Alternative Minimum Benefit

The 2011 legislative session was a difficult one for retirees. However, there was one positive development hidden in the glum news. WSSRA was able to negotiate a raise in the Alternative Minimum Benefit for Plan 1 retirees.

The Alternative Minimum Benefit is a base pension for TRS 1 and PERS 1 retirees who have at least 20 years of state service. To qualify for the minimum benefit a retiree must have either 20 years of service and have been retired 25 years, or have 25 years of service and have been retired for 20 years. The 2011 legislation increased the minimum benefit from $1,275.00 to $1,545.00 per month. Due to the change, an additional 1,649 retirees qualified for the Alternative Minimum Benefit and received an increased pensions.