Retiree FAQ's - Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration

Montana Public Employee Retiree Questions and Answers

How do I have my benefit directly deposited into my bank account?
How do I change my address if I move?
I did not receive my check? What do I do?
I am changing my bank account and I have direct deposit. What do I need to do?
I have direct deposit, how do I know when my benefit amount changes?
How do I change the amount of taxes withheld from my retirement benefit?
Can I have my insurance withheld from my monthly benefit?
I am a retiree and had selected Option #2. My spouse recently passed away. What steps do I need to take? Can I select someone new to receive my benefits when I pass away?
I am the relative of a retiree who passed away. What do I do?
I am recently retired when do I receive my GABA?
When will I receive my 1099R tax form?

How do I have my benefit directly deposited into my bank account?

Direct deposit of your benefit is definitely the way to go! The money is in your account on the last working day of the month. Without direct deposit, your benefit is mailed on the last working day of the month and may take a few days to get to you. If you wish to sign up for direct deposit, you must complete the Direct Deposit Agreement form. Direct deposit forms must be received prior to the 15th of the month to ensure that month's benefit is electronically transferred to the proper financial institution.

How do I change my address if I move?

MPERA must be notified of all address changes in writing. You can complete the Change of Address form for Retirees and return it to MPERA. Or you can send us a letter with the following information: your old address; your new address; the date the change goes into effect and your written signature. Address changes must be received prior to the 15th of the month for that month's benefit. Even if you have your benefit electronically deposited, MPERA will still need your updated mailing address for informational materials (IE your annual 1099R tax form, MPERA newsletters, benefit change statements).

I did not receive my check? What do I do?

Benefit checks are mailed on the last working day of the month. MPERA must allow the post office time to deliver the check in the case of routing errors. If you still have not received your check by the 10th of the following month, contact MPERA and we will have a duplicate check issued. To avoid delays sign-up for direct deposit.

I am changing my bank account and I have direct deposit. What do I need to do?

If you wish to change your direct deposit to a new bank, you will need to complete our Direct Deposit Agreement form. Direct deposit changes must be input by the 15th of the month.

A suggestion: Do not close your old account until you see your deposit in your new account. If you close your old account and we don't receive notification until the 25th of a month, it is too late to change the deposit for the month's check and it will go to a closed account. If you wait until the deposit changes have been made, it saves time and frustration for you. If you are moving, remember to change your informational mailing address with MPERA so that you will continue to receive your tax forms, statements of benefit amount changes and other important information.

I have direct deposit, how do I know when my benefit amount changes?

When your benefit amount changes due to GABA or withholding changes (taxes or insurance), you will receive a change of benefit notice. This "notice" is sent shortly before your benefit is electronically deposited in your bank account or mailed out if you do not have direct deposit. The benefit statement will be mailed to your address on file at MPERA, so please notify us in writing whenever your mailing address changes.

How do I change the amount of taxes withheld from my retirement benefit?

Anytime you wish to change the amount of taxes withheld from your benefit, you will need to complete the Tax Withholding Certificate. Please complete and sign the form before returning it to this office. If we receive the notification prior to the 15th of the month, it will be effective on your next benefit. After the change has been input, you will receive a change of benefit notice with the detail of your benefit amount.

Can I have my insurance withheld from my monthly benefit?

A retired public employee may be eligible to continue coverage in a public employer's group health insurance plan. The monthly insurance premium may be withheld from the retiree's monthly retirement benefit.

The Public Employees' Retirement Administration (MPERA) does not monitor any insurance plan but offers a withholding service. Retirees must address all questions concerning coverage to the former employer, including the authorization for withholding.

Both the former employer and the retiree must complete the Authorization for Deduction of Health Insurance Premiums form. The former employer must forward the authorization to MPERA before the 15th of each month. (Example: November premiums -- the application must be in the MPERA office prior to October 15.)

I am a retiree and had selected Option #2. My spouse recently passed away. What steps do I need to take? Can I select someone new to receive my benefits when I pass away?

You will need to send us a copy of the death certificate. If you retired before October 1, 1999 and selected Option #2 or #3, we can calculate the difference in your benefit amount to add a new contingent annuitant. You need to provide the name and birth date of the individual you anticipate selecting as a new contingent annuitant. We will calculate the change to your benefit and notify you for approval. If you do not wish to make this change, we will help you to nominate a beneficiary to receive any final payments from your account.

If you retired after October 1, 1999, and selected Option #2 or #3, your monthly benefit can revert to an Option #1 amount. Contact our office if you want a new calculation. You will be able to select a new beneficiary to receive any final payment forthcoming upon your death. You cannot select a new contingent annuitant to receive on going benefits under Option #1.

I am the relative of a retiree who passed away. What do I do?

Please notify our office immediately so that we can stop the benefit or make the proper changes. The benefit may continue based on the option the member chose upon retirement. We will require a copy of the death certificate (and you may need to return the last benefit payment). If the benefit stops upon the retiree's death, a pro-rated final payment will be issued to the beneficiary or estate based on the number of days the retiree lived during the retiree's last month.

I am recently retired when do I receive my GABA?

The guaranteed annual benefit adjustment (GABA) will appear on your January benefit after you have been retired for 1 year (for example: you must have been retired prior to January 2000 in order to have received the GABA in January 2001). You will receive a benefit statement detailing the breakdown of your benefit whenever your net benefit amount changes.

When will I receive my 1099R tax form?

The 1099R tax forms are mailed at the end of January for any retiree who was receiving a benefit in December of the prior year. If a retiree passed away during the calendar year, the beneficiary received a 1099R tax form as soon as the account was closed during the year. The 1099R tax forms are mailed to the informational mailing address we have on file. If you have direct deposit, you will need to remember to keep your informational address up to date so that you will continue to receive your tax form and other important information.