Effective July 1, 2008, members who retired after Dec. 31, 1999 will receive a 2 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA). Members who retired before Jan. 1, 2000 will receive a 2.5 percent COLA. Members and beneficiaries may assign a benefit payment to pay insurance premiums to a PERF-approved association with at least 20 percent of PERF's retired members.

Effective July 1, 2008, 13th check payments will be mailed to members prior to Dec. 1, 2008 if they have retired or become disabled before Jan. 1, 2008 and are entitled to receive a benefit on Nov. 1, 2008. The amount of a member's 13th check is based on his/her years of service.

<     Those with at least five years but less than 10 (disabilitants) = $50

<     Those with at least 10 years but less than 20 = $100

<     Those with at least 20 years but less than 30 = $175

<     Those with at least 30 years = $225