State Public Pensions in South Dakota

State Public Pensions in South Dakota: key facts

System

South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS), covering participating state and local government and school employees.

Retiree death — surviving spouse

A lifetime surviving spouse benefit equal to 60% of the benefit the member was receiving is payable to a qualifying spouse, with annual cost-of-living adjustments.

Spouse eligibility

The spouse must have been married to the member before the retirement date, at the time of death, and for at least 12 months before death.

Remaining contributions

If both the member and spouse die before the member's accumulated contributions are paid out, the named beneficiary or the estate receives the remaining balance.

Frequently asked questions