Connecticut General Statutes Title 10. Education and Culture § 10-183j. Benefit options.  Period certain.  Coparticipant's option.  Retention of option after divorce

(a) In lieu of a normal, early, proratable or deferred vested benefit, a member may elect either of the options described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(b) A period certain option may be elected in which the member receives an actuarially reduced benefit for a fixed period of time selected by such member and for the remainder of such member's life.  Such member may select a fixed period of twenty-five years or such shorter period as the board may offer.  If such member dies before receiving the benefit for the selected period, such benefit shall be paid to the member's designated beneficiary for the remainder of such period.

(c) A coparticipant's option may be elected in which the member receives an actuarially reduced benefit as provided in subsection (d) of this section and upon such member's death, one-third, one-half, two-thirds, three-fourths or all of such amount is paid to such member's designated beneficiary for life.  With respect to any benefits which become effective on or after January 1, 2001, if twenty-five per cent of the aggregate benefits paid to the member or such member's designated beneficiary are, upon the death of such member or such designated beneficiary, less than such member's accumulated contributions plus credited interest, the estate of such member or such designated beneficiary, as appropriate, shall be paid a lump sum amount equal to the difference between such aggregate benefits paid and such accumulated contributions plus credited interest.

(d) The benefits payable to such member and such coparticipant shall be computed as follows: