Optional benefits

An individual deemed eligible for a disability benefit may elect, as provided in this section, to receive one of the following optional benefits in lieu of the regular disability benefit. 1. One hundred percent joint and survivor benefit. A member shall receive an actuarially reduced disability retirement benefit as long as the member remains eligible for benefits under subdivision d of subsection 3 of North Dakota Century Code section 39-03.1-11 and after the member's death the same amount will be continued to the member's surviving spouse during the spouse's lifetime. The designated beneficiary is limited to the member's spouse. Payments of benefits to a member's surviving spouse must be made on the first day of each month commencing on the first day of the month following the member's death, provided the beneficiary supplies a marriage certificate and death certificate and is still living. Benefits must terminate in the month in which the death of the beneficiary occurs. If the designated beneficiary predeceases the member or, in the event of divorce, the member's benefit must be returned to the normal retirement amount. Payment of the normal retirement amount must commence on the first day of the month following the spouse's death if written notification of death, provided a death certificate has been submitted or, in the event of divorce, a photocopy of the divorce decree. 2. Twenty-year or ten-year certain option. A member may receive the actuarial equivalent of the member's normal, early, or deferred vested retirement pension payable for life with a twenty-year or ten-year certain feature, as designated by the member.