Prior to the effective date of retirement, but not after that date, a member may elect to receive retirement income payments in the normal form, or the actuarial equivalent of the normal form from the following options:
(a) Option A -- Contingent joint and survivor annuity. -- A life annuity payable during the joint lifetime of the member and his or her beneficiary who must be a natural person with an insurable interest in the member's life. On the death of the member, the benefit shall continue as a life annuity to the beneficiary in an amount equal to fifty percent, sixty-six and two-thirds percent, seventy-five percent or one hundred percent of the amount paid while both were living, as elected by the member. If the beneficiary dies first, the monthly amount of benefits may not be reduced, but shall be paid at the amount that was in effect before the death of the beneficiary. If the retiring member is married, the spouse shall sign a waiver of benefit rights if the beneficiary is to be other than the spouse.
(b) Option B -- Ten years certain and life annuity. -- A life annuity payable during the member's lifetime but in any event for a minimum of ten years. If the member dies before the expiration of ten years, the remaining payments shall be made to a designated beneficiary, if any, or otherwise to the member's estate.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 8. Municipal Corporations
Article 22A. West Virginia Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System
§8-22A-7. Creation of Fund; Investments; Actuarial Valuations
§8-22A-8. Members' Contributions; Employer Contributions
§8-22A-8a. Correction of Errors; Underpayments; Overpayments
§8-22A-9. Retirement; Commencement of Benefits; Insurance Requirements During Early Period
§8-22A-10. Federal Law Maximum Benefit Limitations
§8-22A-11. Federal Law Minimum Required Distributions
§8-22A-13. Rollovers and Transfers to Repay Withdrawn Contributions
§8-22A-14. Retirement Benefits
§8-22A-17. Awards and Benefits for Disability Duty Related; Exception During Early Period
§8-22A-18. Awards and Benefits for Disability Due to Other Causes; Exception During Early Period
§8-22A-19. Same -- Physical Examinations; Recertification; Termination of Disability
§8-22A-22. Additional Death Benefits and Scholarships - Dependent Children
§8-22A-24. Double Death Benefits Prohibited
§8-22A-26. Fraud; Penalties; and Repayment
§8-22A-27. Credit Toward Retirement for Member's Military Service; Qualified Military Service
§8-22A-30. Limitation of Employer Liability
§8-22A-31. Benefits Not Forfeited if System Terminates
§8-22A-32. Membership Retroactive in Certain Circumstances
§8-22A-33. Special Authorization for Municipal Police or Firefighters Hired After July 1, 2015