Page 256

House Bill No. 5506

Public Act No. 22-118 256 of 739

hundred dollars each for a surviving spouse, plus twenty-five dollars for each year of service in excess of twelve years in the [Connecticut] public schools of Connecticut completed by the member, subject to a maximum monthly benefit of six hundred dollars, (2) three hundred dollars each for a dependent former spouse; for a dependent parent if there is no surviving spouse or dependent child; and for a legal guardian of any dependent child if there is no surviving spouse, dependent former spouse or dependent parent, and (3) three hundred dollars for each dependent child. In applying the family maximum, the benefit shall be first allocated to the child or children, with the excess allocated to the surviving spouse and any dependent former spouse in proportion to the amount each would receive according to the above formula. Payment of the benefit shall commence on the last day of the month following the month of the member's death. Such benefit shall continue through the month preceding the month in which the survivor dies or ceases to be eligible for such benefit. Such benefit to the legal guardian of dependent children shall continue until all such children are no longer dependent, as defined in section 10-183b. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, any such surviving spouse, dependent former spouse, dependent parent or legal guardian may waive the right to payment of the benefit under this subsection in order that a designated beneficiary who is the child of the deceased member may receive such member's accumulated contributions plus credited interest. Such waiver shall be made prior to the payment of the benefit to any such surviving spouse, dependent former spouse, dependent parent or legal guardian. (b) [If no coparticipant option under 10-183j has become effective, a] A lump sum death benefit shall be payable to [the] a surviving spouse. Such benefit shall be one thousand dollars for five years or less of [Connecticut public school] service in the public schools of Connecticut, plus two hundred dollars for each year of credited service in the public schools of Connecticut in excess of five years, to a maximum of two