Retiree News

Retiree Seminar Information (pdf download)

Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) as of December 31, 2009 was released on Friday, January 15, 2010.  The CPI-W for December was 211.703.  Compared to December 2008, which was 204.813, it represents a 3.364% increase (3.4% rounded). 

Based on current statute, this means eligible SCRS and PORS retirees should receive the guaranteed 2% COLA July 1, 2010.

Retiree BBQ -- To Be Announced

For many years, SCSEA has also established an exceptional record on behalf of STATE RETIREES! The Association was actually organized in the early 1940's by state employees who wanted to establish a State Retirement System. Their lobbying effort was successful with the establishment of the Retirement System in 1945 and since that time SCSEA has worked very hard for its retired Association members.

Working very closely with leaders of the State Retirement System and legislators, SCSEA has helped acquire many NEW and IMPROVED benefits for STATE RETIREES, too:

State Retiree Advancements

1980    An additional 2% along with the regular 4% cost-of-living increase. State began full payment of retiree health insurance premiums for retiree-only coverage, rather than partial payment. Retirees can earn up to $5,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1981    An additional 2% "Bonus" along with the regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $5,500 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1982    Regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Following retirement, retirees receive first cost-of-living increase after a year, rather than a two-year wait. Retirees can earn up to $6,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1983    An additional 1% "Bonus" along with the regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $6,500 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1984    An additional 2% "Bonus" along with the regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Dental insurance benefits effective February 15, 1985 for retirees and their dependents with state paying retiree-only premium. Retirees can earn up to $7,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1985    An additional 1 % "Bonus" along with the regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Up to $3,000 life insurance benefit for retirees paid for by the state. Retirees can earn up to $7,500 before state retirement benefits are affected.        

1986    Regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $8,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1987    Regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $8,500 before state retirement benefits are affected. 

1988    An additional 10% increase along with the regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $9,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.              

1989    Regular 4% cost-of-living increase. An additional 7% increase to off-set requirement that retirees pay state income taxes on state retirement benefits because of United States Supreme Court decision. Retirees can earn up to $9,500 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1990    Regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $10,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1991    Regular 4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $10,500 before state retirement benefits are affected. State pays increased premiums for health insurance coverage with no increase to retirees.

1992    Regular 4% cost-of-living increase. State pays increased premiums for health insurance coverage with no increase to retirees.   

1993    2.9% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $11,500 before state retirement benefits are affected. State pays increased premiums for health insurance coverage with no increase to retirees.

1994    2.5% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $12,000 before state retirement benefits are affected. State pays increased premiums for health insurance coverage with no increase to retirees.

1995    2.7% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $12,500 before state retirement benefits are affected. State pays increased premiums for health insurance coverage with no increase to retirees.

1996    2.5% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $13,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.  State pays increased premiums for health and dental insurance coverage with no increase to retirees.

1997    4.0% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $15,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1998    1.5% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $15,500 before state retirement benefits are affected.

1999    1.6% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $25,000 before state retirement benefits are affected.

2000    2.7% cost-of-living increase. Doubling of retirees' life insurance benefit to $2,000 for 10-19 years, $4,000 for 20-24 years and $6,000 for 25 or more years of creditable service. Beneficiaries now receive the full retirement allowance for the month in which a retiree dies.

2001    3.4% cost-of-living increase. Retirees can earn up to $50,000 before State Retirement benefits are affected.

2002    1.3% cost-of-living increase. Police Officers Retirement System now has no earnings limitation.

2003    2.4% cost-of-living increase.

2004    1.6% cost-of-living increase.

2005       3.4% cost-of-living increase.  Guaranteed 1% COLA provision.  No earnings limitation.

2006       3.5% cost-of-living increase.

2007       2.4% cost-of-living increase.

2008       2% cost-of-living increase. Guaranteed 2% COLA Provision.

2009       No COLA because CPI December 31, 2008 was below 1%

2009 Outstanding State Retiree Sadie Kirkland Wannamaker