Tier 4 Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) Overview

What is the COLA for 2008? 3%
Is there a maximum COLA per year? Yes: 3%
When is your COLA applied to your monthly benefit?

Your benefit is adjusted on July 1 of each year to reflect the change in the cost of living published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not to exceed 3%.

When you become a pensioner, the first year’s COLA is prorated and based on the number of completed months you have been on the pension roll.

Are you eligible for a discretionary COLA? Once every three years, the City Council may grant a discretionary COLA. The discretionary COLA cannot exceed one-half the difference between the CPI and the actual increase granted during the preceding three years.
When is a COLA applied to a qualified survivor’s monthly benefit? Your qualified survivor will continue to receive COLAs, according to the provisions of your plan, on July 1 each year.

For more information, please refer to the Tier 4 Pension Plan Summary Plan Description (SPD).