Bill > A08655

This bill increases special accidental death benefits for state and local retirement system members by adjusting the percentage of the deceased member's salary that is paid to surviving beneficiaries, such as widows, widowers, or children under specific age conditions. Starting July 1, 2025, the bill raises the percentage used to calculate these benefits for deaths occurring in various calendar years from 1977 through 2024. For example, for a member who died in 1977, the benefit percentage increases from 301.2% to 313.2% of the member's salary, with similar incremental increases for subsequent years. The special accidental death benefit is typically paid to a deceased member's spouse, or if no spouse is living, to children under 18 (or under 23 if a student), and in some cases to the member's parents. The bill applies to members of state and local retirement systems, including police, fire, and other municipal employees, and is designed to provide additional financial support to the families of members who died due to accidents sustained while performing their job duties.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8655