STATEHOUSE – Legislation co-authored by state Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City) and Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) providing a 13th check to retired public employees is one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure.
According to Abbott, the legislation would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gaps. Retired public employees like teachers, state excise police, gaming agents, gaming control officers, conservation officers and state police officers who are a part of Indiana’s public pension program would receive a 13th check, according to a news release from the Indiana House Republicans.
"Dedicated Hoosiers who have served Indiana deserve this additional post-retirement payment, especially during times of high inflation," Abbott said. "It's critical to use our available resources to help provide some financial relief for our retirees."
Payments would be based on an employee's number of years vested in their retirement plan. Snow, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, said the state would use existing, dedicated funds to make one-time payments to retirees, which would average about $360 per recipient.
"We know the costs of everyday goods and services has gone up, and it's putting a strain on household budgets," Snow said. "For our public retirees, this 13th check can help provide some much-needed relief and I'm hopeful we can pass this bill into law this year."
As of early 2024, there are nearly 100,000 retired public employees who would qualify for a 13th check under this legislation.
House Bill 1004 now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration. Learn more about the bill and track it through the legislative process at iga.in.gov.