FROM: Barbara Hannah, Chief Counsel
SUBJECT: Benefits Policy No. 029 (Standard for Determining the Eligibility of a Continuance for a Survivor Benefit)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve and adopt updates to Benefits Policy No. 029 (Standard for Determining the Eligibility of a Continuance for a Survivor Benefit).
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BACKGROUND:
General Policy No. 005 requires periodic review of SBCERA Board policies and indicates that such review shall be conducted every three years.
Accordingly, SBCERA staff completed its review of Benefits Policy No. 029, which was last approved by the Board on July 2, 2026 with no changes. However, since then, staff has reviewed the certification process for full-time students and surviving spouses caring for one or more surviving children, and determined that a specified timeframe to return the certification to SBCERA is needed.
This policy revision specifies the timeframe to complete and return the certification for full-time student and/or surviving spouses caring for one or more surviving children, is 60 days from the date of SBCERA’s request for certification.
These updates improve clarity, consistency, and operational usability while maintaining the overall intent of the policy.
COMMITTEE REVIEW:
This item was reviewed by the Administrative Committee at its August 20, 2026, meeting. Committee member Rowe requested a revision to the proposed policy as to the timeframe within which to return the certification to SBCERA. After discussion, the Committee requested that the proposed 45-day deadline be revised to 60 days from the date of SBCERA’s request for certification. The additional 15 days are intended to ensure that the surviving spouse and/or full-time student has sufficient time to provide the required certification to SBCERA before the deadline, thereby avoiding suspension or cancellation of the benefit.
The Administrative Committee recommends the Board approve the proposed policy as revised with a 4-0 vote. E...
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