When you retire, you will choose one of several Benefit Options, which ultimately
will determine the amount of your retirement benefit, and who you may designate
as your beneficiary. Each option is outlined carefully below; for more detailed
information, click the Retirement Plan booklet.
Survivor benefit paid to beneficiary (upon death of retired member)
Upon the member’s death, an eligible spouse/registered domestic partner will receive a lifetime 60% continuance
(60% of the Unmodified Benefit) each month.
If there is no eligible spouse/partner, the 60% continuance is paid to eligible
minor child/children.
If there is no surviving spouse/partner or eligible minor child/children, the designated
beneficiary will receive a refund of any remaining SDCERA member contributions,
plus interest.
Beneficiary eligibility requirements
An eligible spouse/partner is someone to whom the member was married for at least one year
prior to the date of retirement OR
At least two years prior to the date of the member’s death and the
person is at least 55 years of age on the member’s date of death.
An eligible minor child is any child unmarried and under the age of 18, or unmarried
and under the age of 22 if enrolled full-time in an accredited college.
Survivor benefit paid to beneficiary (upon death of retired member)
A one-time, lump sum death benefit in the amount of $3,500 is payable to the beneficiary
you name. This benefit is available if your last active service was with the County
of San Diego.
Beneficiary eligibility requirements
N/A
* Insurable Interest
An insurable interest is defined in California Insurance Code Section 10110.1(a)
as follows: An insurable interest, with reference to life and disability insurance,
is an interest based upon a reasonable expectation of pecuniary advantage through
the continued life, health, or bodily safety of another person and consequent loss
by reason of that person’s death or disability or a substantial interest engendered
by love and affection in the case of individuals closely related by blood or law.