Bridge Benefit

If a member has reached age 55 and they are retiring before age 60 or before reaching Rule of 80, they may be entitled to a bridge benefit to offset the early retirement reduction.*

The bridge benefit is the difference between the 1/4 of 1% (0.25%) early retirement reduction and ⅛ of 1% (0.125%) of the monthly pension amount for each month the basic pension benefit is received before the earlier of age 60 or the Rule of 80 date. The bridge benefit is payable monthly to age 65. If the member dies before age 65, the remaining payments are paid to the member’s beneficiary.

*If you are under age 60 when you retire and you have not yet reached Rule of 80, an early retirement reduction will apply to your pension.

Effective January 1, 2020

Members who retire with an actuarially reduced pension are not eligible for a bridge benefit.

New members who begin employment after December 31, 2019 are not eligible for the bridge benefit.