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Surviving Spouse Coverage
If a judge dies before retirement, the surviving spouse is entitled to monthly survivor benefits. The benefit is equal to 60 percent of the retirement benefit the judge earned as of the date of death, or is equal to 25 percent of a judge's high-five average salary, whichever is higher. The spouse can receive the 100% option if death occurs after age 60 with 5 years of Accumulated Service Credit. Dependent Child Survivor Coverage If the judge has no spouse, but had a dependent child under age 22, the survivor benefit is payable to the dependent child until reaching age 22 as long as the child is a full-time student. If the judge has more than one dependent child, the benefits are divided among those dependents eligible for benefits. If the children are not old enough to handle their own financial affairs, benefits would be made on behalf of the child to a guardian. |
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