FAQs

Can I apply for a loan against my account balance?
No. The retirement plan does not have loan provisions.

How can I receive the funds on deposit with the retirement system?
An employee must terminate service with his/her employer before he/she is eligible to apply for a refund of member contributions.

How long will it take to receive a refund if I have terminated employment?
A former member may request a refund by completing the Refund Request Form found in the Forms section of the DARS website. Refunds cannot be processed until at least 60 days after termination of service.

How can I change my address?
In order to change a member’s address, the DARS office must receive the request in writing. The change may be done by letter or by completing a Change of Address Form. This form is available from the DARS office in Baton Rouge, or by downloading a copy available from this website. (Click Here) Such changes cannot be handled via the telephone.

How can I change my beneficiary?
In order to change a member’s beneficiary, the DARS office must receive the request in writing. The change may be done by letter or by completing a Change of Beneficiary Form. This form is available from the DARS office in Baton Rouge, or by downloading a copy available from this website. (Click Here) Such changes cannot be handled via the telephone.

What are the eligibility requirements for normal retirement?
Minimum Age    Service                                                   Benefits
Any Age            30 or more years                                     Full Benefits
55                    At least 24 years but less than 30 years     Full Benefits
60                    At least 10 years but less than 24 years     Full Benefits

Is my retirement account subject to community property laws?
All benefits accrued under this retirement system are subject to Louisiana’s community property laws. We suggest that a member seeking a divorce should address the division of these retirement benefits in a property settlement issued by a court of law.

When are retirement benefits paid each month?
For those retirees who receive a check, checks are mailed on the last business day of the month. For those retirees who receive payments by electronic deposit, funds are deposited to your bank account on the first business day of each month.

When can a replacement check be issued?
The retirement system must allow the U.S. Postal Service ten business days to deliver retirement checks. If a retiree has not received his/her check, he/she can contact our office by phone. We will then verify the mailing address that we have on record and will provide the date that replacement checks will be issued that month. The retiree will be instructed to contact our office if he/she has not received his/her check on the replacement date. Once a check is considered lost, our office will place a stop payment and reissue a replacement check.

Why do I have to provide a copy of a voided check or deposit slip with my request for electronic deposit?
In order to set up electronic deposit for a retiree, it is necessary to have the depository’s routing number which identifies the institution. A voided check or deposit slip will contain this information, as well as the retiree’s account number, which is clearly imprinted. Having the correct routing number and account number is critical for the proper delivery of electronic payments.

Why is a power of attorney needed if someone other than a spouse is listed on my checking or savings account?
Our system requires that a power of attorney be executed for retirees who have someone other than a spouse listed on their checking or savings account. This document will serve to protect the system in the event that a retiree dies and payments are owed to the system. The authorized individual on the retiree’s account acknowledges in the power of attorney that he will be required to return any overpayment of funds to the retirement system at the time of a retiree’s death. Our office can provide the document that must be executed by the retiree and the individual listed on the account in the presence of a notary.

How can I change my address?
In order to change a member’s address, the DARS office must receive the request in writing. The change may be done by letter or by completing a Change of Address Form. This form is available from the DARS office in Baton Rouge, or by downloading a copy available from this website. (Click Here) Such changes cannot be handled via the telephone.

After retirement, can I be rehired by a district attorney in the state?
Should any member, who has retired from this system, be re-employed as an employee by any district attorney in the state, his retirement benefit will be suspended during this period of employment and he will not be paid any benefits for the period covered by this employment. He will, upon reemployment, become an active contributing member of the system, with the option of establishing service credit for any period of full-time employment as district attorney or assistant district attorney since returning to employment following retirement. He will do so by paying into the system the employer and employee amount plus interest that would have been withheld and paid into the system for that period based upon his total salary for such period. He will accrue a supplemental retirement benefit based on his service rendered after reemployment. If the member continues employment after retirement for less than thirty-six months, his supplemental monthly retirement benefit will equal the benefit accrued under R.S. 11:1632 or R.S. 11:1633, whichever is applicable, based on the lesser of his average final compensation at his original retirement date or his average compensation during the period of reemployment. If the member continues in employment after retirement for a period of thirty-six months or more, his supplemental monthly retirement benefit will equal the benefit accrued under R.S. 11:1632 or R.S. 11:1633, whichever is applicable, based on his average final compensation during his period of reemployment. Upon retirement, his benefit will be equal to the benefits he was receiving immediately prior to reemployment plus the supplemental benefit earned during his reemployment.

If any district attorney or assistant district attorney has retired in accordance with R.S. 11:1633(A)(1)(b) or (c) and is reemployed by any district attorney in this state and paid a salary of less than the annual salary provided for in R.S. 16:11(A)(1), his benefit shall not be suspended, and he shall not be considered a member, nor shall he earn additional credit or be required to pay contributions.