PURPOSE: This rule clarifies when a member’s benefits will begin.

1. (1) A member must complete an application for benefits at least thirty (30), but not more than ninety (90), days prior to the date of retirement. The benefit will begin on the first of the month coincident with or following the date of termination specified by the member.
2. (2) Once a member has submitted an application, if supporting documentation has been requested but has not been obtained by the benefit start date and the application has not been completely processed, the member will not receive the first benefit payment until the additional documentation has been received and the application has been completely processed. The payments will, however, be retroactive to the benefit start date based on the date of the application.
3. (3) If the member does not submit an application at least thirty (30) days prior to termination, the payments will not be retroactive to the termination date. If a member has not submitted an application upon retirement or termination, the benefit will start the first of the month following a thirty (30)-day period from the date of the application.
4. (4) In the case of special consultants who do not return buyback invoices or requested supporting documentation, the benefit will begin on the first of the month following payment of the initial fifty percent (50%) buyback amount.

AUTHORITY: section 50.1032, RSMo Supp. 1996.* Original rule filed July 29, 1997, effective Jan. 30, 1998. *Original authority 1995.