Laserfiche WebLink
5 of 58.1.23 <br />60 EMPIRE DRIVE, SUITE 200, ST. PAUL, MN 55103-2088 1.800.652.9026 | 651.296.7460 | mnpera.org <br />STATEWIDE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER (SVF) PLAN <br />SURVIVOR BENEFITS <br />SVF Plan members do not specify their survivor beneficiaries. Instead, the succession of SVF Plan survivor beneficiaries is set in <br />state statute. PERA pays the applicable SVF Plan survivor benefit to the surviving spouse of the deceased volunteer firefighter. If <br />no spouse exists, PERA pays the benefit to the volunteer firefighter’s minor children. If no spouse or minor children exist, the de- <br />ceased volunteer firefighter’s estate receives the benefits. The survivor benefit amount is equal to the retirement benefit that would <br />have been payable to the firefighter at age 50 based on their service credit earned as of the date of death. <br />APPLY FOR AN SVF PLAN RETIREMENT BENEFIT OR SURVIVOR BENEFIT <br />For instructions on how to apply for a SVF Plan benefit, see the guidance provided in Apply for a Retirement Benefit or Survivor <br />Benefit. <br />SVF PLAN MONTHLY BENEFIT DIVISION <br />The SVF Plan is designed to pay a lump-sum retirement benefit, rather than to pay annuities on a monthly basis. However, PERA <br />can administer the pension for fire departments that currently pay monthly benefits to their volunteer firefighters. Eligibility for <br />monthly benefits is based on the fire department’s pension plan document. The application for monthly benefits is available from <br />the department’s fire chief rather than PERA. Firefighters work directly with the department’s fire chief to apply for monthly <br />benefits. <br />DISABILITY BENEFITS <br />The SVF Plan does not currently provide disability benefits.