Washington HB1312 ensures state retirement benefits are paid until the end of the month in which the retiree or beneficiary dies.

Washington HB1312 modifies the state's retirement benefit payment practices. Currently, the Department of Retirement Systems stops paying benefits the exact day a retiree or beneficiary dies. This bill changes that by requiring the department to continue paying benefits until the end of the month in which the death occurs. This change applies to all benefit payments, including optional annuities, and will begin on January 1, 2026. The bill also ensures that any benefits paid after the month of death must still be refunded.

Washington HB1312 ensures state retirement benefits are paid until the end of the month in which the retiree or beneficiary dies.

Washington HB1312 modifies the state's retirement benefit payment practices. Currently, the Department of Retirement Systems stops paying benefits the exact day a retiree or beneficiary dies. This bill changes that by requiring the department to continue paying benefits until the end of the month in which the death occurs. This change applies to all benefit payments, including optional annuities, and will begin on January 1, 2026. The bill also ensures that any benefits paid after the month of death must still be refunded.