SB 89 Summary

• Establishes a monthly interim benefit paid by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to Alaska residents whose federal retirement payments were reduced in April 2009 because Alaska Territorial Guard service was not recognized as active federal military service.

• Interim benefit amount equals the specific reduction amount in the individual's federal retirement payment from January 2009 to April 2009 due to the service classification issue.

• Eligibility requires submission of an application and information to the department as needed to verify eligibility and calculate the benefit amount.

• Interim benefit payments continue monthly until the federal government recognizes Alaska Territorial Guard service as active duty and adjusts the individual's federal retirement payment accordingly; individuals receiving both payments must reimburse the state for duplicate months.

• Section 1 of the Act is retroactive to April 1, 2009, but the interim benefit provision expires February 28, 2010; the Act takes effect immediately.