(A) These benefits apply to all County and Utility employees not covered under the Police or Fire Pension plans:
(1) Social Security - Provides benefits for death, disability and retirement. For a full description of this benefit, please contact the local Social Security Office.
(2) Medicare - Provides limited health insurance coverage to retired employees and those who are disabled. For a full description of this benefit, please contact Medicare.
(3) Worker Compensation - Injuries or illnesses incurred on the job are compensable under provisions of State law. This includes payment of medical expenses resulting from such an injury or illness and limited liability for death, dismemberment and disability. These benefits are provided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Insurance Department for additional information.
(4) Unemployment Insurance - This benefit provides compensation to full-time employees in accordance with State laws in cases of involuntary termination based on a lack of work or other good cause. Please check with the Indiana Employment Security Office regarding this benefit.
(5) Public Employment Fund (PERF)
(a) PERF is available to all full time employees except those who are part of an emergency service, part-time employees, and seasonal employees or in a fee paid position with the County. All full time employees are required to participate upon employment. The County contributes the employee's share (equal to 3% of the employee's pay) as well as the employer's share of PERF. A new employee may not waive participation in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF). If the employee leaves the employment of the County and is not qualified for retirement, he/she may apply for a cash refund of a portion of all monies contributed plus interest accumulated.
(b) Eligibility for a PERF pensions depends on the years of service and age:
1. Full Benefit:
a. Age 65 with 10 year of service
b. Age 60 with 15 years of service
c. Rule of 85 - Have at least 10 years of service, be at least age 55 and have a combination of age and years of service that totals 85.
2. Partial (or reduced) Benefit: Age 50 - 59 with at least 15 years of service
(c) State law governs eligibility for PERF retirement benefits and all rules and regulations regarding PERF are established and modified by the State of Indiana. An employee interested in additional information regarding his/her PERF benefits should contact the County Auditor's Office.
(B) Benefit at Retirement
(1) The amount of benefits at retirement is affected by such factors as:
(a) Service credit,
(b) Military service,
(c) Prior service,
(d) Leave of absence,
(e) Membership service,
(f) Average salary, and
(g) Age of retirement.
(2) A retiring employee should contact the Public Employees retirement Fund at least six (6) months prior to retirement and the Insurance Department and the Auditor's Office six (6) weeks prior to his/her retirement date to assure a smooth transition.