, be accepted in lieu of evidence of the formal granting of a leave.
(16) "Formal application of retirement" means the member's application, birth certificate or notarized statement supported by other evidence satisfactory to the board, in lieu thereof, records of service when required by the board to determine a salary rate or years of creditable service, statement of payment plan and, in the case of an application for a disability benefit, a physician's statement of health.
(17) "Funding" means the accumulation of assets in advance of the payment of retirement allowances in accordance with a definite actuarial program.
(18) "Member" means any Connecticut teacher employed for an average of at least one-half of each school day, except that no teacher who under any provision of the general statutes elects not to participate in the system shall be a member unless and until the teacher elects to participate in the system. Members teaching in a nonpublic school classified as a public school by the board under the provisions of this section may continue as members as long as they continue as teachers in such school even if the school ceases to be so classified. A former teacher who has not withdrawn his or her accumulated contributions shall be an "inactive member". A member who, during the period of a formal leave of absence granted by his or her employer, but not exceeding an aggregate of ten school months, continues to make mandatory contributions to the board, retains his or her status as an active member.
(19) "Normal cost" means the amount of contribution which the state is required to make into the retirement fund in order to meet the actuarial cost of current service.
(20) "Public school" means any day school conducted within or without this state under the orders and superintendence of a duly elected school committee, a board of education, the State Board of Education, the board of governors or any of its constituent units, the E. O. Smith School, the Children's Center, joint activities of boards of education authorized by subsection (b) of section 10-158a and any institution supported by the state at which teachers are employed or any incorporated secondary school not under the orders and superintendence of a duly elected school committee or board of education but located in a town not maintaining a high school and providing free tuition to pupils of the town in which it is located, and which has been approved by the State Board of Education under the provisions of part II of chapter 164, provided that such institution or such secondary school is classified as a public school by the retirement board.
(21) "Retirement allowance" means payments for life derived from member contributions, including credited interest, and contributions from the state.
(22) "School year" means the twelve months ending on June thirtieth of each year.
(23) "Surviving spouse" means a widow or widower of a deceased member who (A) was living with the member at the time of the member's death, or receiving, or entitled by court order or agreement to receive, regular support payments from the member and (B) has not remarried.
(24) "Survivors" means a surviving spouse, a dependent former spouse, a dependent child and a dependent parent.
(25) "System" means the Connecticut teachers' retirement system.
(26) "Teacher" means (1) any teacher, permanent substitute teacher, principal, assistant principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent or superintendent employed by the public schools in a professional capacity while possessing a certificate or permit issued by the State Board of Education, provided on and after July 1, 1975, such certificate shall be for the position in which the person is then employed, (2) certified personnel who provide health and welfare services for children in nonprofit schools, as provided in section 10-217a, under an oral or written agreement, (3) any person who is engaged in teaching or supervising schools for adults if the annual salary paid for such service is equal to or greater than the minimum salary paid for a regular, full-time teaching position in the day schools in the town where such service is rendered, and (4) a member of the professional staff of the State Board of Education or of the Board of Governors of Higher Education or any of its constituent units. A "permanent substitute teacher" is one who serves as such for at least ten months during any school year.
(27) "Unfunded liability" means the actuarially determined value of the liability for service before the date of the actuarial valuation less the accumulated assets in the retirement fund.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 1, 35; P.A. 79-436, S. 1, 6; 79-541, S. 1, 6; 79-625, S. 1, 6; P.A. 80-300; 80-302; 80-371; 80-483, S. 41, 186; P.A. 82-218, S. 37, 46; 82-472, S. 31, 183; P.A. 83-449, S. 1, 5; 83-528, S. 1, 2; P.A. 84-241, S. 2, 5; 84-487, S. 1, 2; P.A. 85-594, S. 1, 4; P.A. 86-316, S. 1, 3; P.A. 88-4; P.A. 89-26, S. 3, 4; 89-276, S. 1, 3; P.A. 92-205, S. 1, 12; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14, S. 1, 11; P.A. 00-187, S. 63, 75.)
History: P.A. 79-436 added definitions of "actuarial reserve basis", "amortization of unfunded liabilities", "current service", "funding", "normal cost" and "unfunded liability", inserting terms in alphabetical order and renumbering subdivisions accordingly; P.A. 79-541 redefined "disabled", deleting distinction between eligibility for survivor's benefits and for disability benefits; P.A. 79-625 redefined "member" to specifically exclude teachers who elect not to participate in retirement system; P.A. 80-300 redefined "teacher" to include assistant principals and assistant supervisors and professional staff members of state boards of education and of higher education or constituent units and to add qualifying phrase re certificates; P.A. 80-302 redefined "member" to include teachers who, while on formal leaves of absence, continue to make mandatory contributions; P.A. 80-371 redefined "formal application of retirement" to require that statements be notarized and be "supported by other evidence satisfactory to the board"; P.A. 80-483 made technical grammatical correction in definition of "member"; P.A. 82-218 replaced board of higher education with board of governors pursuant to reorganization of higher education system, effective March 1, 1983; P.A. 82-472 changed "Edwin O. Smith" to "E. O. Smith" in Subdivs. (14) and (19); P.A. 83-449 amended the definition of "disabled" in Subdiv. (13) by adding exception that during the first twenty-four months a member is receiving a disability allowance, "disabled" means the inability to perform the usual duties of his occupation by reason of any such impairment; P.A. 83-528 amended the definition of "annual salary" in Subdiv. (3) to exclude amounts determined by the board to be included for the purpose of inflating average annual salary and to exclude payments whose timing may be directed by a member and to specify that inclusion in annual salary of amounts paid to a member in lieu of payment by employer for the cost of benefits, etc. which were paid in prior years by employer, is prima facie evidence such amounts are included to inflate average annual salary; P.A. 84- 241 added "of higher education" to board of governors' title in Subdiv. (25); P.A. 84-487 amended definition of teacher in Subdiv. (25) to make existing provision requiring possession of teacher's certificate for "position in which the person is then employed" effective "on and after July 1, 1975"; P.A. 85-594 redefined "amortization of unfunded liabilities" to be a systematic program of "annual payments determined as a level per cent of expected member annual salaries"; P.A. 86-316 added definition of "formal leave of absence" in Subdiv. (15), renumbered remaining Subdivs. and made technical changes in Subdivs. (8), (12), (18), (20), (22) and (25); P.A. 88-4 amended Subsec. (26) to expand types of certificates enumerated in Subdiv. (1) to include any "other certificate or permit issued by the state board of education"; P.A. 89-26 in Subdiv. (26) redefined "teacher" to provide that the person who is a teacher be employed in a professional capacity and made a technical change; P.A. 89-276 amended definition of "member" in Subdiv. (18) to delete provision that no teacher who has attained age sixty-one may become a member for the first time; P.A. 92-205 redefined "annual salary" to exclude payments to a superintendent pursuant to an individual contract between such superintendent and a board of education, of amounts not included in base salary, and redefined "mandatory contributions" to increase five per cent contributions to six per cent; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14 changed effective date of P.A. 92-205, S. 1 from June 10, 1992, to July 1, 1992; P.A. 00-187 redefined "annual salary" in Subdiv. (3) to add provision relating to sabbatical leaves, redefined "credited interest" in Subdiv. (8) to require assessment on any mandatory contributions which were due but not remitted prior to the close of the school year for which salary was paid and to make a technical change, and redefined "formal application of retirement" in Subdiv. (16) to remove reference to "legal teacher's certificate", effective July 1, 2000.
Modification of disability benefits under this section became a change contemplated by the contract submitted for approval to the legislature. 197 C. 91, 92, 95. Cited. 210 C. 531, 532.
Subdiv. (3):
Cited. 531, 536, 546—548.
Subdiv. (14):
Cited. 181 C. 544, 548.

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The Connecticut teachers' retirement system is established to provide retirement and other benefits for teachers, their survivors and beneficiaries.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 2, 35.)
Cited. 136 C. 184.

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Any member of the Teachers' Retirement Association, established by prior law, on July 1, 1978 shall automatically be a member of the system. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all members including inactive members shall have the same rights.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 3, 35.)

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(a) A member shall receive a month of credited service for each month of service as a teacher, provided the Teachers' Retirement Board may grant a member a month of credited service for a month during which such member was employed after the first school day but not later than the fifth school day of such month if (1) such month was the member's first month of service as a teacher and (2) such month of credited service is needed by the member in order to qualify for a normal retirement benefit. Ten months of credited service shall be equal to one year of credited service. A member may not accumulate more than one year of credited service during any school year.
(b) Any member may purchase, as provided in subsection (c) of this section, additional credited service, but not to exceed an aggregate of one year in the case of service described in subdivision (2) of this subsection for each two years of active full-time service as a Connecticut teacher; and not to exceed an aggregate of one year in the case of absence described in subdivision (8) of this subsection for each five years of active full-time service as a Connecticut teacher, provided if any such absence exceeds thirty consecutive school months, such additional credited service shall be limited to thirty school months; and not to exceed an aggregate of ten years for all service described in this subsection. In no event, however, may any service described in this subsection be purchased if the member is receiving or is, or will become, entitled to receive a retirement benefit based upon such service from any governmental system other than the teachers' retirement system or the federal Social Security System. Additional credited service includes:
(1) Service as a teacher in a school for military dependents established by the United States Department of Defense;
(2) Service as a teacher in another state of the United States, its territories or possessions;
(3) Service in the armed forces of the United States in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or service in said armed forces during the period beginning October 27, 1953, and ending January 31, 1955;
(4) Service in a permanent full-time position for the state;
(5) Service as a teacher at The University of Connecticut prior to July 1, 1965;
(6) Service as a teacher at the Wheeler School and Library, North Stonington, prior to September 1, 1949;
(7) Service as a teacher at the Gilbert Home, Winsted, prior to September 1, 1948;
(8) Any formal leave of absence as provided in regulations adopted by the board, if the member subsequently returns to service for at least one school year;
(9) Service as a teacher at the American School at Hartford for the Deaf, the Connecticut Institute for the Blind or the Newington Children's Hospital;
(10) Forty or more days of service as a substitute teacher, or the equivalent service rendered at less than half-time, in a single public school system within the state of Connecticut in any school year, provided eighteen days of such service shall equal one month of credited service under subsection (a) of this section;
(11) Service in the armed forces of the United States, other than service described in subdivision (3) of this subsection, not to exceed thirty months;
(12) Service as a full-time, salaried, elected official of the state or any political subdivision of the state during the 1978 calendar year or thereafter, if such member subsequently returns to service for at least one school year;
(13) Service in the public schools of Connecticut as a member of the federal Teacher Corps, not to exceed two years; and
(14) Service in the United States Peace Corps.
(c) Additional credited service must be purchased (1) at the time of retirement, or (2) at the time a surviving spouse elects benefits under the provisions of subsection (d) of section 10-183h, or (3) at the time benefits commence under an optional payment form pursuant to section 10-183j. Any purchase of service shall be accomplished by the member paying to the board an amount equal to one-half of the actuarial present value, determined according to actuarial tables adopted by the board, of the difference between the retirement benefit which the member is entitled to receive based upon his or her service apart from such purchased service and the benefit which he or she is entitled to receive including such service. Payments for additional credited service may be made in a lump sum by transfer of funds from the member's accumulated one per cent contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989, with credited interest and accumulated voluntary contributions with credited interest plus such other amounts as may be required to complete the purchase.
(d) For the purpose of determining eligibility for benefits under section 10-183f, credited service purchased under subsection (b) of this section shall not be used except that (1) service in a school for military dependents described in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section and out-of-state public school service described in subdivision (2) of said subsection (b) shall be used to determine eligibility for a normal retirement benefit based upon thirty-five years of credited service and for an early retirement benefit; and (2) military service described in subdivision (3) of said subsection (b), any leave of absence described in subdivision (8) of said subsection (b) and substitute service described in subdivision (10) of said subsection (b) shall be used as if they were service in the public schools of Connecticut.
(e) For purposes of computing benefit amounts under section 10-183g, other than proratable benefits and deferred vested retirement benefits, credited service purchased under subsection (b) of this section shall be used in the same manner as credited service described in subsection (a) of this section. In computing proratable benefits, purchased service credits shall be used as set forth in subsection (b) of section 10-183g. In computing deferred vested retirement benefits, purchased service credits shall be used as set forth in subsection (d) of section 10-183g. In computing the lump sum death benefit under section 10-183h, military service described in subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section and leaves of absence described in subdivision (8) of said subsection (b) shall be used as if they were service in the public schools of Connecticut.
(f) For purposes of computing benefit amounts under section 10-183g, whole months of credited service, including additional credited service, in excess of whole years shall be used in determining aggregate accumulations of credited service.
(g) Any member who has been elected to a full-time or part-time position in an organization which has been duly designated as the teachers' representative or who has been elected to a full-time or part-time position in the state-wide, national or international bargaining organization with which the local bargaining organization is affiliated, under the provisions of section 10-153b, may, during the time he so serves, continue his membership and may make, or have made for him, payments of his contributions for such time, provided the organization which such teacher represents shall pay the full actuarial cost that would otherwise be incurred by the state for the time such teacher serves in excess of one year. If payment is made during such periods or at any time before retirement, such member shall receive credit for such service and shall be considered as serving as a public school teacher in the state for the purpose of computing length of service, and for the purpose of computing average annual salary, and shall be considered by the retirement board as though he were remaining in his latest teaching position.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 4, 35; P.A. 79-407; 79-625, S. 2, 6; P.A. 80-376, S. 1; 80-408, S. 1; P.A. 82-293, S. 1, 2; 82-466, S. 1; P.A. 84-295, S. 1, 2; 84-440; P.A. 86-316, S. 2, 3; P.A. 87-410, S. 1, 3; P.A. 89-275; 89-342, S. 1, 5; P.A. 90-308, S. 5, 15; P.A. 92-205, S. 10—12; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14, S. 1, 11; P.A. 93-379, S. 5, 8; P.A. 97-301, S. 1, 8, 10; P.A. 98- 251, S. 1, 7; P.A. 02-117, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 79-407 added Subsec. (i) re continuance of membership by members elected to full-time position in organization which is teachers' bargaining representative; P.A. 79-625 amended Subsec. (g) to include provisions re deferred vested retirement benefits; P.A. 80-376 allowed prior members to purchase additional credited service only after one year from date of latest resumption of membership, whereas previously prior members could purchase credited service only until one year from date of latest membership resumption in Subsec. (b); P.A. 80-408 amended Subdiv. (3) of Subsec. (b) to include military service between October 27, 1953, and January 31, 1955, and deleted word "wartime" throughout section; P.A. 82-293 amended Subsec. (b) to allow credited service for teaching at American School for the Deaf, Connecticut School for the Blind and Newington Children's Hospital and amended Subsec. (c) to allow five years for purchase of service credit for teaching at American School for the Deaf, Connecticut School for the Blind and Newington Children's Hospital; P.A. 82-466 added Subdiv. (9) in Subsec. (b) re purchase of retirement credit for service as a substitute teacher; P.A. 84-295 amended Subsec. (i) to include member "who has been elected to a full-time position in the state-wide bargaining organization with which the local bargaining organization is affiliated" and replaced reference to "subsection (b) of section 10-153" with reference to "section 10-153b"; P.A. 84-440 restructured provisions re purchase of additional credited service, limited total number of years which may be purchased to ten, repealed reciprocity requirement in Subdiv. (2) of Subsec. (b) re out-of-state teaching service and added requirement re two years active full-time teaching service in Connecticut for each year of out-of-state service purchased, repealed provision authorizing prior member to purchase service after teaching in Connecticut public schools for one year after resumption of membership, amended Subdiv. (10) of Subsec. (b) re substitute teaching service to require such service to be in Connecticut, added Subdiv. (11) of Subsec. (b) re armed forces service, amended provisions in Subsec. (c) re cost of and time limits for purchase of additional credited service, repealed Subsecs. (d) and (e) re special purchase provisions and renumbered remaining subsections; P.A. 86-316 amended Subsec. (b) to delete limitation of subsection to any member "except an inactive member", to provide that purchase of additional credited service for an absence described in Subdiv. (8) may not exceed an aggregate of one year for each five years of active full-time service as a Connecticut teacher and to provide that if any such absence exceeds thirty consecutive school months, such additional credited service shall be limited to thirty school months; amended Subsec. (b) (8) to refer to "formal" rather than "authorized" leave of absence; P.A. 87-410 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize board, under certain conditions, to grant a month of credited service for a month during which a member was employed after the first school day but not later than the fifth school day; P.A. 89-275 amended Subsec. (g) to increase number of years of credited service which may be purchased for service in bargaining organization from four to eight; P.A. 89-342 amended Subsec. (c) to limit use of accumulated one per cent contributions for purchase of additional credited service to contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989, and to clarify that such contributions and voluntary contributions include credited interest; P.A. 90-308 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (12) re service as an elected official; P.A. 92-205 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (13) re service as a member of the federal teacher corps and Subsec. (g) to expand provision re election to full-time position in state-wide bargaining organization to include national or international bargaining organization; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14 changed effective date of P.A. 92-205 but did not affect the date applicable to this section; P.A. 93- 379 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (14) permitting purchase of retirement credit for Peace Corps service, effective June 30, 1993; P.A. 97-301 amended Subsec. (b) (12) to require that credited service as an elected official must be service as a full-time, salaried, elected official and amended Subsec. (g) to include election to part-time position and to delete eight-year limit on continued membership, effective July 8, 1997; P.A. 98-251 amended Subdiv. (10) of Subsec. (b), re additional credited service for forty or more days of service as a substitute teacher, to include the equivalent service rendered at less than half-time, effective June 8, 1998; P.A. 02-117 amended Subsec. (b)(10) to reduce number of days of substitute teaching from twenty to eighteen, effective July 1, 2002.

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A member is eligible to receive a normal retirement benefit who (1) has attained age sixty and has accumulated twenty years of credited service in the public schools of Connecticut or (2) has attained any age and has accumulated thirty-five years of credited service, at least twenty-five years of which are service in the public schools of Connecticut.
(b) Proratable retirement. A member is eligible to receive a proratable retirement benefit who has attained age sixty and has accumulated at least ten years of credited service.
(c) Early retirement. A member is eligible to receive an early retirement benefit who has accumulated twenty-five years of credited service at least twenty years of which are service in the public schools of Connecticut, or who has attained the age of fifty- five and has accumulated at least twenty years of credited service, at least fifteen of which are service in the public schools of Connecticut.
(d) Deferred vested retirement. A member is eligible to receive a deferred vested retirement benefit beginning at age sixty who: (1) Has accumulated ten years of credited service in the public schools of Connecticut; and (2) terminates service before becoming eligible for any other retirement benefit; and (3) leaves his or her accumulated contributions with the system. If such ten years of credited service is completed after the member attains age sixty, the benefit shall be payable beginning at age sixty-five.
(e) Disability retirement. Repealed by P.A. 79-541, S. 5, 6.
(f) Survivors' benefits. The survivors of a member who dies (1) while in service in the public schools of Connecticut, (2) within two months after withdrawal from such service and prior to the effective date of such member's retirement or (3) while receiving a disability benefit under section 10-183aa, shall receive survivors' benefits, except that, if a member who has elected a coparticipant option, under section 10-183j, dies after such option becomes effective, such coparticipant option shall be given effect and no survivors' benefits shall be payable. Before any survivors' benefits are paid, the board shall receive such applications and other documents and information as it deems necessary.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 5, 35; P.A. 79-459, S. 1; 79-541, S. 5, 6; P.A. 81-278; P.A. 83-449, S. 3, 5; P.A. 97-301, S. 2, 10.)
History: P.A. 79-459 amended Subsec. (a) to delete requirement that last five years of credit service be consecutive; P.A. 79-541 repealed Subsec. (e) re disability retirement, effective January 1, 1980; P.A. 81-278 extended early retirement benefit eligibility to any member who is fifty-five years of age and has twenty years of credited service, at least fifteen of which are service in Connecticut public schools, the last five of which are consecutive; P.A. 83-449 amended Subsec. (f) by adding provision that survivors of a member who dies "(3) while receiving a disability benefit under section 10-183aa" shall receive survivors' benefits; P.A. 97-301 amended Subsecs. (b) to (d), inclusive, to delete requirement that with respect to the number of years of credited service in Connecticut public schools needed for eligibility for a retirement benefit, the last five must be consecutive, effective September 1, 1997.
See Secs. 10-183aa, 10-183bb re disability retirement.

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The normal retirement benefit shall be two per cent times the number of years of full-time credited service and a proportional fraction of two per cent times the number of years of credited service at less than full-time multiplied by average annual salary. In no event, however, shall such benefit exceed seventy-five per cent of such salary or the limits mandated by Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code, or be less than three thousand six hundred dollars.
(b) Proratable retirement. The proratable retirement benefit shall be computed as follows: Average annual salary multiplied by (1) number of years of credited service, excluding all additional credited service, except service described in subdivisions (3), (8) and (10) of subsection (b) of section 10-183e, multiplied by the applicable percentage based on age and service as determined from the table below and (2) number of years of all additional credited service not used in subdivision (1) of this subsection multiplied by one per cent.

TABLE

AGE OF RETIREMENT

Years Of Connecticut Service	60	61	62	63	64	65	66	67	68	69	70
10	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0
11	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1
12	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2
13	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3
14	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4
15	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5
16	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6
17	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7
18	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8
19	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9
20	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0

(c) Early retirement. The early retirement benefit shall be computed in the same manner as the normal retirement benefit, then actuarially reduced, on the basis of early retirement tables adopted from time to time by the board, for each month early retirement precedes the minimum age at which the member could have retired with a normal retirement benefit. Such minimum age shall be such member's actual age at retirement plus the lesser of (1) the difference between such age and age sixty, or (2) the difference between thirty-five years and the sum of such member's years of Connecticut public school service plus all purchased leaves of absence, military and out-of-state public school service. On and after July 1, 1999, any revisions to the early retirement tables shall be submitted to the Office of Policy and Management and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies within one month of their adoption by the board. Any such revisions shall be accompanied by an actuarial certification of the costs associated with such revisions.
(d) Deferred vested retirement. The deferred vested retirement benefit shall be computed as follows: Average annual salary multiplied by (1) number of years of credited service, excluding all additional credited service, except service described in subdivisions (3), (8) and (10) of subsection (b) of section 10-183e, multiplied by two per cent, then actuarially reduced in the same manner as the early retirement benefit if the years of service which could have been rendered were less than twenty years by age sixty or by the subsequent date of retirement and (2) number of years of all additional credited service not used in subdivision (1) of this subsection multiplied by one per cent.
(e) Disability retirement. Repealed by P.A. 79-541, S. 5, 6.
(f) Lump sum payment or annuity. In addition to a retirement benefit computed under subsections (a) to (d), inclusive, of this section and under subsections (a) to (g), inclusive, of section 10-183aa, a member shall receive a lump sum payment equal to the member's accumulated one per cent contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989, with credited interest. In lieu of such lump sum, the member may elect to receive an actuarially equivalent annuity for life. Such lump sum or annuity shall be paid, or commenced to be paid, when the first payment of the other retirement benefit is made.
(g) Commencing date for payment. A member's complete formal application for retirement, if sent by mail, shall be deemed to have been filed with the board on the date such application is postmarked. No benefit computed under subsections (a) to (d), inclusive, of this section and under subsections (a) to (g), inclusive, of section 10-183aa shall become effective until the end of the calendar month of the filing by the member with the board of a complete formal application for retirement. Such benefit shall accrue from the first day of the month following such calendar month and payment of such benefit in equal monthly installments shall commence on the last day of the month in which such benefit begins to accrue. Upon a finding that extenuating circumstances relating to the health of a member caused a delay in the filing of the member's complete formal application, and such application is filed on or after July 1, 1986, the board may deem such application to have been filed up to three months earlier than the actual date of the filing. Upon a finding that extenuating circumstances related to the health of a member caused a delay in the filing of an election pursuant to subsection (g) of section 10-183aa, and such election is filed on or after July 1, 1986, the board may deem such election to have been filed as of the date such member's benefits would otherwise have been converted to a normal retirement allowance, provided such member's disability allowance became effective on or before November 1, 1976, and such member attained the age of sixty on or after August 1, 1984.
(h) Termination at death of member. A benefit computed under subsections (a) to (d), inclusive, of this section and under subsections (a) to (g), inclusive, of section 10-183aa shall continue until the death of the retired member. If twenty-five per cent of the aggregate benefits paid to a retired member prior to death are less than such member's accumulated five per cent contributions plus credited interest, the member's designated beneficiary shall be paid on the death of the member a lump sum amount equal to the difference between such aggregate payments and such accumulated contributions plus credited interest.
(i) Election of options. In lieu of a benefit computed under subsections (a) to (d), inclusive, of this section and under subsections (a) to (g), inclusive, of section 10-183aa, a member may elect one of the options described in section 10-183j or any other actuarially equivalent option which the board may offer from time to time.
(j) Cost of living allowance for members retiring prior to September 1, 1992. Beginning the first day of January or July which follows nine months in retirement, a retired member who retired prior to September 1, 1992, or a member's successor beneficiary, except a person receiving survivor's benefits, shall be eligible for an annual five per cent cost of living allowance on any benefit except a benefit based upon such member's one per cent contributions or voluntary contributions. Such cost of living allowance shall be computed on the basis of the retirement benefits to which such retired member or successor beneficiary was entitled on the last day of the preceding December or June except benefits based upon one per cent or voluntary contributions. Such member's successor beneficiary means any person, other than such member, receiving benefits as the result of the election of a period certain option or a coparticipant option, including an election for such an option by a surviving spouse under subsection (d) of section 10-183h. The right to such allowance, or any portion thereof, may be waived by the person entitled thereto at any time. Any waiver shall remain in effect until the first day of the month following such person's death or the filing with the board of a written notice of cancellation of the waiver. Any allowance waived shall be forever forfeited. If on any subsequent first day of January or July the Teacher's Retirement Board determines that the National Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers for the twelve-month period ending on the last day of the preceding November or May has increased less than the cost of living allowance provided under this subsection, the cost of living allowance provided by this subsection shall be adjusted to reflect the change in such index provided such cost of living allowance shall not be less than three per cent.
(k) Cost of living allowance for members retiring on or after September 1, 1992. Beginning the first day of January or July which follows nine months in retirement, a retired member who retired on or after September 1, 1992, or a member's successor beneficiary, except a person receiving survivor's benefits, shall be eligible for an annual cost of living allowance calculated in accordance with the provisions of subsections (l) or (m) of this section on any benefit except a benefit based upon such member's one per cent contributions or voluntary contributions. Such cost of living allowance shall be computed on the basis of the retirement benefits to which such retired member or successor beneficiary was entitled on the last day of the preceding December or June except benefits based upon one per cent or voluntary contributions. Such member's successor beneficiary means any person, other than such member, receiving benefits as the result of the election of a period certain option or a coparticipant option, including an election for such an option by a surviving spouse under subsection (d) of section 10-183h. The right to such allowance, or any portion thereof, may be waived by the person entitled thereto at any time. Any waiver shall remain in effect until the first day of the month following such person's death or the filing with the board of a written notice of cancellation of the waiver. Any allowance waived shall be forever forfeited.
(l) Calculation of cost of living allowance. Beginning the first day of January or July which follows nine months in retirement, a retired member who retired on or after September 1, 1992, or a member's successor beneficiary, except a person receiving survivor's benefits, shall be eligible for an annual cost of living allowance for each year in which the plan actuaries have certified under the provisions of subsection (n) of this section that sufficient funds are available. The cost of living allowance shall be calculated by using the percentage cost of living adjustment granted by the Social Security Administration for the applicable year, computed on the basis of the retirement benefits to which such retired member or successor beneficiary was entitled on the last day of the preceding December or June except benefits based upon one per cent or voluntary contributions, provided no cost of living allowance shall exceed six per cent and provided further, if the total return earned by the trustees on the market value of the pension assets for the preceding fiscal year is less than eight and one-half per cent, any cost of living allowance granted shall not exceed one and one-half per cent.
(m) Proportionate reduction of cost of living allowance. If the plan actuaries have certified in accordance with subsection (n) of this section that the amount of the excess earnings account which is available for payment of a cost of living allowance is insufficient to fund the full amount determined under subsection (l) of this section, each person eligible for an annual cost of living allowance under said subsection (l) shall be eligible for a cost of living allowance reduced proportionately to a percentage that is actuarially supported by the amount so certified, in lieu of the cost of living allowance provided under said subsection (l), provided no cost of living allowance shall exceed six per cent and provided further, if the total return earned by the trustees on the market value of the pension assets for the preceding fiscal year is less than eight and one-half per cent, any cost of living allowance granted shall not exceed one and one-half per cent.
(n) Excess earnings account. To administer cost of living allowances provided under subsections (l) and (m) of this section, there is established the excess earnings account which shall be a separate account established within the Teachers' Retirement Fund. For the calendar year commencing January 1, 1995, and each subsequent calendar year, the excess earnings account shall be credited by an amount equal to that portion of the total return earned by the trustees on the market value of the pension assets for the preceding fiscal year which is a total return in excess of eleven and one-half per cent. The excess earnings account shall be reduced each year by the actuarial value of any cost of living allowance awarded. On May first, annually, the plan actuaries shall determine how much of the excess earnings account balance is available for payment of a cost of living adjustment determined in accordance with the provisions of this section and shall certify their determination to the trustees of the Teachers' Retirement Fund. If the plan actuaries determine that there are no funds available in the excess earnings account for the payment of a cost of living allowance, no cost of living allowance shall be paid.
(o) Single increase in benefits on January 1, 1988. On January 1, 1988, each eligible retired member who had rendered at least twenty-five years of full-time service prior to normal retirement under the provisions of subsection (a) of section 10-183f, or such member's successor beneficiary, as defined in subsection (j) of this section, shall receive a single increase in retirement benefits provided under this chapter. Such increase shall be paid to such eligible members or successor beneficiaries whose monthly benefit as of December 31, 1987, before any reduction for an optional benefit payment plan, is less than eight hundred dollars, and shall be sufficient to increase such monthly benefit to eight hundred dollars.
(p) Single increase in benefits on January 1, 1991. On January 1, 1991, each eligible retired member who had rendered at least twenty-five years of full-time service at least twenty years of which were service in the public schools of Connecticut prior to early retirement before January 1, 1976, under the provisions of subsection (c) of section 10-183f, or such member's successor beneficiary, as defined in subsection (j) of this section, shall receive a single increase in retirement benefits provided under this chapter. Such increase shall be paid to such eligible members or successor beneficiaries whose monthly benefit as of December 31, 1990, before any reduction for an optional benefit payment plan, is less than eight hundred dollars, and shall be sufficient to increase such monthly benefit to eight hundred dollars.
(q) Single increase in benefits on January 1, 1999. On January 1, 1999, each eligible retired member who had rendered at least twenty-five years of full-time service, or such member's successor beneficiary, as defined in subsection (j) of this section, shall receive a single increase in benefits provided under this chapter. Such increase shall be sufficient to increase the monthly benefit of such eligible members or successor beneficiaries, whose monthly benefit as of December 31, 1998, before any actuarial reduction for early retirement or for an optional benefit payment plan, is less than twelve hundred dollars and shall be sufficient to increase such monthly benefit to twelve hundred dollars.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 6, 35; 78-228, S. 3, 8; P.A. 79-459, S. 2; 79-541, S. 5, 6; 79-625, S. 3, 6; P.A. 80-282; 80-303; 80- 408, S. 2; P.A. 81-290; P.A. 82-91, S. 5, 38; P.A. 84-451, S. 1; P.A. 87-381, S. 1; P.A. 89-207, S. 2; 89-342, S. 2, 5; P.A. 90-308, S. 1, 15; P.A. 92-205, S. 8, 12; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14, S. 1, 11; P.A. 94-159, S. 1, 2; P.A. 98-251, S. 2, 7; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1, S. 48, 51; P.A. 00-187, S. 67, 75.)
History: P.A. 78-228 amended Subsec. (j) raising cost of living allowance from three to five per cent, establishing basis of computation and allowing adjustments based on National Consumer Price Index; P.A. 79-459 amended Subsec. (g) to establish filing date of application as date postmarked when application sent by mail; P.A. 79-541 repealed Subsec. (e) re disability retirement; P.A. 79-625, in Subsec. (d), replaced method of computation of deferred vested retirement benefit, i.e. "in the same manner as the early retirement benefit", with complex formula; P.A. 80-282 deleted reference to repealed Subsec. (e) and included reference to Subsecs. (a) to (g) of Sec. 10-183aa in Subsecs. (f) to (i), inclusive; P.A. 80-303 amended Subsec. (a) to distinguish between full and part-time credited service; P.A. 80-408 amended Subsec. (c) to delete "wartime" with reference to military service; P.A. 81-290 made minor changes in wording of Subsec. (g); P.A. 82-91 added Subsec. (k) to provide a single increase in retirement benefits commencing January 1, 1983: Percentage increases range from twenty-five per cent for members retired on or before December 31, 1954, to two per cent for members retired on or after January 1, 1971, and before January 1, 1976; P.A. 84-451 amended Subsec. (j) to change consumer price index figures used on first day of January and July for cost of living allowance adjustments from "previous twelve-month period" to "twelve-month period ending on the last day of the preceding November or May"; P.A. 87-381 amended Subsecs. (b) and (d) to include substitute teaching service in computation of proratable and deferred vested retirement benefit; added provision in Subsec. (g) authorizing board to deem retirement application to have been filed up to three months earlier than actual filing date upon finding of filing delay caused by health reasons; repealed provisions in Subsec. (k) re single increase in benefits commencing January 1, 1983, and substituted provisions re increase in benefits commencing January 1, 1988; P.A. 89-207 amended Subsec. (a) to make amount of benefit subject to limits mandated by Sec. 415 of the Internal Revenue Code; P.A. 89-342 amended Subsec. (f) to limit use of accumulated one per cent contributions for lump sum payment to contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989; P.A. 90-308 added Subsec. (l) re single increase in benefits effective January 1, 1991; P.A. 92-205 amended Subsec. (j) to limit applicability of cost of living allowance provisions to members who retired prior to September 1, 1992, inserted new Subsecs. (k), (l), (m) and (n) re cost of living allowance for members retiring on or after September 1, 1992, and relettered existing Subsecs. (k) and (l) accordingly; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14 changed effective date of P.A. 92-205 but did not affect the date applicable to this section; P.A. 94-159 amended Subsecs. (l) and (m) to change basis for calculation of cost of living allowance from return earned on market value of pension assets for preceding "calendar" year to return earned for preceding "fiscal" year and amended Subsec. (n) to change basis for calculation of amount credited to excess earning account for calendar years commencing on and after January 1, 1995, from "calendar" to "fiscal" year, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 98-251 added new Subsec. (q) re single increase in benefits, effective June 8, 1998; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1 amended Subsec. (c) to require submittal of revisions to early retirement tables and actuarial certification, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 00-187 amended Subsec. (g) to add provision re finding that extenuating circumstances relating to the health of a member caused delay in the filing of an election under Subsec. (g) of Sec. 10-183aa, effective July 1, 2000.
See Sec. 1-2a re construing of references to "United States mail" or "postmark" to include references to any delivery service designated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to Section 7502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any successor to the code, as amended, and to any date recorded or marked as described in said Section 7502 by a designated delivery service and construing of "registered or certified mail" to include any equivalent designated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to said Section 7502.
See Secs. 10-183aa, 10-183bb re disability retirement.
Subsec. (j):
Cited. 211 C. 464, 466.

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The basic survivor's monthly benefit, subject to a family maximum of one thousand five hundred dollars, shall be (1) three hundred dollars each for a surviving spouse, plus twenty-five dollars for each year of service in excess of twelve years in the Connecticut public schools completed by the member, subject to a maximum monthly benefit of six hundred dollars, (2) three hundred dollars each for a dependent former spouse; for a dependent parent if there is no surviving spouse or dependent child; and for a legal guardian of any dependent child if there is no surviving spouse, dependent former spouse or dependent parent, and (3) three hundred dollars for each dependent child. In applying the family maximum, the benefit shall be first allocated to the child or children, with the excess allocated to the surviving spouse and any dependent former spouse in proportion to the amount each would receive according to the above formula. Payment of the benefit shall commence on the last day of the month following the month of the member's death. Such benefit shall continue through the month preceding the month in which the survivor dies or ceases to be eligible for such benefit. Such benefit to the legal guardian of dependent children shall continue until all such children are no longer dependent, as defined in section 10-183b. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, any such surviving spouse, dependent former spouse, dependent parent or legal guardian may waive the right to payment of the benefit under this subsection in order that a designated beneficiary who is the child of the deceased member may receive such member's accumulated contributions plus credited interest. Such waiver shall be made prior to the payment of the benefit to any such surviving spouse, dependent former spouse, dependent parent or legal guardian.
(b) Lump sum death benefits. If no coparticipant option under 10-183j has become effective, a lump sum death benefit shall be payable to the surviving spouse. Such benefit shall be one thousand dollars for five years or less of Connecticut public school service, plus two hundred dollars for each year of credited service in excess of five years, to a maximum of two thousand dollars. For purposes of this subsection, purchased military service and purchased leaves of absence under subdivisions (3) and (8) of subsection (b) of section 10-183e shall be deemed to be Connecticut public school service. If there is no surviving spouse, such benefit shall be equal to the member's burial expenses but not in excess of what would have been payable to a surviving spouse and shall be payable to the person who paid such expenses. No payment under this subsection shall be made unless application for the payment is filed with the board within two years of such member's death.
(c) Return of accumulated contributions to sole survivor. In lieu of such basic survivor's benefit and such lump sum benefit, a sole survivor who has attained age eighteen, and is the member's designated beneficiary may elect to receive an amount equal to such member's accumulated contributions together with credited interest. When a member has designated two or more beneficiaries, who have, at the time of such member's death, attained age eighteen, the one entitled to basic survivor's benefits, if any, shall be deemed the sole survivor within the meaning of this subsection, provided, that all other designated beneficiaries relinquish all claim to any amounts that may be due them from the system.
(d) Surviving spouse's benefit. On and after July 1, 1998, the surviving spouse may elect to receive a monthly benefit for life equal to the benefit payable if a one hundred per cent coparticipant's option had been elected or an amount equal to the member's accumulated contributions with credited interest. An election under this subsection may be made only in cases where (1) the spouse is such member's sole designated beneficiary or where all other designated beneficiaries relinquish all claim to any amounts that may be due them from the system and (2) such member at the time of death was eligible for a retirement benefit other than a disability benefit.
(e) Benefit payable when contributions exceed payments. If no coparticipant option has become effective and if the aggregate payments under this section are less than the accumulated mandatory contributions of a deceased member plus credited interest, there shall be paid to such member's designated beneficiary an amount equal to the difference between such aggregate payments and such accumulated mandatory contributions plus credited interest.
(f) Continuation of benefit upon remarriage. Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (B) of subdivision (22) of section 10-183b, benefits payable under this section to a surviving spouse shall not be terminated because of remarriage if such surviving spouse has attained the age of sixty.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 7, 35; P.A. 80-376, S. 2, 3; 80-408, S. 3; P.A. 81-281; P.A. 97-301, S. 9, 10; P.A. 98-251, S. 4, 5, 7.)
History: P.A. 80-376 amended Subsec. (d) to replace provision allowing election of monthly benefit when deceased was eligible for early retirement with provision allowing such election when deceased was eligible for any retirement benefit other than disability benefit and added Subsec. (f) re continuance of benefits upon remarriage of surviving spouse sixty or older; P.A. 80-408 amended Subsec. (b) to delete "wartime" with reference to military service; P.A. 81-281 extended benefit eligibility under Subsec. (a) to legal guardians of dependent children if there is no surviving spouse, dependent former spouse or dependent parent, such benefit to continue until all children are no longer dependent; P.A. 97- 301 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize waiver of benefit payment in certain circumstances, provided waiver is made prior to benefit payment, effective July 8, 1997; P.A. 98-251 amended Subsec. (a) to increase family maximum of basic survivor's monthly benefit from $600 to $1,500, to increase benefit for surviving spouse from $300 to $300 plus $25 for each year of service in excess of twelve years, subject to monthly maximum benefit of $600, to increase benefit for each dependent child from $200 to $300, to delete provision re allocation of $300 total in equal shares if more than one child is eligible, and to clarify that in applying family maximum, benefit shall be first allocated to child or children, with excess allocated to surviving spouse and any dependent former spouse "in proportion to the amount each would receive according to the above formula", effective June 8, 1998, and applicable to any person receiving benefits from the system on said date, and amended Subsec. (d) to allow, on and after July 1, 1998, surviving spouse to elect monthly benefit payable if a one hundred per cent, rather than one-half, coparticipant's option had been elected, effective June 8, 1998, and applicable to surviving spouse of a member who dies on or after August 15, 1997.

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A member may make voluntary contributions to the system and may, no more than once, withdraw such voluntary contributions from the system under rules of the board. Such contributions shall earn credited interest. Upon retirement such member shall elect to receive the accumulated contributions plus credited interest either in a lump sum or in the form of an actuarially equivalent annuity for life. Such lump sum or annuity shall be paid or commenced to be paid when the first payment of such member's other retirement benefit is made. If such member dies before the effective date of his or her retirement, the accumulated contributions plus credited interest shall be paid to such member's designated beneficiary.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 8, 35; P.A. 79-428.)
History: P.A. 79-428 permitted one-time-only withdrawal of voluntary contributions.

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(a) In lieu of a normal, early, proratable or deferred vested benefit, a member may elect either of the options described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) A period certain option may be elected in which the member receives an actuarially reduced benefit for a fixed period of time selected by such member and for the remainder of such member's life. Such member may select a fixed period of twenty- five years or such shorter period as the board may offer. If such member dies before receiving the benefit for the selected period, such benefit shall be paid to the member's designated beneficiary for the remainder of such period.
(c) A coparticipant's option may be elected in which the member receives an actuarially reduced benefit as provided in subsection (d) of this section and upon such member's death, one-third, one-half, two-thirds, three-fourths or all of such amount is paid to such member's designated beneficiary for life. With respect to any benefits which become effective on or after January 1, 2001, if twenty-five per cent of the aggregate benefits paid to the member or such member's designated beneficiary are, upon the death of such member or such designated beneficiary, less than such member's accumulated contributions plus credited interest, the estate of such member or such designated beneficiary, as appropriate, shall be paid a lump sum amount equal to the difference between such aggregate benefits paid and such accumulated contributions plus credited interest.
(d) The benefits payable to such member and such coparticipant shall be computed as follows:
(1) The benefit payable to such member at retirement and to such coparticipant upon such member's death shall be the actuarial equivalent of the normal, early, proratable or disability benefit for which such member is eligible and based upon such member's age at retirement and the age of such coparticipant on such retirement date.
(2) The benefit payable to such coparticipant of such member who dies after such option first becomes effective but before retirement shall be the actuarial equivalent of the normal, early or proratable benefit for which such member was eligible based on such member's age at death and the age of such coparticipant on such date of death.
(3) The benefit payable to a member whose designated coparticipant dies or is divorced from the member after the effective date of the option but before the retirement or death of such member shall be the normal, early, proratable or disability benefit for which the member is eligible. A coparticipant option shall be terminated, for any member whose designated coparticipant dies or is divorced from the member after the member's retirement, on the date of such death or divorce. Such member shall thereupon be paid the normal, early, proratable or disability benefit for which the member is eligible.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 9, 35; P.A. 82-229, S. 1, 2; 82-401, S. 2, 5; P.A. 83-315, S. 1, 2; 83-449, S. 2, 5; P.A. 98-251, S. 3, 7; P.A. 00-187, S. 64, 75.)
History: P.A. 82-229 amended Subsec. (d) to provide that in the event of the death of a designated coparticipant or the divorce of a designated coparticipant from the member prior to retirement or death of member, but after effective date of option, no reduction in member's benefit will be made, and to provide that coparticipant's death or divorce from member, after member's retirement, terminates option without penalty to member; P.A. 82-401 amended Subsec. (d) to provide for computation of benefit based on eligibility and age of member and coparticipant at the date of the member's retirement or death and not the date on which the option becomes effective; P.A. 83-315 amended Subsec. (c) to change the effective date of the option from three years to one year after the filing of such election or evidence of good health is submitted; P.A. 83-449 amended Subsec. (a) to repeal provision that in lieu of a "disability" benefit, a member may elect either of options in Subsecs. (b) and (c); P.A. 98-251 amended Subsec. (c) to delete provisions that (1) only member's spouse, dependent parent, brother or sister may be designated as coparticipant, (2) option shall not become effective until one year after filing of such election or evidence of good health is submitted, (3) if member dies or member's application for retirement becomes effective before effective date of option, such option will not become effective and (4) if member dies after effective date of such election, but before retirement, option will be effective only if member at time of his death fulfilled age and service requirements for normal, early or proratable benefits, effective June 8, 1998; P.A. 00-187 amended Subsec. (c) to add provision concerning lump sum payments, effective July 1, 2000.

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(a) A member who terminates prior to retirement shall be entitled to have refunded his or her accumulated voluntary contributions with credited interest.
(b) A member who terminates with less than five years' credited service shall be entitled to have refunded his or her accumulated five per cent contributions with credited interest. A member who terminates with more than five years of credited service shall be entitled to have refunded his or her accumulated five per cent contributions with credited interest and his or her accumulated one per cent contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989.
(c) A member who terminates with more than ten years' credited service in the public schools of Connecticut but prior to retirement may elect to receive in lieu of the benefits provided by this chapter a refund of his or her accumulated mandatory contributions with credited interest as provided in subsection (b) of this section. If such member elects a refund, all credited service shall be cancelled and any rights to benefits provided by this chapter shall be extinguished, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. If such member does not elect a refund, but dies before age sixty or before receiving the deferred vested benefit, if later, such member's accumulated voluntary contributions, accumulated five per cent contributions and accumulated one per cent contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989, together with credited interest shall be paid to such member's designated beneficiary.
(d) A member who receives a refund and returns to service shall be regarded as a new member unless such member repays the amount refunded, other than voluntary contributions and the interest thereon, together with credited interest compounded from the date interest was last credited to such member's account to the date of repayment. The credited service accumulated before termination and any unrefunded one per cent contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989, and credited interest shall be restored to a member who makes such repayment. Restored contributions and interest shall be credited with credited interest for the period between the last day for which interest was credited on such contributions and such member's return to service.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 10, 35; P.A. 79-625, S. 4, 6; P.A. 80-384; P.A. 89-342, S. 3, 5.)
History: P.A. 79-625 amended Subsec. (d) to replace "termination" day with "the last day for which interest was credited on such contributions"; P.A. 80-384 amended Subsec. (d) to require that repaid interest be amount of credited interest compounded from date interest was last credited rather than five per cent interest compounded from refund date to December 31, 1977, and credited interest thereafter; P.A. 89-342 amended Subsecs. (b), (c) and (d) to limit provisions re refund, payment or restoration of one per cent contributions to contributions withheld prior to July 1, 1989.

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(a) On and after July 1, 1991, the management of the system shall continue to be vested in the Teachers' Retirement Board, which shall consist of twelve members including the Commissioner of Social Services and the Commissioner of Education, or their designees, who shall be members of the board, ex officio. On or before June 15, 1985, and quadrennially thereafter, the members of such system shall elect from their number, in a manner prescribed by said board, two persons to serve as members of said board for terms of four years beginning July first following such election. Both of such persons shall be active teachers who shall be nominated by the members of the system who are not retired and elected by all the members of the system. On or before July 1, 1991, and quadrennially thereafter, the members of such system shall elect from their number, in a manner prescribed by said board, three persons to serve as members of said board for terms of four years beginning July first following such election. Two of such persons shall be retired teachers who shall be nominated by the retired members of the system and elected by all the members of the system and one shall be an active teacher who shall be nominated by the members of the system who are not retired and elected by all the members of the system. If a vacancy occurs in the positions filled by the members of said system who are not retired, said board shall elect a member of the system who is not retired to fill the unexpired portion of the term. If a vacancy occurs in the positions filled by the retired members of said system, said board shall elect a retired member of the system to fill the unexpired portion of the term. The Governor shall appoint five public members to said board in accordance with the provisions of section 4-9a. The members of the board shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for any expenditures or loss of salary or wages which they incur through service on the board. All decisions of the board shall require the approval of six members of the board or a majority of the members who are present, whichever is greater.
(b) In carrying out its duties, the board may employ a secretary and such clerical and other assistance as may be necessary. Their salaries shall be paid by said board with the approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. Said board shall employ the services of one or more actuaries, each of which shall be an individual or firm having on its staff a fellow of the Society of Actuaries, to carry out the actuarial duties of this section and sections 10-183b, 10-183r, and 10-183z and for such related purposes as the board deems advisable. The cost of such services shall be charged to the funds provided for in section 10-183r. Said board shall arrange for such actuary to prepare an actuarial valuation of the assets and liabilities of the system as of June 30, 1980, and at least once every two years thereafter. On the basis of reasonable actuarial assumptions approved by the board, such actuary shall determine the normal cost required to meet the actuarial cost of current service and the unfunded accrued liability. Commencing December 1, 2002, such valuation shall be completed prior to December first biennially. Said board shall adopt all needed actuarial tables and may adopt regulations and rules not inconsistent with this chapter, including regulations and rules for payment of purchased service credits and repayment of previously withdrawn accumulated contributions. Said board shall establish such funds as are necessary for the management of the system. The board may enter into such contractual agreements, in accordance with established procedures, as may be necessary for the discharge of its duties.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 11, 35; 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 79-436, S. 4, 6; P.A. 80-478, S. 2, 3; P.A. 83-533, S. 43, 54; P.A. 84- 207, S. 1, 2; 84-255, S. 9, 21; P.A. 87-296, S. 1, 2; P.A. 91-188, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-146, S. 2, 3; 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 97- 301, S. 3, 10; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-1, S. 41, 54; P.A. 02-89, S. 14.)
History: P.A. 78-303 allowed substitution of banking commissioner for bank commissioner and commissioner of education for secretary of the state board of education in Subsec. (a) to fulfill intent of P.A. 77-614 which changed names above and made insurance and banking departments divisions within the department of business regulation, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-436 amended Subsec. (b) to include provisions for employment and duties of actuaries; P.A. 80- 478 amended Subsec. (a) to increase number of members from five to nine, including four public members; P.A. 83- 533 restructured board, substituting commissioner on aging for banking commissioner and increasing number of teacher representatives from one to three and reducing public members from four to three; P.A. 84-207 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize appointment of designees by commissioner members, required board to fill vacancy in position filled by member of the system who is "not retired" or "retired" by electing a member who is "not retired" or "retired", respectively, inserted new Subsec. (b) re membership and terms of board on and after July 1, 1985, relettering former Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (c) and added new Subsec. (d) validating membership and actions of board, notwithstanding failure of board to elect members in accordance with Subsec. (a); P.A. 84-255 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision that commissioner of education may appoint a designee to serve on the board; P.A. 87-296 deleted provision in Subsecs. (a) and (b) that claims for reimbursement of board members shall be subject to approval of secretary of office of policy and management; P.A. 91- 188 increased membership of board from eleven to twelve, effective July 1, 1991, required that additional member be a retired teacher, and increased number of members required for approval of a decision of the board from five to six; P.A. 93-146 amended Subsec. (b) to remove the insurance commissioner from the teacher's retirement board and to increase the number of public members from four to five, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department on aging, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 97-301 amended Subsec. (c) to authorize board to enter into contractual agreements necessary for discharge of its duties, effective September 1, 1997; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-1 amended Subsec. (c) to require, commencing December 1, 2002, the valuation to be completed prior to December first biennially, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 02-89 deleted as obsolete former Subsec. (a) re the membership of the board, redesignated existing Subsecs. (b) and (c) as Subsecs. (a) and (b) and deleted as obsolete former Subsec. (d) re the continuation in office of certain members and the validation of certain actions of the board.
Cited. 211 C. 464, 465.

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(a) All funds of the system shall be in the custody of the State Treasurer who shall invest such portions of the same not required for current disbursements in accordance with the statutes governing the investment of savings bank funds or, when deemed prudent, in accordance with the statutes governing the investment of trust funds.
(b) When needed by the system and as authorized by statute, the State Treasurer shall accept and hold general obligation bonds of the state. Such bonds shall have maturities fixed with due regard for the needs of the system and shall bear interest at a rate equal to the average rate of return, to the nearest one-eighth of one per cent, on investments of funds of the system for the two fiscal years preceding the date of issue. Said Treasurer may hold such bonds to maturity or may at any time prior to maturity sell such bonds or a portion thereof, whether in the original form, rate of interest and denominations or in such other form, rate of interest and denominations as said treasurer may approve. The net proceeds from such sales shall be used for the purpose of paying benefits provided for in this chapter.
(c) On order of the board, the State Treasurer shall transfer such amounts in favor of said board as are necessary to pay all benefits provided for in this chapter.
(d) Upon certification by the board, the Comptroller shall draw an order on the Treasurer monthly for such amount as is necessary to pay benefits authorized under this chapter from sums appropriated for that purpose.
(e) Not later than the third Wednesday in July of each year, the State Treasurer shall file with the Insurance Commissioner and with the secretary of the board a sworn statement exhibiting the condition of the funds of the system on the thirtieth day of the preceding June and their financial transactions for the year ending on such date. Such statements shall be in the form prescribed by said board.
(f) The board shall submit to the Governor, as provided in section 4-60, a detailed statement of the membership, retirements, withdrawals, investments, incomes and expenditures of the system. The statement shall be printed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 12, 35; 78-228, S. 6, 8; P.A. 91-52, S. 1, 2.)
History: P.A. 78-228 made technical changes; P.A. 91-52 amended Subsec. (c) to allow the treasurer to transfer amounts through means other than the drawing of checks.

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(a) Each employer shall: (1) Before employing a teacher notify such teacher of the provisions of this chapter applicable to such teacher; (2) distribute, post or otherwise disseminate in a timely manner, to teachers in its employ, any notices, bulletins, newsletters, annual statements of account and other information supplied by the board for the purpose of properly notifying teachers of their rights and obligations under the system; (3) furnish to the board at times designated by said board such reports and information as the board deems necessary or desirable for the proper administration of the system; and (4) deduct each month seven per cent of one-tenth of such teacher's annual salary rate as directed by said board and any additional voluntary deductions as authorized by such teacher, except that no deductions shall be made from any amounts received by regularly employed teachers for special teaching assignments rendered for the State Board of Education or the Board of Governors of Higher Education unless the salary for such special teaching assignment is equal to or greater than the minimum salary paid for such teacher's regular teaching assignment.
(b) Each local treasurer or other person having custody of amounts deducted under this chapter by an employer shall transmit and report such amounts to the board so that they are received by said board no later than the fifth business day of the following month. On and after July 1, 2001, all such amounts shall be transmitted via electronic transfer of funds. Such amounts shall at all times be the property of the system and while in the custody of such local treasurer or other person such person is a fiduciary with respect to such amounts and shall discharge his responsibilities solely for the benefit of the system. Said board shall be entitled to receive from an employer interest at the rate of nine per cent per year from the due date on all amounts deducted by such employer and not received by said board by the fifth business day of the following month. Interest at the rate of nine per cent per year shall be compounded annually on the interest assessed from the date payment is received to the date the interest assessment is paid. Such interest shall be treated as an amount earned by assets of the system.
(c) All amounts received by the board under this section shall be forwarded to the State Treasurer.
(d) Each member shall file with the board an enrollment and such other forms, documents and information as the board deems necessary or desirable for the proper administration of the system.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 13, 35; P.A. 82-218, S. 37, 46; P.A. 83-462, S. 1, 2; P.A. 84-241, S. 2, 5; P.A. 92-205, S. 2, 12; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14, S. 1, 11; P.A. 00-187, S. 65, 75.)
History: P.A. 82-218 replaced board of higher education with board of governors pursuant to reorganization of higher education system, effective March 1, 1983; P.A. 83-462 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that each employer shall distribute to teachers any notice, bulletins, etc. supplied by the board for purpose of notifying teachers of rights and obligations under the system and amended Subsec. (b) to provide that amounts deducted by employer are the property of the system and person in custody of such amounts is a fiduciary and shall discharge his responsibilities solely for the benefit of the system; P.A. 84-241 added "of higher education" to board of governors' title; P.A. 92-205 amended Subsec. (a) to increase monthly deduction from six per cent of one-tenth of annual salary rate to seven per cent of one-tenth of annual salary rate; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-14 changed effective date of P.A. 92-205, S. 2 from June 10, 1992, to July 1, 1992; P.A. 00-187 amended Subsec. (b) to provide for the reporting of deducted amounts, to change the time frame for the receipt of the funds by the board from the last business day of the month to the fifth business day of the following month, to require the electronic transfer of funds on and after July 1, 2001, to change the time frame for determining if the board is entitled to interest on overdue payments from payments not received within one calendar month of the due date to payments not received by the fifth business day of the following month, and to provide for interest at a rate of nine per cent per year to be compounded annually on the interest assessed from the date payment is received to the date the interest assessment is paid, effective July 1, 2000.
Cited. 136 C. 184. Cited. 210 C. 531, 547.

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During any period when this country is at war, a board of education may cause to be paid to the retirement board the mandatory contributions of members who were in its employ at the time of entering into the armed forces as defined by section 27-103. Such contributions as may be approved by the board of education shall be included in the annual itemized budget estimate of the costs of maintenance of public schools for the ensuing year.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 14, 35.)

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Sec. 10-183p. Transfers between state employees retirement system, teachers' retirement system and alternate retirement program. (a) Any member of either the state employees retirement system or the teachers' retirement system, if eligible to belong to the other or in accordance with the provisions of subsection (h) of section 5-160 or section 5-192e, may transfer from the one to which such member belongs to the other or prior to the first of the month following three months after June 28, 1985, to an alternate retirement program, as defined in subsection (u) of section 5-154, when authorized to do so, in the case of a transfer between said systems or a transfer from the teachers' retirement system to an alternate retirement program, by the concurrent action of the State Employees Retirement Commission and the Teachers' Retirement Board. No person shall be eligible to membership in more than one such system or program at the same time, provided nothing contained herein shall affect the rights of any person who, on June 18, 1953, was a member of both systems. Any member of the teachers' retirement system who elects or has elected to participate in an alternate retirement program shall receive a refund of all contributions made by him into said system in lieu of any benefits under said system. Any former state employee who was, during such employee's period of employment, eligible to belong to either the state employees retirement system or the teachers' retirement system and who withdrew from the state employees retirement system after July 1, 1940, to become a member of the teachers' retirement system may be credited in the teachers' retirement system with such member's period of state service upon making application in writing to the secretary of the Teachers' Retirement Board and paying contributions for such period of service with credited interest from the date such service was rendered.
(b) No person who has creditable service as a member of the state employees retirement system and who transfers, on or after May 6, 1975, to the teachers' retirement system shall be entitled to benefits from the teachers' retirement system until such person has been a member of and contributed to said system for a period of one year. If such transferee dies or becomes disabled before completion of that one year, such transfer shall be deemed to be cancelled and such person shall be deemed to be a member of the state employees retirement system.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 15, 35; P.A. 83-533, S. 44, 54; P.A. 84-544, S. 6, 8; P.A. 85-510, S. 30, 35.)
History: P.A. 83-533 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re death or disability of transferee; P.A. 84-544 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize a transfer from state employees' or teachers' retirement system to an alternate retirement prior to October 1, 1984, and to add provision re refund of contributions in lieu of benefits to member of teachers' retirement system who participates in an alternate retirement program; P.A. 85-510 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize transfers between the state employees and the teachers' retirement systems "in accordance with the provisions of subsection (h) of section 5-160 or section 5-192e", and to extend deadline for transfers from either system to an alternate retirement program from October 1, 1984, to the first of the month following three months after June 28, 1985.
See Sec. 5-192d re administration of retirement funds for teachers at E.O. Smith School.
Any intention of general assembly to avoid payment of double pensions has not been implemented by affirmative legislation. 136 C. 177.
Teachers are not entitled to retirement benefits from both state teachers' and state employees' retirement systems. 16 CS 196.

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The portion of each member's compensation deducted or to be deducted under this chapter and all rights of each member and of each survivor to receive benefits or other payments under this chapter shall be exempt from the operation of any laws relating to bankruptcy or insolvency; and shall not be subject to garnishment, attachment, execution, levy or any other similar legal process of any court. No assignment of any right of a member or any other person to receive benefits or other payments from the system shall be valid. The funds of the system invested in personal property shall be exempt from taxation.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 16, 35; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-3, S. 95, 168.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-3 removed exemption from taxation, effective August 22, 1991, and applicable to taxable years of taxpayers commencing on or after January 1, 1991.

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The system shall be funded as follows:
(1) All expenses of the administration of the system, exclusive of payment of benefits, shall be paid for out of amounts appropriated by the General Assembly on certifications and recommendations submitted by the board.
(2) The cost of all benefits payable from the system shall be paid out of the retirement fund which shall consist of contributions paid by members, appropriations by the General Assembly based upon certifications and recommendations submitted by the board, the proceeds of bonds held by the system under section 10-183m and earnings of the system.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 17, 35; P.A. 79-436, S. 2, 6.)
History: P.A. 79-436 substituted "certifications" and "recommendations" for "estimates".
Basis for ascertainment of payments into annuity fund is amount teacher is entitled to receive from employer. 116 C. 505.

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Any municipality exempted from the provisions of this chapter shall be reimbursed in July of each year for retirement benefits paid by the municipality to a teacher retired by the municipality. The employer of the retired teacher shall certify under oath to the board the amount of the retirement benefit. The amount of the reimbursement shall be determined by the board.
(P.A. 78-208, S. 18, 35.)

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Sec. 10-183t. Health insurance: Plans maintained by Teachers' Retirement Board and boards of education; state payment of premiums on behalf of members; use of one per cent voluntary contributions. (a) The board shall offer one or more health benefit plans to any member receiving retirement benefits or a disability allowance from the system, to the spouse or surviving spouse of such member, and to a disabled dependent of such member if there is no spouse or surviving spouse, provided such member, spouse or surviving spouse, or disabled dependent is eligible for Medicare Part A hospital insurance. The board may offer one or more basic plans, the cost of which to any such member, to the spouse or surviving spouse of such member and to a disabled dependent of such member if there is no spouse or surviving spouse, shall be twenty-five per cent of the basic plan's premium equivalent, and one or more optional plans, provided such member, spouse, surviving spouse or disabled dependent shall pay twenty-five per cent of the basic plan's premium equivalent plus the difference in cost between any such basic plans and any such optional plans. The board shall designate those plans which are basic and those plans which are optional for the purpose of determining such cost and the amount to be charged or withheld from benefit payments for such plans. The surviving spouse of a member, or a disabled dependent of a member if there is no surviving spouse, shall not be ineligible for participation in any such plan solely because such surviving spouse or such disabled dependent is not receiving benefits from the system. With respect to any person participating in any such plan, the state shall appropriate to the board twenty-five per cent of the cost of such basic plan or plans, or twenty-five per cent of the cost of the rate in effect during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, whichever is greater.
(b) Any member who is receiving retirement benefits or a disability allowance from the system, the spouse or surviving spouse of such member, or a disabled dependent of such member if there is no spouse or surviving spouse, and who is not participating in Medicare Part A hospital insurance, may fully participate in any or all group health insurance plans maintained for active teachers by such member's last employing board of education, or by the state in the case of a member who was employed by the state, upon payment to such board of education or to the state, as applicable, by such member, spouse or surviving spouse, or disabled dependent, of the premium charged for his form of coverage. Such premium shall be no greater than that charged for the same form of coverage for active teachers. The surviving spouse or disabled dependent shall not be ineligible for participation in any such plan solely because such surviving spouse or disabled dependent is not receiving benefits from the system. No person shall be ineligible for participation in such plans for failure to enroll in such plans at the time the member's retirement benefit or disability allowance became effective. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to impair or alter the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement relating to the payment by a board of education of group health insurance premiums on behalf of any member receiving benefits from the system. Prior to the cancellation of coverage for any member, spouse or surviving spouse for failure to pay the required premiums or cost due, the board of education or the state, if applicable, shall notify the Teachers' Retirement Board of its intention to cancel such coverage at least thirty days prior to the date of cancellation. Absent any contractual provisions to the contrary, the payments made pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be first applied to any cost borne by the member, spouse or surviving spouse participating in any such plan. As used in this subsection, "last employing board of education" means the board of education with which such member filed his initial application for retirement, and "health insurance plans" means hospital, medical, major medical, dental, prescription drug or auditory benefit plans that are available to active teachers.
(c) On and after July 1, 2000, the board shall pay a subsidy equal to the subsidy paid in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, to the board of education or to the state, if applicable, on behalf of any member who is receiving retirement benefits or a disability allowance from the system, or the spouse surviving spouse of such member, or a disabled dependent of such member if there is no spouse or surviving spouse, who is participating in a health insurance plan maintained by a board of education or by the state, if applicable. Such payment shall not exceed the actual cost of such insurance. With respect to any person participating in any such plan pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the state shall appropriate to the board twenty-five per cent of the cost of the subsidy. No payment to a board of education pursuant to this subsection may be used to reduce the amount of any premium payment on behalf of any such member, spouse or surviving spouse, or disabled dependent, made by such board pursuant to any agreement in effect on July 1, 1990.
(d) The Treasurer shall establish a separate retired teachers' health insurance premium account within the Teachers' Retirement Fund. Commencing July 1, 1989, and annually thereafter all one per cent