Additional Retiree Benefits
Granted After Retirement
Several improved benefits for retirees were listed in the article June 18, 2004. The following is a list of several additional benefits achieved through co-operative efforts to achieve more equity among retiree groups. Some were prompted by changes in laws and at least one – Corbett - by legal action after a similar benefit was achieved though legal action in other jurisdictions. Again, co-operation, and to some extent, availability of funding, achieved these benefits.
In 1976 the minimum pension for General Members who retired prior to July 1, 1971 with twenty years of service was set at $150 per month.
In 1986 those who retired after October 5, 1980 were granted city-paid health insurance. Some had received this benefit starting in January 1982 and some in 1985, so those who retired between those dates gained a new benefit.
While some retirees were granted a change in the Cost of Living Adjustment from 1 ˝% to 2% in 1986, others did not receive that increase until 1992.
Special Safety (fluctuators) widows had their pension increased from $150/month to $350/month in 1992.
The Remarriage Penalty for Special Death Benefit was removed in 1997.
In 2000 the SuppCOLA – 75% purchasing power – benefit was granted to those who retired on disability with less than ten years of service. These retirees do not receive the Annual Supplemental Benefit, (13th check) which was a requirement to receive the SuppCOLA in 1997.
Also in 2000 the Health Insurance benefit for those retirees living outside the San Diego area was improved to allow reimbursement for Health Insurance up to the PPO level. Previously they were limited to the HMO level.
In 2001 the Health Insurance reimbursement for non-health eligible retirees – pre ‘80’s – was increased from $600 to $1200 per year.
The elected position of City Attorney was added to the Legislative Officer group in 2001 and the category was renamed “Elected Officer Retirement Plan”. Their retirement allowance was raised from 5% of the first $500 of their final monthly compensation plus 3% of the final monthly compensation in excess of $500 per month to 3.5% of their final monthly compensation. This improvement was extended to all former Legislative members.
Again, let us keep the spirit of co-operation. Funds very likely will be limited for improvements in the near future. Working together has paid off!!
Accuracy of the above is not guaranteed, and is based on information presented to the Pension Reform Commission.
The opinions expressed are those of the author and may or may not be those of CSDREA or RITF.
Robert P. West, member of Retiree Issues Task Force. August 23, 2004.