PERSI's option factors were in its rules (rule 544) until July 1, 2024, when that rule was removed. We use those last published tables. They reproduce PERSI's sample estimate below to the cent, but PERSI may use different factors now. Ask PERSI for your own estimate before you choose.
- At retirement you choose how you are paid: the Regular allowance (the most per month, for your life only), Option 1 (a smaller amount; your contingent annuitant gets 100% for life after you die) or Option 2 (your contingent annuitant gets 50%).Member Handbook (2019), p. 27; Retirement Options brochure (01/14), pp. 3-4
- Option 3 pays more from PERSI until your Social Security full retirement age and less after, for your life only. Options 4a and 4b combine this with a 100% or 50% contingent annuitant benefit. PERSI needs a Social Security estimate to calculate them.Member Handbook (2019), pp. 26-27 and PDF page 29
- If your contingent annuitant dies before you, your benefit pops up to the Regular amount (or the Option 3 amount for Options 4a and 4b), if your last contribution was on or after July 1, 1992.Member Handbook (2019), p. 27 and PDF page 29; Retirement Options brochure p. 7
- Your choice is final except within 5 days of your first payment, or after a marriage (you have 1 year to file, then a 90-day wait). If you are married, your spouse must consent in writing to your choice, witnessed by a notary.Member Handbook (2019), p. 26 (notarized consent); Member Handbook (2019), PDF page 29 (changes)
- The option factors depend on your age and the contingent annuitant's age. For example, for retirements since July 1, 2011, if you are both the same age, Option 1 pays 86.3% and Option 2 pays 93.2% of the Regular amount.Member Handbook (2019), p. 28 (Amended 2-1-2011); PERSI's former rule 544 Table C
PERSI's sample estimate, to the cent
Born May 5, 1972, starting June 1, 2027, with a Regular allowance of $1,350.46. The contingent annuitant (CA) was born January 1972, 4 months older, which counts as the same age. Social Security estimate: $1,500 a month at full retirement age (67). Member Handbook (2019), p. 29, sample retirement estimate (form RS120)
| Option | You get | CA gets | PERSI shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular retirement allowanceno factor | $1,350.46 | — | $1,350.46 |
| Option 1: 100% contingent annuitantfactor 0.863Check with PERSI | $1,165.45 | $1,165.45 | $1,165.45 |
| Option 2: 50% contingent annuitantfactor 0.932Check with PERSI | $1,258.63 | $629.32 | $1,258.63 |
| Option 3: Social Security adjustmentfactor 0.384Check with PERSI | $1,926.46then $426.46 | — | $1,926.46then $426.46 |
| Option 4a: Social Security adjustment with 100% CAfactor 0.384Check with PERSI | $1,741.45then $241.45 | $1,741.45then $241.45 | $1,741.45then $241.45 |
| Option 4b: Social Security adjustment with 50% CAfactor 0.384Check with PERSI | $1,834.63then $334.63 | $917.32then $167.32 | $1,834.63then $334.63 |
"Then" amounts start after you reach Social Security full retirement age. Options 3, 4a and 4b add $1,500 × 0.384 = $576.00 a month until then (12 years to go), and take $1,500 off after. PERSI's former rule 544 Table B, pages 1-3, Admin. Bulletin Vol. 23-11; method on HB p. 29 (sample estimate) and Retirement Options brochure p. 7
The handbook p. 29 prints 22.10% for the post-SSFRA share; 426.46/1926.46 = 22.14%.
Member Handbook (2019), p. 29Option 1 and 2 factors
For retirements on or after July 1, 2011: the share of the Regular amount you get, by the age gap between you and your contingent annuitant, rounded to the nearest year. PERSI's former rule 544 Table C, page 3 (retiring on or after July 1, 2011), Admin. Bulletin Vol. 23-11; same table on HB p. 28 ('Amended 2-1-2011')
| You are | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 15 years or more older | 0.729 | 0.851 |
| 10 years older | 0.764 | 0.876 |
| 5 years older | 0.799 | 0.902 |
| 3 years older | 0.818 | 0.914 |
| 1 year older | 0.848 | 0.926 |
| Same age | 0.863 | 0.932 |
| 1 year younger | 0.875 | 0.938 |
| 3 years younger | 0.895 | 0.949 |
| 5 years younger | 0.909 | 0.959 |
| 10 years younger | 0.944 | 0.972 |
| 15 years or more younger | 0.954 | 0.982 |
More than 15 years older: take .01 off both factors for each extra year. PERSI's former rule 544 Table C, page 3 (retiring on or after July 1, 2011), Admin. Bulletin Vol. 23-11; same table on HB p. 28 ('Amended 2-1-2011')
Docket 59-0101-2301 deleted rule 544 (Tables A, B and C) effective July 1, 2024, and the current IDAPA rules print no factors, yet HB says factors are set by rule. The engine uses the deleted tables; PERSI may now use different factors.
We use the factor tables from PERSI's former rule 544, which reproduce PERSI's own sample estimates. Every option amount and early cut on this site carries this label.
What would settle it: A current PERSI factor table or a 2025-2026 RS120 estimate from PERSI.
Two examples fit rounding to the nearest year (4 months to 0, 9 months to 1); a 6-month difference is not covered.
We round the age gap between you and your contingent annuitant to the nearest whole year (6 months rounds up).
What would settle it: PERSI's method or an estimate with a 6-month age difference.
Two older examples
PERSI's options brochure shows an estimate run in May 2011 for a June 2013 start: a Regular allowance of $1,000 (rounded), Option 1 $835 and Option 2 $915, from the factors in force before July 2011. Option 3 was $1,805 until full retirement age and $507 after; our engine gives the same. Retirement Options brochure (01/14) p. 7, estimate dated May 21, 2011
The brochure's sample estimate (run May 21, 2011, for a June 1, 2013 retirement) uses the pre-July 2011 Table C factors (.835/.915). Under the July 1, 2011 table a member 1 year younger than the CA gets .875/.938. The brochure is an illustration only; current estimates use current factors.
Retirement Options brochure (01/14) p. 7; PERSI's former rule 544 Table CThe handbook's comparison chart (member 55, annuitant 54, Social Security $1,200) shows Option 1 at $800 and Option 2 at $894 on a $1,000 Regular allowance, and Option 3 at $1,541 then $341. Member Handbook (2019), p. 30, comparison of options (member 55, CA 54, Social Security $1,200, Regular $1,000)
The handbook p. 30's illustration ($800/$894 for a 1-year-older member) uses the pre-July 2011 factors, while the handbook p. 28 prints the 2011 table (.848/.926).
Member Handbook (2019), pp. 28, 30; PERSI's former rule 544 Table CPop-up, changes and consent
If your CA dies first, your benefit pops up to the Regular amount (Options 1 and 2) or the Option 3 amount (Options 4a and 4b). Member Handbook (2019), p. 27 and PDF page 29
A choice can be changed only within the 5-day period beginning when you receive your first payment, or after a marriage (file within 1 year of the marriage; 90-day wait). Otherwise it is irrevocable. Member Handbook (2019), PDF page 29
If you are married, your spouse must consent in writing to your option selection, witnessed by a notary. Member Handbook (2019), p. 26; Retirement Options brochure p. 2
See your own options in the calculator (add your annuitant's birth date and a Social Security estimate under More details). For what happens at death, see Death and survivor benefits.
Questions
What are PERSI's payment options?
The Regular allowance (for your life only), Option 1 (100% to your contingent annuitant), Option 2 (50%), Option 3 (more until your Social Security full retirement age, less after) and Options 4a and 4b (Option 3 with a 100% or 50% annuitant benefit).
How much less does Option 1 pay?
It depends on both ages. For retirements since July 1, 2011, if you and your annuitant are the same age, Option 1 pays 86.3% of the Regular amount and Option 2 pays 93.2%. Check with PERSI: the factor tables were removed from PERSI's rules in 2024.
Source: PERSI Member Handbook, Handbook revision July 2019, pp. 26-27, 27-30. Also: Retirement Options brochure (01/14); Idaho Administrative Bulletin, Nov. 1, 2023 (former rule 544); Idaho Code § 59-1351 (as PERSI quotes it). Last reviewed .